The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1888-09-15

with the peoples iiens OF freedom and happi
ness. When presented in q direct form moth
ing will arouse popular discomfort more quickly
and profoundly than unjust and unnecessary
taxation Our farmers, mechanics, laborers,
and oil 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 cx'
pccted, In some quarters to regard the unnec'
essnry volume OF insidious and indirect taxa
tion visited upon them by our present rate OF
tariff duties with indifference n not with favor.
The surplus revenue now remaining in the
Treasury not only furnishes conclusive proof OF
unjust taxation, but its existence constitutes n
separate and independent menace TO the pros
pcrity OF the people,
This vast accumulation OF idle funds repre-
scnts that much money drawn from the circu.
lating medium OF the country which Is needed
In the channels Of trade and business.
1t is great mistake to suppose that the con-
sequences which follow the continual with
drawal and boarding by the Government Of the
currency Of the people arc not OF immediate
Importance to the mass OF our citizens, and only
concerns those engaged in large financial trans
actions. In the restless enterprise and activ.
ity which free and ready money among the pco.
pic produces, IL found that opportunity for la
Dor and employment and that impetus to bust
ness and production which bring in their train
prosperity TO our citizens in every station and
vocation. New ventures, new investments in
business and manufacture, tho construction OF
new and important works md the enlargement
OF enterprises already established depend
largely upon obtaining money upon
easy terms with fair security; and
all these things are stimulated by an
abundant volume OF circulating medium. Even
tho harvested grain OF the farmer remains
,t,,<r
for its movement and transportation to the sea-
board.
The first results Of q scarcity OF money among
the people is the exaction OF severe terms for
its use. Increasing distrust and timidity is
followed by refusal to loan or advance on any
terms. Investors refuse oil risks and decline
all securities, and in q general fright the money
still In the hands OF tho people is persistently
boarded.
1t is quite apparent that when this perfectly
natural, II not inevitable, stage is reached, de-
preston in all business and enterprise WILL as
a necessary consequence. lessen the oppor-
tunity for work and employment, and reduce
salaries and tho wages of labor.
Instead, then, OF being exempt from the IN
fuence and effect OF an immense surplus lying
idle in the National Treasury, our wage-earn-
ers and others who rely upon their labor for
support, arc 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 and defcnseless.
Such u state OF affairs does not present q case
of idleness resulting from disputes between
the laboring man and his employer, but 1t pro-
duces an absolute and enforced stoppage of
employment and wages.
In reviewing the bad effects of this accumu-
lated surplus and the scale of tariff rates by
which 1t is produced, we must not overlook the
tendency towards the gross and scandalous
public extravag ,nce which congested treas
ury induces, nor the fact that we are maintain
ing, without excuse, in a time of profound
peace, substantially the rate Of tariff duties i'm
posed in time OF war when the necessities OF
the Government justified the imposition of the
weightiest burdens upon the people.
Divers plans have been suggested for the re-
turn Of this accumulated surplus to the people
and the channels of trade. Some Of these de-
vices are at variance with all rules of good
finance; some are delusive, and some betray by
their reckless extravaganza the demoralizing
influence of great surplus Of public money
upon the judgments Of individuals.
While such efforts should be made as are con
sistont with publc duty, and sanctioned by
sound Judgment, to avoid danger by the useful
disposition OF the surplus now remaining in the
Treasury, it is evident that If its distribution
were accomplished another accumulation would
soon take its place, If the constant flow of re-
dundant income was not checked at its source
by by reform In our present tariff laws.
We do not propose to deal with these condi-
tions by merely attempting to satisfy the people
OF the truth OF abstract theories, nor by alone
urging their assent to political doctrine. We
present to them tho propositions that they are
unjustly treated in the extent OF present Fed
eral taxation; that as o result condition of
extreme danger exists, and that 1t is for them to
demand n remedy, and that defense and safety
promised in the guarantees OF their free govern
mcnt.
We believe that the same means which are
adapted to relieve the Treasury OF its present
surplus and prevent lis recurrence 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 rates upon the necessaries of life.
We fully appreciate the Importance to the
country OF our domestic industrial enterprise
In the rcctiiicntion of existing wrongs their
maintenance and prosperity should bo carefully
and in friendly spirit considered Even such
reliance upon present revenue arrangements as
have been invited or encouraged should be fairly
and justly regarded. Abrupt and radical
changes, which might endangcr such enterprises
and injurously affect the interests OF labor de-
pendent upon their success and continuance,
are not contemplated or intended.
But we know tho cost OF our domestic manu-.
factured products is increased, and their price
to the consumer enhanced, by the duty imposed
upon the raw material used in their manufac.
ture. We know that this Increased cost pre-
vents the sale of our productions at foreign
markets in competition with those countries
which have the advantage of free raw material
We know that confined to n home market our
operations are curtailed. their
demand for labor irregular, and tho rate of
wages paid uncertain.
We propose, therefore. to stimulate our do.