The Sunday herald. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1866-1887, 1883-03-18
TlRlFF REfoRlt como ON.


There are widely differing opinions as to
the position in which ;he tarifl question, re.
gsrded as political issue, has been left 10y
the legislation of the late session. one
Glass OF public men, with whom the wish is
probably father TO the Thought, say that II
has been taken out OF the Presidential catu-
paigu. This class pretend TO scout the idea
that the Democratic House will need to do
anythipe whatever with the tarH, claiming
that theEountry regards the new taiin law
as hhality, and that the voters will resent
any further disturbance OF the subject until
ithas been tested for a term of years. This
is iavorite view with a number OF politi-
clans who, on account Of local interests or
other reasons, are by every discussion Of the
tari1 placed in difficult position Their
view will be upheld with great strenuous
ness 10y all the protected interests which are
saved in the enjoyment Of bounties by the
present scale Of duties But that it will he
accepted by the growing class Of tariff re.
formers ia not to be expected There can
be no doubt that the revenue will easily
stand many millions more reduction Of tax
alton. The iniquitous monopoly taxes will
be brought to light and discussed. Aud it
will be imperative upon Democratic states.
men in the next House of Representatives to
attack this great and vital question with
courage and impartiality.
They must forthwith abolish such utter
swindles as the duty on iron ore, on lumber,
on paper, type and type metal, and large
number of articles which are rather raw
materials than finished products. All duties
on articles Of this class are opposed to the
very central idea upon which any protection
must rest They belong to the numerous
and vicious class where lesser industries are
protected at the expense Of the greater Inn
posing duty ON ore or coal is protecting :"
an absolutely raw material and taxing every
real industry in the country. Similar in
kind is the duty on wood pulp and paper
since publishers employ thousands of work
men where pulp and paper-makers employ
one Besides which making paper dear is
imposing a tax on intelligence. This, of
'''''''' '"S'i' =" w WV W 'li| HhtsNlbl ~
plainly contrary to public policy in tree
country.
An examination OF the tarilf will show too
many monopolies and swindles guarded at
the expense OF the consumer. The Democrats
will find the tariff law perfect Augean stable
of swindles and corruption and they will be
obliged to make an effort to improve its CON
dition. Wise counsels will lead them rather
to a conservative than to q radical course.
By cutting off anti-protective duties, and
correcting some of the glaring Inconsistencies
in the present tariff, they will be able to
strengthen themselves before the country and
afford considerable relief TO our over bur
dened taxpayers without violent injury to
sny industrial interest which is not at the
same time monopoly The country is with
out doubt turning its attention to economic
questions, which is a salutary thing, since
it betokeni the end of the sectional era in
politics.
But ii the Democratic party now attempts
to play the trimmer and shrk the only real
issues in which the people feel any interest
it will find itself left out in the cold as it has
go often been before.