The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1890-11-22
Mckinley Prices.

The people have not felt the worst effects
of the Mckinley bill. 1t only went into effect
on October 9th, and as the merchants and
other dealers had purchased most OF their TALL
and winter stocks, the people are generally
getting the advantage of former prices. TN
some goods prices were at once advanced, but
the general rise will not be felt until next
spring, and then the people will the better
understand what the Mckinley bill means. If
they will make note of prices and preserve
them for comparison hereafter, they will know
how much the tax has been increased for the
benefit of monopolirs, trusts and combines.
Under the old law, approved in 1888, the
government collected more money thanit had
legitimate need for. Under the economical
administration of President Cleveland, a sur
plus of 500, ZOO, 600 accumulated. To pre-
vent financial disaster the Treasury Depart
ment was forced to purchase unmatnred bonds
so that the money could be returned to the
channels Of trade. This proceeding was OF
doubtful legality, but it had to be adopted to
avert threatening business stagnation. Presl-
dent Cleveland recommended a revision OF
the tariff and reduction of taxation, so that
money not needed for the expenses OF gov
eminent might be left in the pockets OF the
people. In accordance with that recommcn-
dation Democratic House of Representatives
passed n bill To reduce the revenue. This
bill was denounced by the Republican leaders
as runous to American industries, and very
many persons believed it was. The monopo-
lies and trusts put up large sums of money to
carry the election, and it was carried. The
Republican party, in recognition OF the Sehli-
ment for tariff reduction, admitted its neces-
sity, but claimed that the tariff should be re-
vised by the friends of Protection. This held
many Republicans in the party, who were
inclined to either vote for the other side or TO
absent themselves from the polls.
The Mckinley bill was given the people, in
fulflment of the Republican promise. Its
authors hoped to deceive the people, by ig-
noring the discussion of its practical effect,
and picturing in general terms its benefits.
The people found prices going up, and beau
tiful theories could not prevail against stern
facts. As Mr.. Cleveland stated it, it was "a
condition not a theory that confroted them'
and they gave answer in thunderous tones that
was emphatic and effective so far us was pos
sible To complete the victory over the mo-
nopolies and trusts, it is necessary to turn the
majority in the Senate and place a Democrat
in the Presidential chair. BY admitting states
into the Union, with less population and
wealth and business than many county III
the older states, the Republicans inirenched
themselves in the Senate. They calculated
that it wonld he many years before they could
be dislodged, if at all, but the recent elections
show that their defeat can be accomplished
two years hence A gain of four or five Sen
ators was the outcome of the late contest.
Three more only are necessary, and in 1893,
it is very probable that Democratic Senate
will he at the back of Democratic Presl
dent