Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1884-03-28
The Tariff In Congress.

tariff bill to the House OF Representatives,
by the WAYS and means committee of that
body has given rise to some excite nent in
political circles. Those few alleged DEM
ocrats of the Randall type, who, though
false to the fundamental principle of the
party doctrine yet claim distinguished re-
cognition in the Democratic party, have
made one last effort to brighten the great
majority of the party into puerile neutral
ity upon this all absorbing political ques-
ton of the day. Threats have been freely
made of split in the Democratic party"
which would greatly jeopardize an cleo
Republicans have been looking on in anx-
ious expectation.
1t will be a source of true qualification
to all honest Democrats to learn that tie
Democratic leaders in Congress, while
manifes'ing an admirable spirit of moder
alton and GOODNESS, show an unequivecal
determination to stand firm upon this
measure. Mr.. Carlisle is proving himself
to be cool, clear headed and firm leader.
and under his direction and that of his
we'll chosen lieutenants in the House the
Democrats seem to be we'll possessed Of
the courage Of their convictions, the lack
of which has so often in the past brought
inglorious defeat upon the party.
The Morrison bill, which has given rise
to all the contention, is the most defensi-
be of measures. 1t is fully in accord with
the recommendations of the Tariff Com
mission appointed under Republican aus
pices two years ago. and in fact falls short
of the reductions recommended 10y that
body. The tariff commission after a full
consideration of all interests and the sur
plus revenues accommodating in the treas
ury, recommended reduction OF the du-
ties on imports of from 30 70 25 per cent.
The Morrill, bill. which was passed
by Congress at the last session, purported
ed to conform 10 the recommendation OF
the commission, but it was well known to
its supporters at the time that it would
not effect the reduction recommended, and
for that reason was opposed by ell the real
tariff reformers in Congress. Experience
has since demonstrated that instead of re-
ducing the duties on impor's 90 per cent,
the Morrill, bill has only effected a reduc-
ton of fraction over ? per cent.
This being the case was it to have been
expected that the Democratic party one of
whose cardinal principles is tariff reform,
should gives its tacit endorsement to that
sham measure by failing to take any ac-
tien in the matter at the present session
Such course would have been Simply
suicidal; only a repetition of the puerile
neur ality which has so often heretofore
brought defeat upon the party. II any
tariff measure was justified, and il the war
rates Of tariff are not to be sill kept up to
extort surplus revenues from the people
it is difficult to see what objection can be
raised to the Morrison bill.
1t proposes the addition of a few arti-
cles to the free list and horizontal re-
duction Of something less than 30 per cent
upon the rest of the durable articles
This is carrying out in the fairest posi-
BILE manner of the recommendations of the
tariff commission, and in fact falls short
of The minimum reduction rec rmmended
by the commission. as its total reduction
it is estimated. will not exceed Is per cent
1t is difficult to see wherein the provisions
Of this bill conflict materially with the
doctrine Of Incidental protection" which
has been from time 10 time mere or less
recognized in Democratic platforms. and
which is so zealOusly conteuded for hv
some. Surprising the present tariff to he
adjusted on a basis Of proper protection
to the numerous industries. then a hori
zontal reduction to bring the tariff down
to a revenue basis would seem to be the
plainest possible way of preserving tie
same relative protection to the different
Industries.
So il appears that this bill of Col. Nor
rison's is the fairest possible measure thai
could be devised to meet the demands of
the country for tariff reform, and the re-
solute purpose of our parry leaders TO
plant themselves upon it and to make it
the platform of an aggressive campaign
must be commended as wise and courage
Gus. The measure is entitled to the sup
port of all but protectionis's for prntec
tion sake. and, as has been fnrcibly said.
the sooner all alleged Democrats who en-
terrain those sentiments take their grip
sacks and go over into the Republican
camp where they belong. the better it will
be for The Democratic party. 1t wo1 b,
TAR better to lose upon this platform, than
to win q single election at the cost Of fl
nally disorganizing the party. 1t is graf
flying, however, to observe that he action
of the House caucus. which took place on
Tuesday, gives promise Of restored har-
mony upon this question.
Apv ono ubn hoe rad tho a. isfinp Ia u