The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1890-03-21
The Surplus Disappearing.

The prospect of the passage Of the Republic
can tariff bill by Congress is not very encour-
ing. Besides the general disinclina-
ton of those who have been favored by
the unjust tariff laws at the expense of
everybody else to yield any portion of their
enormous profits, the extravagant appropria-
tions already made or to be made by the
Republicans. will not only sweep away the
surplus but leave deficiency, which will
have to be provided for, by issuing more
bonds or increasing tariff duties. If the pen
sion bills now before Congress become laws
they will add hundreds Of millions of dol
lars year to the government expenditures.
Under Speaker Reads rulings the Demo-
Gratis in Congress are powerless to stay the
food of extravaganza by dilatory motions
The Republicans have complete control and
the people will hold them responsible for the
waste of the public money, much of which
has been wrung from the Woodworking farm
ers and workmen, in oppressive taxes on the
necessaries of life.
The condition of things is one which inter-
cts and affects Republicans as well as Demo
Gratis and the question is pertinent, how long
will the people stand it? The Republicans
In Congress have gone so far that they cannot
recede, and the warning voice Of the people
all over the country has reached their ears
too late. They foresee breakers ahead and
are therefore resorting to the most daring
and dangerous methods for the purpose OF
sitting the voice of the people in the next
elections, to perpetuate their power. Several
bills are before Congress the real objects of
which are to enable the Republicans, espe-
cially in the South. to control elections by
means of federal officials and override the
wishes of the people.
While the country ID IN this dangerous
condition President Harrison remains serene.
If he appreciates the danger he eithers cares
not or knows not what advice to give. How
different Is his course from that of President
Cleveland. The latter risked and lost his re-
election by pointing out the danger of an &C
cumulating surplus and by recommending an
equitable distribution of the tariff taxes.
Federal interference in elections in the
States can not fail to lead to scenes of disor-
der and violence, and If the Republicans in
Congress are wise they will not attempt to
pass or enforce such laws. ,
In criticizing the new Republican tariff
bill the Baltimore Sun says:
The reductions on tobacco and sugar are
accompanied by an increase Of tax on earth
enware, glassware, aluminium, chemicals, cut
lery, screws and other manufactures of iron
and steel, tin-plate, zinc, cigars, fish, fruits,
figs, oranges, lemons, wool and woolens, car
pets, tobacco and agricultural products gen.
orally. The list of reductions includes GER,
tain manufactures of iron and steel, upon
which the duties were sbsurdly high, copper,
nickel, lumber, sugar, manufactures of leath-
er and gun barrels. Upon coal, pig-iron,
statuary and paintings the duty remains un-
changed. Upon diamonds and pearls the
duty is 40 per cent, which is much below the
average duty on the necessaries of life. The
amount by which the trainers of the bill es-
innate that it will reduce revenue is $50, 00O,-
900. This, we think, is an excessive esti-
mate. Like the increase of tax on imported
hen eggs, hops, hides and hay,i it is intended
for the consumption of farmers during the
fall congressional elections. At the present
gait of the majority in Congress there will be
no surplus to reduce, but, on the contrary,
deficit.