New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-07-28
rOyG UELAy or THE TARIFF.


The last wccl; has not been entirely wasted in
Congress- though the speeches of Democratic
Senators on the tariff have not conveyed in
styuction to the public mind. They have at
least afforded occasion for correction OF er-
rors By advocates Of protection, which VIII! be
of some public service Free debate has that
merit: however 2udaciOuS the miSstate'neht, rs
uttcIancc and correction may at least clear
error nom the minds OF many But the senate
has almost reached August, and the session
cannot las, much longer. The importatonS OF
foreign merchandise in July may probably have
exceeded ISL. OOO.00 in value, and every
month of delay adds enormously to the OBJ
staclcS which home industry has u overcome
before il can enjoy that assured maxi which
Yields the best returns t. labor. IT Is in this
aspect that manifestations OF public imratience
are natural For there have been earnest APP
peals 70 Congress for some changes in the tanll
ever since the act of 1888 was passed II was
felt bv wool growers, and by manufacturers III
some branches that the act would not AIDE
auatc!y protect their industries. These apprc-
tensions have been justified by painful eN-
periencc which has now lasted more than seven
vca,s. Other changes III The tariff were found
the act was passed, either because OF rcyo!u-
tons in methods or because Of mistakes III the
act itself. Others still have been made ncceS-
sary by interpretations given to the existing
law by the courts. under which consequences
that Congress unquoSti0nably intended t. AVOID
boye resulted. The need Of change has con
tinupd for Years and has been constantly IN
crea>ing. 10 the industrial world 1t Is not
new thought that revision OF tdrii Is essential
70 prosperity, but has been carefully weighed
and investigated in the light of large cx-
pcrience.
When the Presidential campaign Of 1888 be-
gan. the dcsilo for important reform found
strong expression in the choice OF delegates, III
-he platforms adopted in yaious States, and
finally in the selection OF a candidate. Then
the great debate covered The whole ground,
and lasted from June 10 November and when
tie people finally gave their verdict for pro
lection. and elected a Congress decidedly com
mtted Ia that polio in both branches, they had
4 right to suppose that the subject would not
have to be discussed all over again as il 1t had
never been mentioned, but that a Eopunhcan
Congress would he ready u execute the de
claled will of the voters. The delay from the
November of 1883 until tn December OF the
following year was unavoidable, and yet was
none the less trying 10 depressed and waiting
industries The delay for months Ill the House
was necessary, in order 70 frame bill which
would meet the needs OF industry and obtain Il
majority in closely divided House.
II further delay is FOR the same reason I'M
avoidable in the Senate. waiting Industries
must have patience. But thousands who are
unemployed to-day, because foreign impo''''-
tons have been too large find it hard % under
stand how the talk in the Senate promotes
action or why there should be talking on the
main question which the people decided OF why
the rules may not lmi, d, bate. The Senate
has already acted on a MEASURE IN most points
identical with tlc ono pending. The public
considers that discussion might well be confined
10 the points in which the measure now differs
from the one passed last year. There Is no
good reason for supposnG that the Republican
majority will not favor the same general sys-
ten Of protective duties which ii then favored.
The changes a. TO agricultural products gen
orally az - wool and is 10 tin plates are sup
posed 10 meet the approval Of the majority.
! The sugar duties. which concern thc revenue
rather than the protective side OF the bill, can
surely be settled in harmony with Republican
principles when the shape Of the measure In
other respects has been finally determined by
the senate. The public docs not wish neglect.
But it feels that il has some right to urge
action without unnecessary delay.