Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1890-12-09
THE M'KINLEY TARIFF ACT.
Fair Trial Demanded-Poiicy OF Pro-
lection Strongly Upheld.


The apprehension that our tariff may again
and at once he subjected to important general
changes would undoubtedly add a depressing
influence of the most serious character. The
gene tariff act has only partially gone into
oper u, some of its important provisions be-
ing limited to take effect at dates yet in the fu-
ture, the general provisions of the law having
been in force less than sixty days. Its perma-
nent effect upon trade and prices still largely
stands in conjecture.
ERRONEOUS CONCLUSIONS.
1t is curious to note that the advance in
prices of articles wholly unaffected By the tariff
act was by many hastily ascribed to that act
Notice was not taken of the fact that the gen.
eral tendency Of the markets are upward from
influences wholly apart from the recent tariff
legislation. The enlargement of our currency
by the silver bill gave an upward tendency to
trade and had marked effect on prices, but
this effect Of silver legislation was by many
enormously attributed to the tariff act
FAIR TRIAL DEMANDED.
There is neither wisdom nor Justice in the
suggestion that the subject of tariff revision
shall be opened before this law has had fair
tnaL 1t IS quite as true every tariff schedule is
subject to objections No bill was ever framed,
l suppose, that in all its rates and classified.
tons had the full approval even Of party
caucus. Such legislation is always and neces-
snly the product Of compromise as to its de-
tails, and the present law is no execution. but
In Its general scope and effect it will Justify the
support OF those who believe that American
legislation should conserve and defend Amer.
can trade and the wages Of American workmen.
he transformation as to the terms of the act
which has been disseminated at home will he
corrected by experience, and the evil auguries
as 70 It's results COMPOUNDED by the market re-
port, the savings bank, international trade bal.
ances and the general prosperity of our people
Already we begin to hear from abroad. and
nom our custom houses that the prohibitory
effect upon importations imputed to the act Is
not justified. The imports at the port Of New
York for the first three weeks of November
were s per cent. greater than for the same
PERIOD IN 1880, and 10 per cent greater than
the same period Of 1888; and so far from being
an act to limit export, confidently believe thai
under 1t We shall secure larger and more profit.
able participation in foreign trade than we have
ever enjoyed, and that we shall recover a pro
por'lonate participation in the ocean. CARVING
trade Of the world.
FOREIGN CRITICISMS INJECTED
Criticisms Of the bill that have come to Il,
rom foreign sources may well be rejected fo
repugnancy, II these critics really believe tina
the adoption by us of free-trade policy or o
tantt rates having reference solely to revenu,
would diminish the participation of their owl
countries IN the commerce Of the world thei
advocacy, and the promotion by speech an,
other forms of organized effort Of this move
ment among our people, is rare exhibition G
unSelhShneSs in trade. And, on the other hand
II they sincerely believe that the adoption of
protective tariff policy by this country will in
sure to their profit and our hurt, it is noticeabl
strange that they should lead the outcry agains
the authors of policy so hopeful TO thei
countpmen, and crown with their favor thos
who would snatch from them substanti.
share OF trade with other lands. already made
quate TO their necessities
, PROTECTION IS IMPERATIVE.
There is no disposition among any Of OF
, people to promote prohibitory or retaliatory les
= isaslo1 Our policies are adopted no. 10 ~