Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-06-22
A REVISION OF THE TARIFF DE-
SsaNnEn

That the tariff Inflicted upon the country
is unequal, bearing unduly IN particular di-
rectionz, imposed in many cases unnec-
essarily, and in others in such a manner ss
to injure instead Of benefting trade, are facts
becoming 20 well known that the public gem
orally are demanding revision, go that
elaring instances OF injustice, wrong and VIC
Iation OF common-seuse principles may be
removed. 81 strong ia this sentiment in ia
vor of tarif revision, and so rapidly il it in
creasing in popular estimation, that the cap
italists, who pocket the profits OF the mOnoP-
olies created by it, are discovering that any
attempt to oppose it would not only be vain,
but would have tendency to incline the
popular mind toward free trads. Their fret
policy, az is usual in cases where there IS no
inclination to follow particular course,
and no possibility Of showing why it should
not be followed, was to delay; and this they
have succeeded in doing by the appointment
of a commission to ascertain what duties
are to be changed and to what extent A.
the commission was not appointed really 10
ascertain anything that is not known, it was
cons situted OF men who are on one side 10
the exclusion of those who visw the tariff
with different eyes. The result will be that
the commissioners report when made will
have no value, and will exercise no infiu
ence, but the desired delay will be secured.
In the end. however, revision must come, and
how is it to be made? Each monopolist will
contend that his iron, or sugar, or shoe-pegs
must not be touched, or American prosperity
will be destroyed forever. How are the taxes
on manufactured goods TO be reduced in face
of ''tbe pauper labor of Enrope?" How is
the tax on B. ssemer steel TO be reduced when
the monopoiists are pocketing annual
. dividend of twenty-five per cent. and now
can do with no less? In fact the whole bust
ness system Of the country has been put on
30 artificial condition that no direct or
sudden return to the natural and correct
principles OF trade is possible, and the wild
est free-trader would not think OF such step.
But the tariff has to be revised such is the peo-
pies will, and they who have led the country
into the labyrinth of protection and monop-
oily do not see how TO bring order out Of the
existing chaos. What is wanted is the COM
mencemsnt of gradual redemption of du-
ties, so much this year, so much the nex',
and 80 on, but whose monopoly is first to be
attacked? Then there are people with Jobs,
and schemes, and speculations, all wanting
appropriations, and an army OF hangers-on
to whom pluuder comes from the present
over-taxation. The public at large requires
that taxation, as whole, shall be reduc, d
by lowering the tariff, but to lower the whole,
particular things must be lowered, and every
dealer in those particular things is tooth
and nail opposed to any change in his line.
Every body sees there is more taxation than
the country requires, but the governm mt
stands helpless to put its hand on specific
things and say "these must CO." When
government cannot fulfill duty the public
lays upon it, what will be its fate? 1t will
be destroyed if it touches iron, or paper, or
other things, the sentiment of the country
will not permit of making tobacco and
whisky cheap while the necessaries of life
are kept dear. The country will blame
if taxation is not reduced, and monopolists
will oppose il it Is-where is the way out of
the labyrinth into which protection has
plunged The nations commerce? Once more,
in all this, we see how much easier it is TO
get into wrong way than to get out of ii.
How to reduce the duties without infringing
upon the principle of protection that consists
of high duties is problem the government
at Washington find much more puzzling than
is agreeable TO them. .Procrastinstion has
its limits, and as the taxes have to be voted
every year, every year the amount OF the
taxes has to be decided in principle, there is
therefore no evading the point, aad the
statesman who shall discover and succeed in
showing the country their way out of the
dilemma that becomes only stronger by
delay, is man who will win popular
appreciation and reach the hIghts of power.