The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-09-11


INCREASED COST OF DOMESTIC PRODUCTIONS
resulting from our tariff laws.
In these circumstances, and in view Of the
necessary effect of the operation Of our plans
| for raising revenue, the absolute duty of linn
iting the rate OF tariff Charges to the necessi-
ties of the frugal and economical administra-
ton of the government, seems to be perfectly
| plain. The continuance, upon the pretext Of
meeting public expenditures, OF such scale
| Of tariff taxation as draws from the substance
| Of the people sum largely in excess
of public needs, is surely something which,
under government based upon justice and
which finds its strength and usefulness in the
faith and trust OF the people. ought not to he
tolerated. While the heaviest burdens Incl
dent TO the necessities Of the government are
uneomplaininglyb borne, light burdens become
| grieyous and intolerable when not justified by
| such necessities.
| Unnecessary taxation is unjust taxation.
And yet this is our condition. We are an
nually collecting at our custom houses, and
by means of our internal revenue taxation,
many millions in excess Of all
| LEGITIMATE PUBLIC NEEDS.
! AS n consequence, there now remains in the
national treasury surplus of more than one
| hundred and thirty millions Of dollars.
| No better evidence could be furnished that
| the people are sexorbtantly taxed. The ex-
! tent of the superfluous of burden indicated by
this surplus will be better appreciated when
tits suggested that such surplus alone repre-
sents taxation aggregating more than one
hundred and eigh thousand dollars in a county
containing fifty thousand inhabitants. Taxa
ton has always been the feature of organized
government hardest to reconcile with the
peoples idea of freedom and happiness. When
| presented in direct form nothing will arouse
| popular discomfort more quickly and pro-
| foundly than unjust and unn ecessary taxation
! Our farmers, mechanics, laboreFs and all our
citizens closely scan the slightest increase in
taxes assessed upon their lands and other
property, and demand good reason for such
increase. And yet they seem to be expected,
in some quarters, to regard the unnecessary
volume of Insidious and indirect taxation Wis
tied upon 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 conclusive proof of
unjust taxation, but its existence constitutes
SEPARATE AND INDEPENDENT MENACE
to the prosperity of the people. This vast ac-
emulation 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.
1t is a great mistake to suppose that the con-
sequences which follow the continual with
drawal and boarding by the government 1.-THE
currency of the people are not of immediate i'm
portanee to the mass of our citizens, and only
concern those engaged in large financial tran
sactions
In the restless enterprise and activity which
free and ready monty among the people pro-
duces, is found that opportunity for labor and
employment, that, impetus to business and
production, which bring in their train prosper
ity to our citizens in every station and voca-
ton. New ventures new investments in bus
mess and manufacture, the construction of
new and important works, and enlargement
of enterprises already established depend
largely upon obtaining money upon easy terms
with fair security, and all these things are
stimulated by tho abundant volume of cirou-
lating medium. Every harvested grain of the
farmer remains without market, unless money
is forthcoming for its movement and trans
portation TO seaboard.
The first results of scarcity OF money among
the people is the
EXACTToN OF SEVERE TERMS
for il use Increasing distrust and timidity is
followed by tho refusal to loan on any terms.
Investors refuse all risk and decline all seouri-
tics ana in the general fright money still in
the hands of people is persistently boarded. 1t
is quito apparent that when this perfectly
natural, if not inevitable, stage is reached, de-
preston in all business and enterprise will as
necessary consequence, lessen the opportunity
for work and employment, reduce the salaries
aud wages OF labor.
Instead, then, of being exempt from the in
fiuenco and effect of an immense surplus living
idle in the national treasury, our wage earners
aud others who rely upon their labor for sup
port, are most of all directly concerned in the
situation. Others seeing the approach of
danger may provide against it, but it will find
those depending upon their daily toll for bread
unprepared, helpless snd defenseless. Such a
state of affairs does not present q case of idle
ness resulting from disputes between laboring
man and his employer, but it produces an alb
soute and enforced stoppage of employment
and wages.
In reviewing the bad effects Of
this accumulated surplus and the
SCALE or TARIFF RATES
by which it is produced, we must not overlook
the tendency toward gross and scaudalous and
public extravaganza which a congested treas
urY induces, nor the fact that we are maintain
ing. without excuse, in the time of profound
peace, substantially tho rate of tariff duties
imposed in time of war, when the necessities
OF tho government justified tho imposition of
Divers plans have been suggested for tho re-
turn of this accumulated surplus TO the people
and the channels Of trade Some of these de-
vices ere II variance with all rules OF good
finance; some delusiye, some are absurd
and some betray by theirreckless extravaganza
tho demoralizlng influence Of great surplus
Of public money upon judgments of individuals
While such efforts should be made as are
consistent with public duty md sanctioned by
sound Judgment to avoid danger by the use
fll disi oSitjon Of the surplus now remaining in
the treasury, il is evident that IL its distribu-
ton were accomplished, another accumulation
would soon take its place If the constant flow
Of redundant income was not checked at its
source hy a reform in our present tariff laws
We do not propose 70 deal with these condi-
tons by merely attempting 10 satisfy the poo
pie OF the
TRV TIL oF ABSTRACT THEORIES,
nor by alone urging their assent 70 political
doctrine. We present to them the prop
oSitions that they are uniustiy treated in
the extent Of tho present federal taxation that,
as result extreme danger exists, and that it is
for them 20 demand . remedy ANA that defense
and safety promised In the guarantee of their
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