Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1888-09-14

Cu-:arne-s, merchants, !abo-e:s ard I.
il Cur citizens closely scan the slight =
.st increase in taxes assessed on Their 4
and and other property and demand G
| good reason for such Increase, and !
yet they seem TO be expected III some ,
quarters to regard the unnecessary :
volume OF insidious and indirect taxa
ton visited upon them by our present I
rate OF tariff duties with indifference,
if not with favor.
The surplus revenue now remaining
in the treasury not only furnishes con-
elusive evidence OF unjust taxation
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 clrcula-
ton Of the country which is needed IN
the channels OF trade and business. II
is great mistake to suppose that the !
consequences which follow the contin-
ual withdrawal and boarding by the !
Government OF the currency OF the |
people are not Of immediate import |
ance to the mass OF the people and
only concerns those engaged in large
financial transactions. In the restless
enterprise and activity which free and
ready money among the people pro-
duce is found that opportunity for Ia
Dor and employment aud that impetus
to busiress and production which
bring in their train prosperity to the
people i'll every station in life. New
ventures, new investments in business
and manufacturing, the construction
OF new and important works and the
enlargement OF enterprises already es-
tablished depend upon obtaining
money upon easy terms with fair Sc
curity: all these things are stimulated
by an abundant volume of money in
circulation; even the grain of the
farmer remains without market I'M
less money is forthcoming for trans
pVrtatiOn to the seaboard. The first
result of Il scarcity of money among
the people is the eXaction of terms for
its use; increasing distrust and timid-
ity is followed by refusal to loan or
advance on any terms investors refuse
risks and decline all securities, and in
the general fright money still in the
hands OF the people is persistently
boarded. 1t is quite apparent when
this perfectlyrnatural if not inevitable
stage is reached, the depression in ali
business and enterprise will us neces-
sary Conseque es lessen the opportu-
nifty for work and reduce the ~alaries
and wages of labor.
/ Instead Of then being exempt from
the influence and effect of an immense
surplus idle in the national treasury,
our wage-earners, and others who rely
on their labor for support, mostly of all
are directly concerned in the situation.
Others, seeing the approach of danger,
may provide against it, but it will find
those depending on daily toll for bread
unprepared, helpless and defenceless.
Such a state of affairs does not present
Il case of idleness resulting from dis
putes between the laboring man and
his employer; but it produces an abso-
: lutte enforced stoppage Of employment
and wages.
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 tC
, gross and scandalous public extrava
r gances which congested treasury in
/ duces, nor the fact that We are main
tanning without excuse in time o.
l profound peace substantially the rate
: of tariff duties imposed in time OF wal
when the necessities of Government
justified the imposition of the weight
, lest burdens upon the people. Diver.
r plans have been suggested for the re
$ turn of this accumulated surplus t.
. the people and to the channels OF trade
Some of the devices are at variance
, with all rules of good finance; some
are delusive, some absurd and som,
= betray by their reckless extravaganza
} the demoralizing influence of a grea,
: surplus Of public money on the judg
+ ment OF individuals.
t While such efforts should be made
. us are consistent with public duty ant
!, sanctioned by sound judgment to avoid
+ danger by useful disposition of tn,
S surplus remaining in the treasury, it i.
\ evident if its distribution were accom-
C Fplished another accumulation would
a soon take its place, if the constant flow
: of redundant income is not checkcd.a
0 its source by a reform in the presen
] tariff laws. We do not propose to dea
S with these conditions by merely at
tempting to satisfy the people of tn,
# truth of abstract theories, nor by alon,
urging their assent to political doc
s trine We present to them the propo
It sition that they are unjustly treated
e by the extent of the present fedora
II taxation; that as result a condition
IS OF extreme danger exists; that it is 70
d them to demand the remedy and tina
, defense and safety promised in tn
e guarantees of free government.
10 We believe the same means whicI
o are adopted to relieve the treasury O
n its present surplus and prevent its re
e currence should cheaper to the peopl
l. the cost OF supplying their daily wants
D. Both of these objects We seek in par
le TO gain by reducing present tariff rate
l. IN the necessarics of life. We full
l. appreciate the importance to the cou'r
n -ry of domestic industrial enterprise
= In the rectification of existing wrong
n their maintenance and prosperit
d, should be carefully and in friendl
Is spirit considered. Even such relianc
ID on the present revenue arrangement
j. as have been invited or encourage
n should be fairly regarded.
n Abrupt and radical changes, whic
TX might endanger such enterprises an
A. injuriously affect the interests of labo
'r dependenton their success and contir
y. uancc,. are not contemplated or il
it tended. But We know the cost of OF
to domestic manufactured products is il
u creased and their price to consumer
Or enhanced by duty imposed on tn
id raw material used in their manufa'
Mt ture. We know that this increase
III cost prevents the sale of our produ,
y, tons ut foreigmmarkets in cOmpetitio
I'd with those of countries which have til
lr advantage Of free raw material. w
know that, confined to home marke
Of our manufacturing operations are Gu
IN tailed, their demand for labor irregula
b. and the rates OF wages paid uncertain
of We propose, therefore, to stimulat
a our domestic industrial enterprises b
IN freeing from duty imported raw mat
ly RAILS which by the employment of lab(
e. are used in our home manufacture
of thus extending the markets fol- the
vs. sale and permitting an increased an
m steady production with allowance