The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1888-09-14

tariff taxation a. draws from the SUBJ
stance OF the people . sum largely in ex-
cess OF public needs, IL surely something
which, under Q government based upon
justice and which finds ito strength and
usefulness in the faith and trust Of the
people, ought not to be tolerated.
While the heaviest burdens incident
to the necessities Of the government are
uncomplainfngly borne, light burdens
become grievous and intoleroble when
mo- justified by such necessities.
Unnecessary taxation Is unjust tax
alton. And yet this IL our condition.
We are annually collecting at our Gus
ON houses and by means Of internal
revenue taxation many millions In ex-
cess OF all legitimate public needs. As q
national treasury q surplus Of more than
one hundred and thirty millions Of dol
lars.
No better evidence could be furnished
that the people are exorbitantly taxed.
The extent Of the super1uous burden in
dicated by This surplus will be better APP
preciated when it ID suggested that such
surplus alone represents taxation aggre-
eating more han sos, 600 in a country
containing 80, 000, QUO inhabitants.
Taxation has always been the
the hardest to reconcile with the
peoples ideas Of freedom and
happiness. When presented in q direct
form nothing will arouse popular discon-
tent more quickly and profoundly than
unjust and unnecessary taxation. Our
farmers, mechanics, laborers, and all our
citizens closely scan the slightest increase
in the taxes assessed upon their lands
and other property, and demand good
reasons for such increase. And yet they
seem to be expected, in some quarters,
to regard the unnecessary volume Of in
them by our present rate OF tariff duties
with indifference, If not with favor.
The surplus revenue now remaining in
the treasury not only furnishes conclu-
sive proof of unjust taxation, but its ex-
istence constitutes q separate and indie
pendent menac to the prosperity of the
people.
This vast accumulation Of idle funds
represents that much money drawn from
the circulating medium of the country,
which Is needed in the channels of trade
and business.
It is a great mistake to suppose that
the consequences which follow the con-
tinual withdrawal and boarding by the
government of the currency Of the peo-
pie are not Of immediate Importance to
the mass of our citizens and only con-
Germs those engaged in large financial
transactions.
In the restless enterprise and activity
which free ready money among the peo-
pie produces, is found that opportunity
for labor and employment and that i'm
petus to business and production, which
bring in their train prosperity to u cit
liens in every station and vocation. New
ventures, new investments in business
and manufacture, the construction Of
new and important works, and the en-
largement Of enterprises already estab-
lished, depend largely upon obtaining
money upon easy terms with fair secur-
tty; and all these things are stimulated
by an abundant volume Of circulating
medium. Even the harvested grain of
the farmer remains without q market,
unless money is forthcoming for its
movement and transportation to the sea-
board.
The first results of q scarcity of money
among tho people is the exaction of severe
terms for its use. Increasing distrust
and timidity is followed by a refusal to
loan or advance on any terms. Invest
ors refuse all risks and decline all secur-
titles, and in a general fright the money
still in the hands of the people is per-
siscently boarded. 1t is quite apparent
that when this derfectly natural, If not
inevitable stage is reached, depression in
all business and enterprise will, as a
necessary consequence lessen the oppor-
tunity for work and employment and re-
duce salaries and the wages Of labor.
Instead, then, of being exempt from
the influence and effect of an immense
surplus lying idle in the national treas
ury, our wage earners and others who
rely upon their labor for support, are
most of all directly concerned in the stu
alton. Others seeing the approach Of
danger may provide against it. but it
will find those depending upon their
daily toll for bread u%nprepared, helpless,
and defenseless. Such a state of affairs
does not present a case of idleness re-
sulting from disputes between the Ia
boring mar and his employer, but it
produces an absolute and enforced stop
page of employment and wages. In re-
viewing the bad effects of this accumu-
lated surplus and the scale of tariff rates
by which it is produced, we must not
overlook the tendency towards gross and
scandalous public extravaganza which a
congested treasury induces, nor the fact
that we are maintaining, without excuse,
in q time of profound peace, substantially
the rate of tariff duties imposed in time
Of war, when the necessities of the gov
eminent justified the imposition of the
weightiest burdens upon the people.
Divers plans have been suggested for
the return Of this accumulated surplus
to the people and the channels of trade.
Some Of these devices are ct
variance with all rules of good
finance; some are delusive: some are
absurd, and some betray by their reck-
less extravaganza the demoralizfng infu-
upon the judgments Of individuals.
While such efforts should be made as +
consistent with public duty and sane
toned by sound Judgment to avoid dan
ger by the useful disposition Of the sur
plus now remaining in the treasury, it is
evident that if its distribution were ac-
complished another accumulation would
soon a its place II the constant flow of
redundant income was not checked at it's
source by a reform in u present tariff
laws.
We do not propose to deal with these
conditions by merely attempting to sat-
isfy the people Of the truth of abstract
theories, nor by alone urging their assent
to political doctrine. We present to /
them the propositions that they are un-
justly treated in the extent Of federal
taxation, that as as a result a condition
of extreme danger exists, and that it is
for them to demand q remedy and that
defense and safety promised in the guar
of their free government.
We believe the same means which are /
adopted to relieve the treasury Of It's
present surplus and prevent its recur-
renee should cheaper to our people the
cost of supplying their daily wants. Both
OF these objects we seek in part to gain
by reducing the present tariff rate upon
the necessaries of life. We fully appre-
ciate the importance to the country of
domestic industrial enterprises. In
the rectilcation of existing wrongs, their
and prosperity should be
carefully and in q friendly spirit consid-
cred. Even such reliance upon present
revenue arrangements as have been in
vited or encouraged should be fairly and
justly regarded. Abrupt and radical
changes which might endanger such en-
and iniurioualv Affect tha inter.