Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-12-29

MI. Hewitt's utteranceS Just now on the iron
question come with triple force, as he Is an from
master, leading politician, and member OF the
revenue committee Of the House His letter to the
Albany Argus on this subject WILL therefore, chal-
ienge general attention. Mr.. Hewitt admits the
depression In the iron trade and then dwells the
proAlnlate causes OF this StagnatiOn and the best
way TO put the Industry on better footing. As to
the cause, he takes what may be called the con-
scrVative democratic ground that It lies in over
production, due TO excessive protection leading
suc4 tempting profits in the favored business that
100 many seek 10 reap them. 1--WE are suffering
ne writes, from unnatural stimulation and he
PredlctS that unless our revenue legislation is
formed panic like that OF 1873 is impending.
MI. Hewitt does not claim that legislation alone
can solve the difficulty but 50 far as relief can be
provided from this source 1t must be found, in his
opinion, first In freeing raw material from all
duties, and second, I'm limiting duties on manufac-
tured articles to the difference in wages In this and
competing countries "For this purpose he says,
"the Incidental protection afforded by revenue
duties VIII as a rule be found sufficient"
IL VIII thus be seen that Mr. Hewitt tolerates in
his democracy principle which the ultra free
Traders denounce as the rock on which the party
has split II the theory OF protection is constitll-
tonal, they say, the question OF degree is merely
one OF detail and cannot be made vital practical
issue Mr.. Hewitt meets this objection by pleading
so involved the labor problem with tariff schedules
that any sweeping and arbitrary changes would
paFaIyZe manufactures and business and prccipi-
tate national ruin. He favoTs, therefore, gradual
reduction.
This Is, probably, as authoritative statement OF
the democratic policy be given at this early
stage. Ii will be seen that it is entirely in line
with the sentiments expressed by Speaker Carlisle
In his opening address, and while 1t is more cOnser
valve Than the views attributed to some OF the
democratic members OF the ways and means COM
mittee it undoubtedly reflects the purposes of q
Ina J0r1ty OF that body.
physician. who fully realizes the Importance of
MS advice, asks TIE STAR to caution the youth OF
The city against the of that vile device known
as the toy pistol during the year festivities.
Inc suggestion Is most timely and necessary one,
anu parents as well as children will do we'll to give
need 10 1t. Aside from being nuisance to nearly
every body, and especially Irritating to nvalids and
persons OF weak nerves, the toy pistol so called Is
really a most dangerous weapon, as the mOrtuary
records OF past seasons abundantly show and its
sale and use ought to be prohibited both by statute
law and moral suasiOn. Less dangerous, so far as
casualties to life and limb are concerned but
hardly less dsagreeable to most persons and almost
Equally 10 be dreaded, as a source of disastrous
connagrati0ns, is that other Internal contr1vance
The Chinese fire cracker. Although not named by
the author OF the suggestion above noted The STAR
taxes the liberty OF placing it In the list OF things
tlal can safely be let alone during holiday times
But now many youngsters will heed the admoni-
lions?