The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-09-19
rnr NEW YORK srnInGExoY.

morkoe mas Oeon 30 tnfeotenin& - 70
prompt appeals to the Secretary Of the
Trsasury and to congress for relief. 6ec-
rotary Window has considered the matter
q such Importance that he left his post In
Washington, hurried to the metropolis,
ana Afforded oil the relief within his power.
And now. on an urgent appeal from New
York importers, bankers. and others. con-
eross II considering postponement Of the
dato on which the new tariff bill, when
passed, shail go into effect
The relief afforded by the government
has been extraordinary and enormous.
within two weeks fully sixty 1--WE millions
u dollars Of government funds have been
poured into New York Golfers. though dur
IL ths same period the government re-
coipts have amounted to not moro than
thirty millions. In addition, the Secretary
! has decided 70 anticipate the payment Of
sixteen millions Of 4psr cent. bonds, and
- pgspay the interest to January LIST on
outstanding currency sixes." This APP
poars to b generous and consider
~, and about - far - government
~ could b reasonably demanded.
hut the New Workers are not sat
isAed. They demand postponement
q The date on which the tariff bill shall 60
Into s6sct, and thus seek to cast slur up
on that measure.
This justi6es IN inquiry into the chief
cause Of the stringeucy, and in view of that
cause . consideration Of the reasonable
neos Of their last demand. The sharp rise
n the value Of farm products, largely due
y Tho passage Of the silver bill. has neces-
STATED larger amount for moving the
crops. but that could have been abund-
kantly met by the extra disbursements
shat the Secretary has made. The addi-
aonAl and unsstisfed demand is mainly
Inc 70 excessive importations. This ex-
9oss has been 20 enormous that by some il
y estimated that it would require fifty
millions Of dollars to pay the duties at ex-
astiug rates and release the imports from
bond. Unless released before the new
taxi6 bill goes into effect, the amount re-
quired would b vastly increased. Hence
ne demand for postponement.
Now - to the merit Of this demand. On
IN issue Joined and settled in the campaign
Il 1851, II became the duty Of this con-
xress 70 revise the tariff on the lines laid
down In the pending tariff bill. The peo-
pc % decided, and the present executive
and congress were elected on that issue
All the world, including the New York
Importers, had due and timely notice. On
assembling last December the lower
house with prompt dispatch commenced
~ prepare . bill. Soon the purpose Of
congress and the nature OF the bill they
wsrs likely to pass became apparent.
There vas to Be an honest effort to increase
the protection Of American industries and
labor.
Then atonoe these importers busted them
selves 70 thwart that purpose to the utmost
4 their ability. To that programme they
have ever since adhered with steadfast per-
sistence. To this end they have exhausted
their capital and strained their credit. To
the extent Of their ability, their capital and
pose to nullify the contemplated law, and
TO deprive Of its benefits. Is long Is posi-
BILE. those whom il was intended to pro-
tect
They did this with their eyes open. They
did it knowing that the bill was pending,
expecting It would pass. and because they
expected 1t to pass. They did it for the
purpose, by reason Of their large capital
and credit. to profit BY the passage Of the
bill. at the expense of importers less fav-
ored Of fortune and at the expense of home
manufacturers and their employees.
That they had right to do oil this is not
disputed. 1t was, according to prevailing
business principles, . legitimate use of cap
tel and credit II they were able TO carry it
through. In attempting it they have paid
NO respect to the decision at the balIot-box
or the duty of congress. They have had
no compunction about the injury these ex-
eessivs importations would infiict upon
home manufacturers and their employees.
q they can maintain their position, how
nent can say them nay.
But it il quite a different thing If their
selfish and remorseless greed has impelied
them to attempt in this direction more
than they can accomplish. 1t is quite q
Different thing when. having ventured be-
yond their depth. they ask the government
- assist them in concentrating to its full
ct extent their scheme of virtual rullifca-
zion. They have no right to ask assistance
from the government in their attempt TO
tAwaSt . law which was demanded by and
promised to the people two years ago.
Theirs has been an audacious scheme to
deprive great masses of the American peo.
pie Of benefits intended to be conferred
upon them BY law. They have no right to
ok the government to become a party to
that scheme by any postponement for their
SAKE OF the benefits which that law will
confer. II they cannot raise the money to
take their excessive importations ont of
bond, let them remain in bond and nav
the same duties as will be paid by less ven.
turesome. less speculative and less law
dsfying members OF their guild. All of
which is emphasized by their attempt to
saddle upon the tariff bill the responsible.
ity for the consequences of their reckless
attempt to thwart its provisions and pre-
vent . realization OF its benefits.