New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-06-09
A CAPABLE COMMISSION.

In the choice of members Of the Tariff Com
mission, the President has substantially
adopted the plan considered some time ago in
these columns. He has entirely ignored mere
theorists of both sorts. 1t has not seemed to
him expedient to set up National debating
club to wrangle about the subject. Having
been virtually instructed, by the votes of a
majority in Congress, that it was desired to
preserve the system of protective duties, but
TO obtain such information as would enable
Congress to adopt simpler, less burdensome
and more helpful tariff, the President has
sought for Commissioners men of prac teal
knowledge, whose opinions are mainly in har-
mony with those Of the majority in Congress.
He who wants to bnild a church, and seeks the
aid OF architects to prepare plans, does not
prefer architects who are predetermined to
build depots or salesrooms and nothing else
The architects chosen to prepare plans for
tariff that shall protect American industry
ought not to be men who insist upon discrimi-
mating against American industry
The Commission, as formed by the Presi-
dent, will not lack competent representa-
tives of each party and of every section.
Mr. Kenner, of Louisiana, is the oldest
member OF the Commission and fairly rep
resents that class of Democrats who insist
that if any other industries are to be protected
those of the South should not be neglected.
Possibly Mr. Underwood, of Georgia, would 60
still further he is described as Democrat" OF
the Joe Brown sort" which signifies that he
does not believe in stTanging the g owing IN
dustries of the South for the sake of empty
party traditions. Mr.. Porter, formerly Of
Illinois, who represents statistical study and
skill rather than any party or section, is the
Youngest member of the Commission, and has
done good service as one of the Special Agents
of the Census Bureau. Ex-Governor Phelps,
of Missouri, has declined to serve.
The other members have been known as
active Republicans. The former VIce-Presi-
dent, Mr.. Wheeler, of this State is especially
qualified to act as chairman of the Commission,
because i'll his legislative experience he was
regarded as a faithful and hard working Con-
gresham of moderate opinions. MIR. Hayes, of
Boston, has long been known as the ablest
representative in this country of the woollen
manufacture, and if his opinions are in any
danger of being pushed too far by his cOnnec-
ton with that interest, the choice is happily
balanced by the appointment of Mr.. Garland
farmer, and the president of the National Wool
Growers Association. Mr.. Oliver, of Pennsyl-
vania like Mr. Garland, has not held political
office, but is a practical iron manufacturer
The establishments which he directs employ
about 1000 men, and his selection was re-
quested by nearly all the Pennsylvania men,
bers of Congress-, and by the Iron and Steel
Association. Mr.. Amber, of Ohio, formerly a
member of Congress- was never extreme in his
opinions, and is lawyer of long experience,
having served. ON the Judiciary Committee in
the House.
1t is hardly to be expected that such Com
mission as this will agree in every detail but
where Its imembers do agree, its irecommenda-
tons will have the greater weight because they
represent so many different political and indus
trial interests. Moreover. there is strong
probability that the members will agree in re
gard to very many important matters. 1t is
not probable that the Commission will recon
mend any course that is likely to PROSTATE the
manufacturers, the wOol-growers or the sugar
producers In fact, the system OF taxation de-
vised for the protection of American industry
will not be assailed by this Commission with
hostile purpose. A majority OF the members,
and possibly all of them, will be disposed TO
maintain the essential features OF that system,
if their investigation shows that 1t has worked
well for the country. 1t will not be question
in the Commission whether protection Vt any