New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-07-21

By the votes of Senators Kellogg of Loulsi-
ana and Jones of Nevada, the Republicans
have been beaten in the Senate, on measure
of vital Importance. The reduction of taxa
ton is both politically and financially, one OF
the most important measures of the session.
That it will be found important next fall
every Senator and Representative realizes In
n business point of view, it will affect very
materially the public prosperity, and particu-
lally the expansion or contraction of the cur
rency this fall. Accordingly, the Republicans
thought it wise TO confer together, in each
House, before acting upon matter which might
involve the future success or defeat OF the party
The two Senators named have voted against
the Judgment and decision of their party,
and, acting with the Democrats, have prob
ably secured the defeat of the pending
bill This they have done, it seems fair
TO assume, not because they were exceed
ingly anxious for reduction in the tax upon
tobacco, which the Republicans had determined
not to reduce, but because they were opposed
to some other portions OF the bill rs reported
by the Senate committee. Mr. Kellogg, prob
ably, opposes the repeal of the emergency tax
on sugar. Mr.. Jones, it may be cOnjectured
is hostile TO the national banking system. TO
make the bill odiOus by amendments, so that
it cannot pass i'll the House even if it does i'll
the Senate, seems to be the plan adopted.
1t has been said already that TIE TRIBUNE
considers any change in the tariff at this
sion injudicous. Tho bill was in fair shape as
it came fir, IN the House. The attempt to cut
off $10,O00,000 or more of duties on i'm
ports raised new questions, upon which the
Republicans were not entirely agreed, it opened
a question which the Republicans had definitely
determined that it was their duty to submit to
a commission CT experts, and it diminished the
revenue quite as much as Congress can afford
to diminish revenue if it is going to appro-
pirate 500, 100000 for pensions and
$4,000. 900 for river and harbOr improve
ments. The amendment adopted on We0nes-
day goes too far 1t cuts oil a large part Of the
revenue from tobacco, and renders 1t very
doubtful whether a single year OF comparative
depression in business would not embarrass
the Treasury 1t would nave been wiser. Sen
ators can now perceive, to pass the House bill
without important change. Perhaps the House
may yet save the BILL and materially help the
party in power and the country, 10y steadfastly
insisting upon its original action.
The Senators who have voted against all
their party associates in this maj ter, however,
have taken large responsibility. The defeat
of any measure to reduce taxation at this ses-
sion would not DO helpful to the Republi-
cans nor just to the country. Had these
Senators voted against the Senate amendments,
and in favor of the bill as it came from
the House, their position would be very
different. But they go on record as willing to
cause the defeat of the Revenue bill unless
the House can be forced to assent TO "A reduc-
ton Of the tobacco tax, though the majority
in the House, and the Republican Representa-
tiyes in caucus, decided that this tax could not
properly be reduced. The position is one in
which those Senators will hardly be sustained
by public opinion.