New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-09-10
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have adopted for the collection Of our revenue ny
tariff duties They are not mentioned to dis
credit the system, but by way Of preface TO the
statement that every million Of dollars collected
at our custom houses for duties upon imported
articles and paid into the public Treasury, rep
resent many millions more which, though never
reaching the National Treasury, paid by our
citizens as the increased cost OF domestic produc-
tions resulting from our tariff laws
HERE'S THE CoNDITIoN"-wHERE's THE SUR
PLUSt
In these circumstances and in view OF this
necessary effect of the operation Of our plan for
raising revenue, the absolute duty OF limiting the
rate of tariff charges to the necessities OF frugal
and economical administration Of the Governments
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 sum largely in excess
of public needs is surely something which, under
d Government based upon justice, aud 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 ne
cessities of the Government are unconplainingly
borne light burdens become grievous and nto-
erable when not justified by such necessities.
Unnecessary taxation is unjust taxation.
And yet this is our condition. We are annu-
ally collecting at our custom houses and
by means of our internal revenue taxa
ton, many millions in excess Of all
legitimate public needs As a consequence. there
now remains in the National Treasury a surplus
of more than sl3O.OOO.OOO.
No better evidence could be furnished that the
people are eXorbitantly taxed The extert OF the
superfiuous burden indicated by this surplus will
be better appreciated when il is suggested that such
surplus alone represents taxation aggregating moro
than 81 l0s.000 in county containing $4,000
inhabitants.
Taxation has always been the feature OF or
ganized government the hardest 10 reconcile with
the peoples ideas of freedom and happiness.
When presented in a direct form, nothing will
arouse popular discomfort more quickly and pro-
foundly than unjust and unnecessary taxation.
Our farmers mechanics. laborers. and all our
citizens, closely sean the slightest increase in tho
taxes assessed upon their lands and other property
and demand good reasons for such increase. And
yet they seem 70 be expected. in quarters. 10
regard the unnecessary volume OF nsidious and
indirect taxation visited upon them by our pres
ent rate of tariff duties with Indifference. II not
with favor.
The surplus revenue remaining IN the
Treasury not only furnishes conclusive proof OF
unjust taxation but its existence constitutes a
separate and independent menace TO the prosperity
OF the people.
This vast accumulation OF idle funds repre-
sents that much money drawn from the circulating
medium Of the country which Is needed In the
channels Of trade and business.
II Is great mistake TO suppose that the con-
sequences which follow the continual withdrawal
and boarding by the Government Of the currency
OF the people are not Of immediate importance 10
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 produces
is found that opportunity for labor and employ
ment and that impetus 20 business and produc-
ton which bring in their train prosperity 70 our
citizens in every station and vocation. New
ventures now investments In business and manu-
facture the construction of new and important
works and 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 the harvested grain
Of the farmer remains without market unless
money is forthcoming for It's movement and trans
portation 10 the seaboard
-
the people is the exacton Of sever, terms for its
use Increasing disrust and tmidity is followed
by refusal 10 loan or advance on any terms.
Investors refuse all risks and decline all securities
and in a general fright the money stN in tho
hands OF the people is persistenty boarded.
II is quite apparent that when this perfectly
natural IL not inevitable stage is reached, depres-
sion in all business and enterprise Will. a neces-
sary consequence lessen the opportunity for work
and employment and reduce salaries and tho
wages OF labor.
STILL HARPING ON THE SURPLUS.
Instead, then, Of being exempt from the In
fuence and effect of an immense surplus lying
idle in the National Treasury. our wage-earners
and others who rely upon their labor for support
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 and
defenceless Such state of affairs does not pre-
sent case Of idlencss resulting from disputes be-
tween the laboring man and his employer, but il
produces an absolute and enforced stoppage OF en-
ployment 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
toward gross and scandaous public eXtraya-
gance which congested Treasury produces, 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 Government Iustihed the
imposition of the weightiest burdens upon the
people.
Divers plans have been suggested for the return
of this accumulated surplus to the people and tho
channels Of trade. Some Of these devices are at
variance with all rules Of good finance: some are
delusve some absurd, and some betray by
their reckless extravaganza the demorazing infu-
cnce of great surplus of public money upon this
judgments f individuals
While such efforts should be made as are con-