The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-02-20
why the Revenue from Imports
should Not NC Increased and why
the Internal Taxes should Not be
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RICHMOND. VA, February is, 1884.
10 the Editor OF the Dispatch
Much attention has OF late been attracted
to your expressed views to the effect that
reduction in the tariff rates would instead
of decreasing the revenue therefrom de-
cidedly increase them. Hence reduction
of the tariff and abolition OF the internal
taxes could be regarded as twin measures,
so far as concerned their feasibility.
Assuming the correctness Of your posi-
tion. let our attention be briefly directed
towards deciding II il be desirable one.
How can a reduction in the tariff rates
WELD an increased revenue Only by in
creasing the amount OF merchandise im-
ported.
| II the imports are increased by reason OF
| low duty. what manufacturers will be the
sufferers Our home manufacturers, be-
cause OF their inability to meet foreign
competition.
| If the present protection enables monop-
olies to manufacture goods at lllegtlmate
profits, what would be the effect on them
of q lower duty? They would curtail their
profits by q reduction in their selling rates.
| but continue manufacturing rs before, and
thus, by meeting foreign competition, pre-
vent any increase in imports so far as con-
Germs their respective branches OF indus
try.
| III Il be clearly shown that any class OF
our manufacturers is not yet able to meet
foreign competition, should they be bank
Irupted or driven from the field by u with
drawal OF the tariff! Most decidedly not.
| They should be protected until able to do
so. and thus employ additional labor at
home.
II the foregoing answers be correct, then
lit is proven that protective tariff is neces-
sary-one that will protect infant indus
tries and gradually take away the protec-
ton as they become able TO meet the COM
petition OF foreign manufacturers and thus
prevent eXorbitant profits beng eXacted
from the consumers. The above answers
show further that such q policy would,
with gradually lowered tariff, certainly
decrease the tariff revenues and just as
certainly stimulate the manufacture Of ar
ticles at home, thus continually giving
new employment to our people and event
ually fitting us for the struggle. not only to
lsupply our home wants, but also to share
in supplying the wants Of the world.
II, as stated, the revenue from imports is
to be continually subjected to decrease,
and such decrease be desirable, then would
IL not be best to leave the internal taxes
untouched and aim at tariff that will fos-
tier new branches OF industry by a high
protection, and reduce the protection on
branches which have already been fostered
and reared into grand sUccesses-reducC
them down to Just such rate as will leave
them legitimate profit.
The South Is beginning to share largely In
the profits Of manufacturing, and needs
protection.
The Government will always need rev
enue.
Let us seek protection through the tariff
. and furnish revenue by internal taxes OF
whiskey and tobacco. A tax so complete
lly and easily collected cannot readily bt
abolished, and as it Is paid by the consul
mers all over the country, 1t Is burder
that rests as lightly on the shoulders a
taxes can be made 20 rest. G. NJ.