The Aberdeen examiner. [volume] (Aberdeen, Miss.) 1866-current, 1883-03-01


'ernment unless much larger importa-
tions shall be received from which
the revenue from customs can be
largely increased. 1t is true also
that the coinage of the silver dollar
is likely to continue, and this will
absorb at least S24, 100000, or render
that amount practically unavailable"
Under these circumstances the sud
den reduction Of 50 large an amount
of the national revenues at single
blow, as proposed, is surely quite as
far as prudence will allow us to 60,
and possibly further.
But when he comes to the econo-
mical and social aspects of the meas
ure his predictions are almost gloomy
and his words of warning are almost
solemn. He says:
"We must not conceal from oursel-
YES that so general change to lower
duties, carrying downfall in values,
will seriously affect those with stocks
on hand, and the doors we also open
to labor abroad will to some extent
shut out labor at home. Some ins
lustries, it is to be feared, can not be
maintained except by reduction of
wages. Already some large iron es-
adjustments are shut up, and in
Philadelphia alone 10000 looms are
said to be idle. There has been an
| overproduction in other articles than
whisky, and nowhere more extrava-
giant than in the II 900 miles of rail
road built in 1882. Storm-signals of
late have been frequently visible in
the financial horizon. Those who
believe that monetary crises are peri
odical now fear the decennial return
of that of 1873"
After such peculiar advocacy as
this, it is perhaps not so strange that
we should witness, as we do, a party
proposing measure purporting to
be a general reduction of revenue,and
yet upon each separate item ma or
ity of its members protesting against
the reduction, because higher tax
is a protection and lower one an in
durable wound to some great indus
try essential to the welfare of the
people.
Mr.. President, think the time has
come when we should deal more ex-
plicitly with the American people
upon this subject. | think that our
friends on the opposite side of the
Chambers should say-and if they do
not, that | sould say--that protection
and low taxation are not compatible.
You can not make the two systems
blend. A protective tax is high
tax and low tax, to the extent that
it does not check importations, be-
comes non-protective. Why not let
the people know the truth? They
are not averse to taxation. They
have always been ready to tax them
selves willingly whenever satisfied
that the object is legitimate one,
and the mode Of assessing and col
Letting the tax Il proper one. Why
not declare to them: If you want the
blessings of protection, ifyou want
our industries maintained by the aid
of the Government as a great sym
metrical system, you must make up
your minds to pay the cost and make
the sacrifice necessary to maintain
such system and scorn the tempta-
ton of low taxes and cheap foreign
goods?
The Senator from Vermont says
that this bill is based upon the report
of the Tariff Commission. | propose
to call attention to that report. The
testimoy taken by the commission
fills two large volumes of2,60O pages.
These pages certainly present most
remarkable may say imposing
exhibit of the condition of American
manufactures and of the genius and
capacity Of our people for those me-
chanic arts and scientific appliances
which have done so much for the ele-
walton and civilization of the human
race. As we read the reports made
Of the marvellous progress and
achievements of these varied indus
tries, the effect ON the mind is as vivid
as though it were produced by
scenic representation, or as if these
great indhlstries-could such thing
be possible-were passing before us
in stately procession. And, sir,when
we take in the full magnitude of these
interests, the number of establish
ments, the vast amount of productive
capital, the number of persons en-
ployed, the aggregate sum of wages
paid out, and the value of their an
nual products, reaching this year it
is said to S5,O00,00O, 900, making this
the foremost manufacturing nation of
the globe, we can but feel the senti-
ment of pride which the honorable
Senator from Vermont so eloquently
expressed.
On the other hand, there are I'M
favorable indications, calculated to
excite grave doubts as to their healthy
condition, and to cause the suspicion
that the effect Of this protective policy
has been to enervate and emasculate
these industries; and has perhaps OBJ
structed growth which without such
stimulus would have been not as
rapid perhaps, but more sure, more
healthful, and more self-sustaining.
According to the testimony of all the
accredited agents and representatives
and organs Of these industries, their
condition is, and has for years been,
that of great depression and distress,
and in many cases of impending in
solvency. This is the uniform declar-
alton of their associated agents, and
Of every witness who appeared in
their behalf so far as | can remember
before the commission-that they
we're incapable of conducting their
business unless aided and sustained
~ the taxes imposed upon the people
Trough the agency of the Govern
nent. From the uniform current of
estimony on this subject | will cite