The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1888-09-12

ing the national treasury, are paid by our citi-
zens as the increased cost of domestic produc-
tons resulting from our tariff laws.
In these circumstances, and in view Of this
necessary effect of the operation of our plan
Tor raising revenue, the absolute duty of limit
ing the rate of tariff charges TO the necessities
OF a frugal and economical administration of
the government seems to be perfectly plain.
The continuance, upon pretext OF meeting
public expenditures of such scale of tariff
taxation as draws from the substance of the
people a 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 be tolerated.
While the heaviest burdens incident TO the
necessities of the government are uncomplain-
ingly borne, light burdens become grievous and
intolerable when not justified by such necessi-
ties.
Unnecessary taxation is unjust taxation.
And yet this is our condition. We are an
nually collecting at our custom house and by
means of our internal revenue taxation many
millions in excess OF alllegitimate public needs.
As consequence, there DOW remains in the
national treasuary q surplus of more than one
hundred and thirty millions OF dollars No
better evidence could be furnished that the
people are exorbitantly taxed The extent
OF the superfiuous burden indicated by this
surplus will be better appreciated when it is
suggested that such surplus alone represents
and eight thousand dollars in a county con-
tanning fifty thousand inhabitants.
Taxation has always been the feature OF or
ganized government and the hardest to recon-
ellie with the peoples ideas of freedom and
happiness. When presented in a direct form,
nothing will arouse popular discomfort more
quickly and profoundly than unjust and un-
necessary taxation. Our farmers, mechanics,
aborerS, and all 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 expected, in some quarters, to re-
gard the unnecessary volume of insidious and
indirect taxation visited upon them by our
present rate of tariff duties with indifference ii
not with favor.
The surplus revenue now remaining in the
treasury not only furnishes conclusive proof OF
unjust taxation, but its existence constitutes a
separate and independent menace TO the pros
perity OF the people.
This vast accumulation Of idle funds repre-
sentS 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 are not OF immediate
Importance to the mass of our citizens, and
only concern those engaged in large financial
transactions.
In the restless enterprise and activity which
free and ready money among the people pro-
duces is found that opportunity for labor and
production which bring in their train pros
perity to ouT citizens in every station and vo-
cation.
New ventures, new investments in business
and manufacture, the construction OF new and
impOI tant works and the enlargement OF en-
terprises already established, depend largely
upon obtaining money upon easy terms with
Il, .ottt,,
lated by an abundant volume of circulating
medium. Even the harvested grain OF the
farmer remains without market, I'M
less money is forthcoming for its move
ment and transportation TO the sea-board.
The first results of O scarcity of money among
the people is the exactOn of severe terms for
its use. Increasing distrusts aud timidity is
followed by refusal to loan or advance on any
terms Investors refuse all risks and decline
all securities, and in general fright the mon
ey still in the hands of the people IS persistently
boarded. 1t is quite apparent that when this
perfectly natural if not inevitable stage is
reached, depression in all business and enter
prise viii, as a necessary consequence, lessen
the opportunity for work and employment
and reduce salaries and the wages OF labor.
Instead, then, of being exempt from the in
huence and effect of an immense surplus lying
idle in the national treasury, our wage-earners
and others who rely upon their labor for sup
port are most all directly concerned in the stu
alton. Others seeing the approach OF danger
may provide against it, but il will find those
depending upon their daily toll for bread I'M
prepared, helpless and defenseless. Such a
state of affairs does not present case of idle
ness resulting from disputes between the labor
ingman and his employer, but it produces an
absolute and enforced stoppage of employ
ment and wages.
In reviewing the bad effects of this accumu-
lated surplus and the scale of tariff rates by
which it is produced, we must not overlook
the tendency toward gross and scandalous pub
lie extravaganza which a congested treasury in e
duces, nor the fact that we are maintaining
without excuse in time of profound peace,
substantially the rate of tariff duties imposed
in time of war, when the necessities of the gov
eminent justified the imposition of the weight
lest 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
devices are at variance with all rules of good
finance; some are delusive, some are absurd,
and some betray by their reckless extravaganza
the demorallzing influence OF great surplus OF
public money upon the judgments of indi-
viduals
While such efforts should be made as are con-
sistent with public duty, and sanctioned by
sound judgment, to avoid danger by the useful
disposition OF the surplus now remaining in
the treasury II IS evident that If its distribution
were accomplished, another accumulation
would soon take its place, If the constant flow
of redundant income was not checked at its
source by reform in our present tariff laws.
We do not propose to deal with those condi-
tons by merely attempting TO satisfy the people
of the truth OF abstract theories, nor by urging
their assent to political doctrine. We present
TO them the propositions that they are unjustly
treated in the extent OF present federal taxa
tons; that, n result, condition of extreme
danger exists, and that IL is for them 10 demand
n remedy and that defense and safety promised
in the guarantees of their free government.
We believe that the same means which are
adopted to relieve the treasury OF its present
surplus and prevent its 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
rates upon the necessaries of life.
We fully appreciate the importance 10 the
country oil our domestic industrial enterprises.
In the rectifcation of existing wrongs their
maintenance and prosperity should be care
fully and in friendly spirit considered. Even
such reliance upon present revenue arrange
ments as have been invited or encouraged
should be fairly and justly regarded. Abrupt
and radical changes which might endanger
such enterprises and iniuriously affect the in
terests Of labor dependent upon their success
and continuance arc not contemplated or in
tended.
But we know the cost of our domestic manu-
featured 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 ut foreign
markets in competition with those countries
which have the advantage OF free raw material.
We know that confined to home market our
manufacturing operations are curtailed, their
demand for labor irregular, and the rate of
wages paid uncertain. We propose therefore
ind fo..