Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1884-04-11

The following extract from a
speech by Hon. Burr. w. Jones in
opposition to the bonded whiskey
extention bill, shows what kind Of
revenue reformer represents the
third Wisconsin district in congress:
II agree with Others that there is general de-
mand for reduction of taxation. There is wide
spread sentimentin the state in which live that
the onerous taxation upon the necessaries of life
which was created by the expenses Of great
war should be reduced. That sentiment was so
loudly expressed in the autumn of 1882 that re-
luctant congress was compelled to grant ct least
show Of acquescence. A tariff commission had
been appointed. 1t was SO constituted that clear
majority of its members were devoted to high
tariff policy. After long investigation that com
mission had reported that substantial reduction
Of tariff duties was demanded by the public in
terests.
1t was their opinion that there should be q re-
duction Of not less than 20 cent. in the then ex-
listing rates, and they hoped that it would reach
Is per cent Those who were responsible for the
legislation, which was finally enacted, stated on
the floors of congress that the proposed reduction
would amount TO AZ average OF y per cent or
more.
The promised reduction Of more than % per
cent upon tariff taxation has dwindled to less
than two per cent!
When the bill came up for passage II was al
legged by those who demanded greater reduction
to be the handiwork of the eastern manufac-
trers The result would seem TO prove the
truth of the statement. 1t was undoubtedly
formed in their interest and IN such manner
as
TO keep the word Of promise to our ear,
And break II to our hope"
Al valorem and specific duties were so inter
mixed and changed, :he Law was made SO com
pIicated that none but those trained in the act Of
tariff juggling could forsee the result After this
lapse OF time the results can be asceEtained and
they present one more triumph for those monop-
olies which have so long been potent in the leg
lsation of this country. III know anything OF
the sentiment fthe people of the northwest they
are asking for the substantial reduction OF taxa
ton, which the tariff commission and the last
congress promised but which they failed to give.
They are n eager to pay tax OF 40 per cent up
ON their sugar; Of more than 10 per cent. upon
their wooden clothing; of 20 per cent. upon their
cotton goods. They uneasy under these
burdens which rest upon almost every necessary
OF life.
We all know that the heaviest burden Of this
taxation rests upon the agricultural classes of the
west and northwest Itllrgely increases the cost
OF almost every article they buy. It's tendency
is 10 close the foreign markets ofthe world 10 the
articles they would sell. II they complain they
are told in substance that this sytem of taxation
gives aid ard comfort 10 the infant industries Of
Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, and that in
good time the taxation viii be reduced. But
they do not forget that those same Infants" were
vigorous and healthy when this century began,
aud the older they have grown the most Justify
they have demanded protection.
In 1888 the friends Of the high-tariT system
consented TO compromise by which tariff
duties should be reduced during nine years en-
suing to 20 per cent, al valorcm and that beyond
tnat they should not be increased More than 50
years have passed away. Now the average tariff
rates amount not TO % per cent, but to about 40
per cent, and still every ono of these "infant'
industries is cIamoring for more.
| think know something of the popular senti-
men in the great northwest. II / am not entirely
mistaken rs to that sentiment, it is not at al! in
accord with the Pennsylvania idea, which Mr..
Kelly no doubt understands and correctly eX-
presses. That demand is indeed for Il reduction
of taxation; but it beSs for relief from taxation
upon the ucccssarcs not the luXuries of life. 1t
asks for that substantial reduction of taxation
upon the articles of every day use in every hum
bic home that the tariff commission and the last
congress promised and pretended to give, but
which has not come In my judgment, if you
will give this substantial reduction of taxation
If you will also add to the free list generously, if
you will give to our people free salt, free sugar,
free coal, free lumber, there will be no wailing
or gnashng OF teeth because whiskcy pays
tax"