New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-03-21
THE NEW TARIFF.

No act is likely to be passed by Congress
which will directly affect the we-belng OF SO
great number of citizens as will be affected
by the new Tariff bill. The full text OF the
bill. as prepared by the Republican members
Of the House Committee on Ways and Means, is
therefore printed to-day, that the public may
Judge of its nature and individuals in various
occupations may consider its bearing upon their
interests. In comments upon decisions reached
in committee from time to time, many OF Its
features have been considered. but tho Dill III
complete form can now be examined.
The object of this measure is to afford fuller
and surer employment for American labor. III
is not bill framed upon the theory that the
laborer of this country ought to live no better
enjoy no more comforts, and receive no higher
wages. than the laborers of other countries
which offer their products in competition with
his 1t is therefore not expected to suit McsSrs.
Cleveland and Mills, the so-callcd Tariff Re
formers. or the Free Traders. 1t does not rest
upon the notion that progress toward cvliHa-
ton consists in cutting down expenses, ana
getting everything as cheap as possible. Its
ruling idea is that American labor ought to be
fully employed, and at good wages, and that
imported in great quantity which they can pro-
duce. it is a wise thing to set those lahorerS at
work producing in this country the goods thus
imported Wherever an industry has been de-
pressed. and part of its workers thrown ont OF
employment, by excessive foreign competition,
it is the aim of this bill to give those workers
a fair chance to earn living. English free
trade sends them to the poorhouse. American
protection sends them to the workshops.
In the light of this deliberate purpose, which
was that of the millions whose votes elected
President Harrison and the Republican ma
joriy in Congress, the bill printed to-day Will
be found consistent intelligent and courageous
1t frankly proposes higher duties on foreign
importations where it has been made clear that
American labor has been thrown out Of work
bv reason of such mportations. 1t strengthens
the defence of American labor in wool growing
and in agriculture, in wool manufacturing and
in branches of the iron manufacture, in the
production of some chemicals some forms OF
earthen and glass ware, and the manufacture
of fax. At the same time, 1t VIII be seen that
the bill reduces the duties on "A great number
of articles. in some cases because 1t Is found
that the existing protection is more than adc-
ouatc. in some because the prospect OF develop
ing a home industry is not clear, and III some
because combinations Of producers to deprive
American labor and American consumers OF the
benefits of protection have deprived them OF
the right to further defence.
In the aggregate it is estimated this bill
will cut off sixty millions Of revenue. or about
a dollar for every inhabitant. If reduction OF
duties were the only or the chief thing to be
sought. this would be a strong recommended
ton. But it is far more important, in the
estimation Of intelligent advocates OF the pro-
tectiye policy, that the measure offers to sup
ply ample and well-paid employment to many
thousand Americans, in the production OF i'm
portant articles which are now wholly or large
~ imported.