Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-12-10
TUURsDAY...D DECEMBER To- 1885,
A Tariff Compromise

Yesterday, is very happy in his treat
ment of the tariff. He has looked az
the questions involved in its revision
!, all their bearings. Seventy per
cent Of the revenue from importatlons
comes, he says, from a few aru-
clss-less than dozen. Inc
unavoidable inference is that In
asmucb as the remaining thirty
per cent. represents only ffty-iour
millions of dollars, and as there was
. surplus last year Of sixty millions,
all articles OF commerce except those
lust referred to might be put upon the
free list. But not so, interposes the
President. Vested interests must be
respected. Men who have invested
their money in manufacturing estao-
lishments erected because the Govern
ment policy was policy Of protection
must not be subjected to the loss that
would unayoidably result from a free
trade policy.
Now, why cannot all good Demo-
Gratis stand upon the Presidents plat
form agree TO the compromise sug-
Cested rather than proposed by him:
Read his well-pondered words, and ask
yourself whether it would not be the
best policy that could be pursued, see
ing that so long as majority of the
Senate shall continue to be Protection
lists. there will be no possible oppOr-
tunitv to frame tariff which, if devoid
of protective features, would receive
the sanction of that body: Ii is true
craftsmanship to do the best you can
the best that circumstances will allow
YOU to do. No statesman would refuse
to Go any tbing because he could not ac-
complish all that he desired to accom-
plish.
We quote from the Presidents mes
sage as follows:
THE proposition with which we
have to deal is the reduction of the
revenue received by the Government
and indirectly paid by the people from
the customs duties. The question of
free trade is not involved, nor is there
any occasion for general discussion of
the wisdom or expediency OF protec-
tive system. Justice and fairness dictate
that IN any modification Of our present
laws relating TO the revenue indus
tries and interests which have been en-
coursged by such laws and in which
our citizens have large investments
should not be ruthlessly injured or de-
stroyed. We should also deal with the
subject in such manner as to protect
the interests of American labor, which
is the capital of our workingmen. Its
stability and proper remuneration fur
nish the best justifable pretext for a
protective policy.
Within these limitations a certain
reduction should be made in our Gus
toms revenue. The amount Of such
reduction having been determined, the
inquiry follows: Where can it best be
RENTED and what articles can best be
relieved from duty in the interest Of ouI
citizens. think reduction should
be made in the revenue derived from
the tax upon imported necessarles o
life. We thus directly lessen the cos
of living IN every family of the land
and release to the people in every hum
BILE home a larger measure OF the re
wards Of frugal industry"
within these limitations say
the President, should be confined what
ever reductions may be made in on
tariff. We should deal with it so a
"to protect the interests OF America
labor. which is the capital Of our work
ingmen." This declaration is consis
tent with the tariifplank Of the Chicag
platform, and we think that all goo
Democrats ought to come up to the SUI
port Of the President on this comprC
mise.