New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-11-23
NEWS FROM WASHINGTON.

lBr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRiBUNb'f
WAsHINGroN Nov. 22.-There is much specHla-
ton IN Washington respecting the probable recon-
mendations of the Prosld mt aud the Secretary Of
the Treasury in regard to tax reduction and also
concerning the conclusions reached by the Tariff
Commission. Ia tho course Of long
conversation with TRIBUNE correspondent
this evening, prominent Republican, whose
relations to the Administration afford
him excellent opportunities to obtain information,
and whose experience regarding tariff and internal
revenue legislation entities his judgment and opin-
ions to respect, expressed his views very freely.
Among other things in substance, he said:
81 do not consider it probable that the President
or Secretary Foger Will Indorse Judge Kelley's
propositions and recommend the reduction or the
abolition of the tax ON spritsj and certainly do
not believe that the Republicans in either branch
of Congress will favor such course The result Of
the elections In the West has materially
strengthed Republican Representatives from
that section In the determination which they
expressed so cmphaticaly in their caucus last ses-
sion The manufacturers OF spirits are satisfied
with the tax as it now stands Ny opinion is that
the House will be willing to go somewhat further in
tn way of reducing internal taxation than it did
last session, and will not be surprised to SEQ that
course recommended by the Secretary of the Treas
wise to reduce all the license taxes imposed on the
manufacture ana sale of malt liquors. distilled spir
its and tobacco, to reduce the tobacco tax to
cents pound from 16, and to readjust the tax on
cigars and cigarettes"
"You do not think Judge Kelley's plan viii DO
adopted theni"
NO; although he may be able to carry it In the
Committee on Ways and Means. All the Demo ratio
members. l expect, will support 1t, and, with tho
votes of himself and Errett the scheme will secure
a majority of the committee"
"Do you expect that the President will make any
recommendation respecting tariff legslatlon"
"If he docs, it will probably be Of very general
nature. "
"Do you think the Tariff Commission will make
any suggestions recOmm endatiOns respecting In
terna taxationl !"
"No; except perhaps in an alternative manner.
The Commission for example might suggest: If
lou reduce internal taxation much it viii affect
our recommendations thus and so respecting the re-
vision of the tariff Beyond that l have no idea
the Commission will CO."
DO you know anything of the nature Of the
conclusions ached by the Commission y
Nothing whatever and | do not believe they
have given anybody such information. 1t IS some
time since have seen any member of the Com
mission About the time the Commission
was organized / was freely consulted by
some of its m mbers and the general scope AID d.
recion of the work to be done freely discussed
between us. AS my advice asked gave it, and
what tried most to impress was not that 50 much
thought should be given to the matter of Increase or
decrease Of rates of duty but that every should
be taken so to simplify and rearrange the schedules
and groups that it would be easy to comprehend
their relations to each other. Then if Congress
GIn ap.iFa increase
rates 1t could do intelligently with
out creating new inequalities in place
of those which expect to remove. One OF the
most important duties of the Commission
that of exhibiting the contradictions aud the
unequal operation of the present customs laws and
reguatons-was confded to Mr. McMahon, who
was thoroughly qualified for the task. was
shocked when heard of his sudden death, but am
glad to learn that he had substantially completed
the work assigned to him a member OF the com
mission 1t is expected that the commission Will
also recommend considerable additions to the free
list mainly for articles which do not figure largely
In our imports."
"Some statements have been published asserting
a probability that the commission will recommend
a horizontal reduction of say or 10 per cent on
the whole tariff list" remarked tho CORE spond emit.
81 think there is no danger that will be done;
it would be most unwise for it would simply perpe-
ate all the worst evils IN tariff system which
now afford Just ground for complaint. l am
strongly inclined to the opinion that besides the
points have suggested, the recOmm endatIOnS Will
embrace propositions to reduce materially the duty
upon some articles which, it Is quite
generally conceded, are now subjected to
rates unnecessarily and unreasonabiy heavy L do
not believe the Commission viii recommend a
scheme of reduction which would embrace Injuries
IA 10 1 in fnvn If
any legislation which would impair destroy no
market which our manufacturing states now afford
tor our agricultural products. AMI certainly oD-
posed to going abroad for things we can make at
home. | still think there are mlny articles upon
which the rates should be reduced such. for cX-
amole as sugar. steel rails and others that
ImlQht mention. Ii that be done and
the existing abuses aud inequalities OF our tarlh
legislation be remeded and removed, anti-taut
deInagogues will be left without war cry, aud
shorn of their power for mischief"
What do you think of the prospects of tariff re-
vision at the coming session of Congress T. the CORE
spondent asked.
eli Is very difficult TO form an opinion. If the
Democrats determine that it shall not be done, they
will be able to prevent 1t by abusing the privileges
of the COMMITTEES of the WhOe. 1t is not by amy
means improbable that they Will pursue such
course On the other hand perhaps, If they listen to
Randall and men who think with him, they may be
Wiling to allow tgriI bill 10 pass 80 as TO elnl-
nato that question from the discussions Ol the next
Presidential campaign. Ii is toss of penny as to
which ROAD they viii choose. | have strong hopes.
howeVer thai ii the Republicans evlnce sincere
desire aud determination to pass general taru oil
thoy will succeed That there will be some tariff
legislation by the House | feel very confident. If
il bs found imprac,iCaOle TO secure gem
cra measure there viii undoubtedly be successful
efforts to obtain plecemeal legislation under
pension OF the rules OF The tiOuse; but such plan
OF cOursc cannot be adopted IN the Senate. Inc
popular demand for reduction of taxation is SO
great, however that l feel hopeful on the whole
thai 10 party will dare to resist IT, or, by quarrel
over methods, attempt to eyade IT,