Savannah morning news., 1886-03-27
Prospects FOR Tariff Reform Legis-
Iati0n.

Iation.
The prospect that a tariff bill VIII be
passed during the present session OF Con-
gress is not encouraging. At the begin
ming OF the session there We're various
reports Indicating that Mr.. Randall could
be counted on 20 support a tar.f reform
biz. ana il was even said by some of his
admirers that he was thinking oil intro
ducing bill to reduce and equslize the
tariff II Is evident that Mr.. Randall has
no intention Of lending the tariff reform
ers a nelplny hand, whatever may have
been his purpose in December. 1t is
probable, however, that at no time has he
had any intention to consent to a reduc-
tion Of the tariff, although he may have
expressed himself in favor Of tariff re-
vision.
or course 1t cannot be denied that Mr..
Randall has considerable influence in his
party. His following in the House, al
though not large, is sufficient probably TO
seriously interfere with the passage Of
tariff bill. That he intends to oppose tariff
reduction there is no longer any room to
doubt. At the conference OF the tariff
reform leaders of the House a day or two
ago, to which he was invited, be stated
very emphatically that the Morrison bill
did not suit him, and left the impression
that no bill that could be framed that
provided for reducing the tariff, would
satisfy him. In fact, he said to Messrs.
Carlisle and Morrison that in the present
| disturbed condition OF the labor Of the
country he was opposed to touching the
tariff.
1t is hardly probable, however, that the
tariff reform leaders will abandon all idea
Of tariff reform legislation simply because
Mr. Randall has announced his purpose
to play the part of an obstructIonst.
The country expects that the Democratic
majority in the House will make an hon
est effort to cut down tariff taxation. If
this expectation is not realized it will be
said that the Democratic party has not
been true to its pledges.
Mr.. RandalPs arguments in behalf of
protection are not so potent in strength
ening his following in the House as is the
fear OF some Democratic members that if
the tariff is reduced, local interests in
their districts will suffer, and of others,
that tariff reform legislation will array
the protection Democrats against the
party.
1t is apparent, however, that if argu-
ments Of that kind are to prevail the tariff
will not be reduced, and the Democratic
party VIII occupy the position of pretend
ing to be ANXIOUS to do what it never Sc
riously attempts to do. Notwithstanding
the position Mr.. Randall has taken, and
the hostility that may reasonably be ex-
pected from a small faction of Democrats
IN the House, the Democratic party can.
not afford to abandon all efforts in behalf
OF tariff reductions. 1t must be
aggressive. Defeat must be followed by
renewed efforts. OF course it will hardly
be denied tnat there is not wide room for
reduction. There is comparat lively little
difference in the tariff now and that es-
tablished during the war on articles
manufactured in this country.
In 1870 there was a slight reduction in
the duties on few luxuries, and in 1872
a reduction OF 10 per cent. In 1875. how
ever, the 10 per cent. reduction " as re-
pealed. In 1888 the Tariff Commission
pretended to make a reduction OF 20 per
cent, but only succeeded in making one
Of per cent. In fact, on some articles the
duties were increased. 1t is apparent
from this statement that there is ample
room for reduction, and that it is time
that it was made. That the chances for
the passage of tariff bill at this session
are not good, is no reason why an earnest
effort ia behalf Of such bill should rot
be made. There may be success when it
is least expected, and, besides, constant
effort is needed to secure success,