The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1883-12-26
Present Tariff !ssue.

From the American Register.
The pending issue before the country
on the tariff is Il plain one, which admits
Of no cavil or evasion. The present
revenue tariff is subject to grave objcc-
tions, as follows, to-wit
l. 1t is protective tariff; that is, a
tariff which makes protection its main
object, and revenue Il simple incident.
2. On that account it is not limited
in amount to the actual or necessary
wants or expenses Of the Government.
3. 1t is not adjusted with view to
equality in the public burdens, but
maintains and creates monstrous monop-
olies, and gives unjust advantages to Il
few over the many.
A. 1t withholds protection either to-
tally or partially, from agricultural pro-
iuc,s needing temporary aid and en-.
enlargement, while it confcrs protec-
ton upon bloated monopolics not need
ing such aid. 1t repealed the ten per
cent. al vaiorem duty on wool, and gave
but partial protection to the articles of
wool, hemp, fax, ard raw silk, and silk
cocoons, while manufactured fabrics of
the same articles we're highly protected.
Any one who will take the pains to
look over the list of articles Of import
made du;iable, and those FREQ of duty
are but partially protected by this tariff,
must see at once that the duties are not
adjusted with any fair view to either
equality in the public burdens. or to
protecting articles requiring aid and
encouragement. For instance; Wool,
raw silk, hemp, and fax and other arti,
cles which, if properly aided and en-.
couraged, would, in few years, with
the vast capabilities and resources of
our country for their production, be-
come able not only to compete in our
markets with the imported articles, but
through enlarged production even
bring down the prices Of those of foreign
production, are by this tariff 50 lightly
protected us not to be effectualIy aided.
And yet proper incidental protection to
such articles would not produce monop-
olics, but foster and encourage home
productive industry and labor in Il way
calculated to enlarge the resources,
: prosperity and independence of our own
country But this measure has been
framed, with view to cheapness OF the
ran material for the benefit Of the man
uiacturing interests.
Finally it is clear that the present tar
If is not fair, just, and equal to all the
various branches Of the Industrial pur-
suits, so that reform therein is needed
and required for the best interests of
the people.
The present issue is, therefore, fairly
and actually made on the demand for
reform in the tariff The Republican
party has the responsibility and the
onus of maintaining the present unfair,
unjust, and unequal protective tariff
against the reform which is demanded.
The Democracy cannot accomplish this
reform until it comes fully into power
by the election of President and u
majority in both branches in Congress.
When this shall occur then the Democ-
racy will be held to the responsibility
for this reform so much needed by the
people. But rs the issue now stands
the Republican party must stand or fall
on the merits or dement's of the present
tariff. 1t is departure from the pend
ing issue to discuss what the Democrat
lc party may be able to accomplish
when it gets into power. That is in
future. When that desirable event
shall occur, then but not before, can
the Democratic party be held to &C.
| cnuntoh;l;ty