Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-01-15

lanta Constitution. having found some
thing in the columns of that courteous
and able journal, the New York Sun,
which il thinks sustains its position in
favor Of free whisky and against reduc-
ton of the tariff, proceeds TO call those
editors who favor tariff reform "be-
numbed" editors, and to refer to an
article in this paper advocating redue-
ton of tariff taxation as 'some nom
sense"
OF course it would serve no good pur-
pose to ask the Constitution how long it
has been since it was proud to be classed
with the '.benumbed" editors, or since
it published much Of what 1t now calls
sssOme nonsense" Such questions might
be embarrassing.
Believing that the San has at last FUR
nished an impregnable position for the
free whisky journals which depend upon
it for guidance, the Constitution en-
deavors to amuse its readers by attempt
ing to ridicule the ''sO-called tariff re-
formers"
But what is this argument Of the San
which the Constitution thinks covers the
opponents of free whisky with confusion
and entangles them in maze of contra
dictiOns: This is what the Sun says:
IF you make whisky free you will have
to reduce the duties on tools, machinery,
agricultural implements, clothes, blank
cts and many other necessary things in
order TO promote their Importation, and
to get a revenue therefrom.'' This argu-
ment Is not original with the Sun. 1t is,
in fact, a very old argument. but, strange
TO say, it is not used by those familiar
with tariff matters. 1t must be admitted
that it appears to be very plausible, and
is apt to deceive the unwary.
But what are the facts: An argument
may be ever so plausible, but if it is not
sustained by the facts it ceases to have
weight.
The FOrty-seventh Congress reduced
the tariff, and the reduced tariff has been
in operation long enough to make its
effect apparent. Although our impOrta-
tiOns have not fallen of, the reduction of
the tariff has been followed by a very
| considerable reduction in the revenue.
Now. if the SUMS argument Is correct
there should have been an increase in the
revenue. How does the StR harmonic
its argument and the facts:
But the sun may say that the reduction
was not sufficient But how is it to be
known how great the reduction must be
| before the increase in the revenue Will
begin. We have seen that one reduction
was followed by decrease, instead Of an
increase, in the revenue, and is it not fair
foIToxfv
another reduction:
The Sun does not say that a particular
reduction of the tariff is necessary to
| bring about an increase in the revenue,
but makes a statement that justifies the
inference that any reduction will be fol-
lowed by an increase. The Treasury
books show that the sun is wrong.
But why was not a reduction OF the
tariff followed By increased importations,
and consequently an increase Of the
revenues Simply because the manufac-
turing monopolies in this country met the
reduction in the tariff by reducing their
| prices. They met the demands of the
home market as completely after the re-
/ duction as they did before it.
What would be the result in the event
| of a still further reduction, such as is adj
vocated by the tariff refOrmers? The
manufacturing monOpolies would again
reduce their prices and would still sup
ply the nome market.
OF course, a reduction of the tariff Is
not wholly without benefits to the manu-
facturers. because il enables them TO get
cheaper raw materials, and, hence, to
manufacture their products at less cost.
They can therefore afford a reduction in
their prices. The theory of the tariff re-
formers is that cheaper raw materials
will not only enable our manufacturers to
hold their own market against all corners,
but also to compete with the manufactu-
rers of any other country in the markets
of the world.
But does the Constitution desire it to bs
understood that the San, which is high
protection paper, and which did what it
could to secure the election OF Blaine be-
cause he is the champion Of the protecs
tiOnists. wants the internal revenue taxes
abolished in order TO force a reduction of
the tariff to a free trade point? The Suns
position is that a repeal of the internal
revenue ldM must bG ADAAo = NtA ~ q > tStte
reduction in the tariff.
But does anybody believe that the San
Is trying TO secure a reduction of the
tarif. or that it believes that the repeal
of the internal revenue taxes will be fol-
lowed by a reduction of the tariff ? The
Constitution may think so. We don't
question its sincerity. The fact is, the
sun doesn't want the tariff reduced, and
doesn't intend to have it reduced il it can
help it. 1t wants the tax on whisky re-
moved in order 10 prevent a reduction Of
the tariff.
Perhaps the Sun viii furnish something
more that will afford the Constitution an
opportunity to discuss ''some nonsense
of "benumbed" editors. The CouStitu-
ton, however, should not forget that the
real purpose of the Sun is not always to
be found in the arguments which it pre-
sents, and tor that reason it would be
wise plan to examine them closely before
adopting them.