The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1888-09-14
A MEsAsoE TO PROSPERITY.

but its existence constitutes separate
and independent menace TO the pros
perity of the people. This vast accu-
mutation of idle funds represents that
much money drawn from the circulat-
ing medium of the country which is
needed in the channels of trade and
business.
1t is q great mistake to suppose that
the consequence which follow the con-
tinual withdrawal and boarding by
the government of the currency OF
the people are not OF immed-
late importance to the mass of our
citizens, and only concern those engag-
ed in large financial transactions.
In the restless enterprise and activity
which free and ready money among
the people produces is found that op.
ortunity for labor and employment and
that impetus to business and production
which bring in their train prosperity
TO our citizens in every station aud vo-
cation. New ventures, new invest
ments in business and manufacture,
the construction of new and important
works and the enlargement OF enter
prises already established, depend
largely upon obtaining money upon
easy terms with fair security; and all
these things are stimulated by an abun-
dant volume Of circulating medium.
Even the harvested grain OF the farm
er remains without a market unless
money Is forthcoming for its move
ment and transportation to the sea-
board. The first results of scarcity
of money among the people is the ex-
action of severe terms for its use. In
creasing distrust and timidity is follow
ed by refusal to losn or advance on
any terms. Investors refuse all risks
and decline all securities, and in a gen.
eral fright the money still in the hands
of the people is persistently boarded.
1t ia quite apparent that when this per-
fectly natural, if not inevitable, stage
is reached, depression in all business
and enterprise will, as necessary con-
sequence, lessen the opportunity for
work and employment and reduce sal
aries and the wages of labor.s
Instead, then, of being extempt from
the influence and effect of an immense
surplus lying idle in the National
Treasury, our wage-earners and others
who rely upon their labor for support
are most of all directly concerned in
the situation. Others, seeing the ap-
proacn of danger,may provide against
it, but it will find those depending up
on their daily toll for bread uuprepar-
ed, helpless and defenseless. Such a
state of affairs does not present case
of idleness resulting from disputes be-
tween the laboring man and his EN-
ployer, but it produces an absolute and
enforced stoppage of employment and
wages.
A TENDENCY TO ExTRAvAGANCE.
In reviewing the bad effects of this
accumulated surplus and the scale OF
tariff rates by which it is produced, we
must not overlook the tendency to-
wards gross scandalous public evtrava-
gance which congested Treasury in
duces nor the fact that we are main
tanning without excuse in time OF
profound peace substantially the rates
Of Tariff duties imposed in time of war,
when the necessities of the government
justified the imposition of the weight
lest burdens rpon the people.
Divers plans have been suggested
for the return of this accumulated sur
plus to the people aud the channels OF
trade. Some of these devices are at
parlance with all rules of good finances
some are delusive; some are absurd,
and some betray by their reckless ex-
travagance the demoralizing influence
of great surplus of public money up
on the Judgements of individuals.
While such efforts should be made
as are consistent with public duty and
sanctioned by sound judgement to
avoid danger by the useful disposition
of the surplus now remaining in the
Treasury, it is evident that if its dis
tribution were accomplished another
accumulation would sool take its
place if the constant flow of redundant
income was not checked at its source
by a reform in our present tariff laws.
We do not propose to deal with
these conditions by merely attempting
to salts y the people of the truth oil
abstract theories, nor by alone urging
their assent to political doctrine. We
present to them the propositions tha,
they are unjustly treated in the extent
of present federal taxation, that as
result q condition of extreme danger
exists, and that it is for them to de
mand q remedy. and that defense ant
safety promised in the guarantees o
their free government
BUSINESS AND LABOR PROTECTED.
We believe that the same mean
which are adopted to relieve the Treas
ury of the present surplus and preven
its recurrence should cheaper to ou
people the cost of supplying their dai
| ly wants. Both of these objects W
seek in part to gain by reducing th
presents tariff rates upon the necessa
ries of life.
i We fully appreciate the importanc
to the country of our domestic indus
trial enterprises. In the rectifsatio
, of existing wrongs their mainteua'c
and prosperity should be carefully an'
in friendly spirit considered. Eve
such reliance upon present revenue al
) rangement, as have been invited or Ell
, couraged should be fairly and justl
regarded. Abrupt and radical change
t which might endanger such enterpri'
t es, and injuriously effect the interes
3 of labor dependent upon their succe'
q and continuance, are not contemplate
: or intended. But we know the cost {
/. our domestic manufactured products
e increased and the price to the consun
: er enhanced by the duty imposed upo
y the raw material used in their man
: facture. We know that this increase
a cost prevents the sale of our produ
e tions at foreign markets in compel
g tion with those countries which ha,
Il the advantage of free raw material
We know that confined to q hon
l. market our manufacturing operation
y are curtailed, their demand for lab
q irregular and the rate Of wages pa
/ ta,.