The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-05-15
BUTTERWORTUO on THE TARIFF

At this time. when the Republican mem
bers of Congress are so strongly disposed TO
sink all private differences of opinion, and
obey the general orders Of the party leaders,
however repugnant to their individual
wishes and feelings. ii i both surprising
and refreshing to come upon such repre-
sentative as General ButterwOith, Of OHIO,
who is as distinguished for his candor and
boldness rs for his ability and political eX-
perience. In the tariff discussion that took
place in the House on Tuesday, he did not
hesitate to assert, while severely criticising
the details of the Mckinley bill, that he dis
approved of the Republican determination
TO press the protective principle to the
furthest limit. If there was any danger 70
the protective system, he declared, it was
in its oscillation between the extreme OF
free trade, on the one hand and, on the other.
the extreme which created inequalities
among Americans themselves. Such UNI
CAPABILITIES were essentially unjust, and a.
such unworthy of American institutions.
The Ohio Congressman pointed out in the
most foreible way that the schedules of the
Mckinley bill had been drawn in accord
ance with the suggestions of men who
would derive a special benefit from the in
creased duties imposed, and who were bent
exclusively upon advancing their own in
terests, however directly these interests
might conflict with the interests of the peO-
pie at large. Well might the distinguished
Congressman ask, "Why was Paul favored
and Peter turned DOWN. Why increase the
profits Of certain classes: There Were CAPT
talis,s whose profits mad exceeded those of all
the agriculturists in any State Of the Union.
Protection, Why, the country could in such
eases better afford to keep these men in the
Fifth Avenue hotel, pay their board aud en-
penses. and set them up in the banking
business. lie favored proper protection.
but these men held the world in their
grip"
As an instance Of the gross inequalities
Of the protective system as now in opera
ton, General Butterworih dwelt at length
on the tax imposed ON tin plate under tile
terms Of the Mckinley bill. "A tax that would
have 10 amount To at least $jO,000,0O0 be-
fore the manufacturers OF tin plate in this
country would be- in IA position TO declare IA
dividend. The time has come, he finally eX-
claimed, when some little concern should
be shown TO American homes and Ameri-
can fresides, and this sentiment so hon
orable in the mouth OF a Republl-
can Congressman at this moment,
when the party TO which he belongs
is about TO enact the mos: uncomfortable
legislation on the tariff, will find an echo in
the hearts OF the American people in gen.
eral.
The time has indeed come when the
American people should insist that their
interests shall not be subordinated TO the
interests OF a body Of men who are seeking
In the spirit Of the grossest scliishness TO
advance themselves at any cost. Nothing
was 10 be expected OF the present Republican
majority in Congress. They are but the
willing and ready instruments Of the
grinding monopolsts, and the protests Of
such man as General Butterworth, how
ever distinguished, able and estimable,
will make no impression on their minds.
Their course Of action is determined upon,
and there is no inducement that can cause
them TO depart from il. From all parts Of
he United States the Republican organs
ire urging that the Mckinley bill shall be
passed quickly, and without material modi-
Icatlons, and this demand finds sympa-
bctic response In the breasts Of the Repub-
can Congressman.