Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-12-06

raised for other sources. so there is no
pressing need of reduction here. Should
1t, however, be deemed expedient to re-
duce the rate of duties on either of these
articles, to obviate inducement to
fraud or to render such duties as
Gore equal, objection is not so strongly
urged against moderate modification as
against total repeal of all taxes thereon.
propositions have recently been made TO
abolish the whole system of internal rev.
enue, but neither public sentiment nor
pohtlcal action indicates a desire on the
part OF taX-paying citizens to strike out
this class Of taxes. All other subjects of
internal revenue may be released from
taxation, unless bank circulation be re-
tanned. 1t is franchise privilege to fur
nlsh that, and it is of profit to the banks
and of expense to the government. and
hence it Is preferable subject of taxation
The revenues from customs for the cur
rent year are estimated at $235, 600. 0OO
and under the existing laws and without
disturbing cause now unforeseen, we
may expect that they will not diminish in
future years, 1t seems. therefore, that a
reduction should be made in the revenue
from customs. The whole amount of the
revenue from customs for the fiscal wear
ended June 30, 1882 has already been
stated at something more than $220,-
0OO,0O0 The class of merchandise paving
the largest amount of duties from customs
are the following, in the order named:
sugar and mOlasses, wool and manufac-
lures from 1t, iron and steel and manufac-
lures from them, manufactures of silk.
manufactures of cotton. amounting TO
about one hundred and thirty-seven and
One-half millions. A substantial reduc-
tion upon each of the classes of articles
named is recommended, and it is believed
that the time has arrived when a reduc-
tiOIr of duties on nearly all articles in our
tariff is demanded and is feasible.
In addition to this careful revision of
the tariff should be made, with the view
to placing upon the free list many articles
now paying duty. 1t appears that the
class of products under the Gus
toms tariff is that from sugar,
Sugar is necessary Of life for
all classes in this country. The average
duty on 1t is equal to 213 cents per pound,
and to nearly 53% per cent ad yalOrem
The amount Of cane sugar produced in
this country is estimated at II per cent
of the whole quantity consumed, and
it is apparent that nearly the whole
amount OF the revenue from this source
Is paid by the consumer the competition
by home production not being sufficiently
serious to affect the prices. The progress
Of industry in the production of sugar
from sorghum and beets is not forgotten.
1t is entitled to consideration. 1t is be-
lieved, however, that a substantial re-
duction of the duty upon sugar may
be made without injustice to purchasers
of it in this country Upon wool and iron
and steel and their manufactures a large
reduction must be made, and materially
lessen the revenues derived from them, as
the amount Of imports will increase as
duties are lessened, The cotton tariff is
found to be complex and inconsistent, and
it is no doubt true that in most of the
coarser classes of cotton fabrics our
manufacturers can compete with the
world without protection. Without going
further into details, the Secretary earnest
ly recommends a careful revision Of the
tariff with view to substantial reduc-
tiOnS