Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1890-12-04
The Mckinley Tariff Bill,

The apprehension that our tariff may again
and at once be subject to important general
changes would undoubtedly add a depress-
ing influence of the most serious character.
The general tariff act has only partially
gone into operation, some of its important
provisions being limited to take effect at
future dates. The general provisions of the
law have been in force less than sixty days.
Its permanent effect on trade and prices still
largely stand in conjecture. 1t is curious to
note that the advance in prices of articles
wholly unaffected by the act was by many
hastily ascribed to that act. Notice was not
taken of the fact that the general tendency
of the markets was upward from influences
wholly apart from the late tariff legislation.
The enlargement of our currency by the
silver bill undoubtedly gave an upward ten
dency to trade and had a marked effect on
prices, but this natural effect of the silver
legislation was by many attributed to the
tariff act. There is neither wisdom nor sug-
geston that the subject of tariff revision
shall be opened before this law has had fair
trial. 1t is quite true that every tariff sched-
ule is subject to objections No bill was ever
framed, 1 suppose, that in all of its rates and
classificatons had the full approval even of
a party caucus. Such legislation is always
and necessarily the product of compromise
as to details and the present law is no excep
tion, but in its general scope and effect 1
think it will justify the support of those
who believe that American legislation
should conserve and defend American trade
and the wages of American workmen. The
misinformation as to the terms of the act
which has been so widely disseminated at
home and abroad will be corrected by ex-
perience, and the evil auguries as to its re-
suits confounded by the market reports,
the savings banks, international trade bal
ances and the general prosperity of our peo-
pie. Already we begin to hear from abroad
and from our custom houses that the prOhib
the act is not justified. The inn
ports at the port of New York
for the first three weeks of November were
nearly s per cent. greater than for the same
period in 1889 and % per cent. greater than in
the same period of 1888, and so far from be-
ing an act to limit exports 1 confidently be-
lieve that under it we shall secure larger
and more profitable participation in foreign
trade than we have ever enjoyed and that we
shall receive a proportionate participation
in the ocean carrying trade of the world.
The criticisms of the bill that have come to
Us from foreign sources may well be rejected
for repugnancy. If these critics really be-
lieve that the adoption by US of free trade
policy or of tariff rates having reference
solely to revenue would diminish the partic-
ipation of their own countries in the COM
merce of the world their advocacy and pro-
motion by speech and other forms OF organ
lied effort of this movement among our peo-
pie is an exhibition of unselfishness in trade.
And on the other hand if they believe the
adoption of protective policy by this coun-
try inures to their profit It is noticeably
strange that they should lead the outcry
against the authors of policy so helpful to
them and crown with their favor those who
would snatch from them a substantial share
of trade with other lands already made
quate to their necessities.
There is no disposition among any of our
people TO promote prohibitory or retaIiatoTy
legislation. Our policies are adopted not to
the hurt of others, but to secure for ourselves
those advantages that fairly grow out of our
favored position as u Nation. Our form of
Government which is incident of universal
suffrage, makes it imperative that we should
save our working people from the asitations
and distresses which scant work and wages
that have no margin for comfort always be-
get but after all this is done il Will be found
that our markets are open to friendly com
merciaI exchange of enormous value to the
other great powers. From the time
of my induction into office the duty
of using every power and influence
given by the law to the Executive Depart
ment for the development of larger markets
for our products, especially our farm pro-
ducts. has been kept constantly in mind and
no effort las been made or will be spared to
promote thai end We are under no disad-
vantage in any foreign markes except that
We pay our Eorkmen and workwomen better