The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1888-09-28
The Republican Tariff Bill.

The long-promsed Senate tariff bill was
laid before the finance cammttee, on Tues
day. Its details have not been made public
but its chief features are known. 1t is not a
revision of the tariff schedule but simply a
reduction of the revenue of the government,
to be effected in such way that no monopo-
list or manufacturer will find his large profits
diminished one cent. In reforming the tariff
the Republicans have certainly found out
chow not to do It,"
The bill, if it should become law, would
reduce the revenue sixty.five or seventy.fve.
million dollars year, while the Mills bill
makes areduction of about $s0,0OO0OO
To accomplish this reduction the bill pro.
vides for the repeal of the internal revenue
tax on tobacco in all its forms, which would
probably amount to $3O,OOO,OOO 1t reduces
the tariff on sugar so per cent, which would
cut down the revenue $35,000,0O0 more. 1t
places vegetable fibres on the free list, which
would take off several million dollars more
Worse than all, it removes the tax ION whs-
ky used in the arts" which would make an
other cut of from 100000 to $19,OOO,OOO
The old topers would appreciate this provi-
sion. They would soon find out they need
ed whisky to be used in the arts, or at any
rate in the art of getting drunk, or for medi-
cinal purposes, to soothe an internal pain
that not even spirits of camphor or hot milk
would allay. Whisky, free for use in tie
arts, or for mechanical or medicinal purposes,
would mean whisky at 25 or 80 cents gal
Ion. This is reform which the sober, vir-
tuous and industrious people ofthis country
would scarcely appreciate.
The issue of the campaign is not changed
from the direction given it by Mr.. Cleveland's
tariff message. The Republicans, in their
platform and in their tariff bill, declared for
free whisky and free tobacco-luxuries on
which those who use them should pay a tax
and oppose any change in the war tariff on
the necessaries of life.
The Democrats demand lower taxes on those
articles which every family must have, lcav.
ing whisky, tobacco and other luxuries to
bear the chief burden of the tariff.
The Republicans, in their platform Of 1884,
promised TO correct the inequalities of the
tariff and provide for reduction of the sur
plus, which was accumulating in the treas
ury and threatening our commercial pros
perity. This pledge was not even ATTEMPTED
to be carried out Besides, they resisted the
efforts ofthe Democrats, likewise pledged to
tariff reform, In every measure looking to a
revision of the tariff.
In their platform of 1888 the Republicans
boldly declared against tariff revision, except
Tor the purpose of checking imports, the ef-
feet of which would be to still further in.
crease the profits in the "protected'' indus.
tries.
The demand ofthe American people for
revision of the tariff at last became too loud
to be ignored by these apologsts and defend
ers OF trusts in the Senate and they are at
tempting to deceive the people with pre-
tended reform of the tariff. And what a re-
form! One that leaves the monopolsts the
same opportunities they now have of exact
ing tribute from every family in the land, and
giving The people free whisky and free tobac.
CO. instead OF cheaper clothing, cheaper um-
Der cheaper tin, cheaper SALT cheaper agri
cultural implements and cheaper medicines.
The Senate bill is not likely to become
law, for the Democrats in the House will not
consent TO pretended reform, which only re-
lfeves an Overlooking treasury but does not
remove single burden from an over taxed
people, Congressman may rant, but the peo-
pie will speak in unmistakable tones, on the
9TH of next November, for Cleveland and
genuine tariff reform.