New-York tribune., 1891-02-18

THE NEW TARIFF AND PUBLIC OPINION
What do the people think now of the new
tariff? The question is frequently asked, and
in answer it can be said with ample eVluehce
that a decided change in favor OF the measure
is in progress There came soon after the elec-
ton a strong reaction of feeling when IL WIS
discovered how men had been deceived by Dem
ocratic uDtruths about the rise in prices. linen
came \ more sober consideration of results. ana
if was seen that as yet the new tariff had not
affected retail prices at all; that while some
articles were higher and others lower, the
changes were only of such character as
would naturally occur near the close or an!
other wear when there had been no change OF
duty, if some crops had partially failed. Next
appearcd a multitude OF new manufacturing
establishments. brought into being by the new
tariff. and Of Cd establishments which have
been forced to lie idle and unproductive for
wears. to which the new tariff has given life
and activity. The measure thus gave work ana
wages directly to thousands OF persons ana
thev. their friends and associates began to
realize some of its benefits. soon dealers VINO
supplied the wants of these thousands began to
sec that wages for these people meant BETTER
;rade for them Thus multtudeS have already
learned that, while adding nothing 10 the bur
denS of American consumers, the new tariil mas
already brought substantial benefits to many
of them.
But this process Of education is only just be-
ginning. II will 90 on every year with ac-
cumulating force as Improvement III trade ana
industry is more distinctly realized TO this
education Republican newspapers in all parts OF
the country can contribute greatly by taking
the trouble to compare local prices before and
since the passage of the act, and by looking out
for and publishing the instances of industrial
improvement ana progress de to its operations
Every such fact close at home, where men OF
all parties can see it and feel its effect, is
powerful educator, provided care is taken 10 call
public attention t. it. Yet the new tariff has
not thus lar gone into effect, The greateS'
change made by it will be felt for the first time
few weeks hence, when the duty on imported
sugar comes of. As yet the price has not
changed much Raw fair refining sugar though
a little lower than i. was in October costs eX-
acty what it did August 30 before the bill
passed, while centrifugal costs shade more
and granuated and other refined sugar a shade
less The margin for refining and rctincrs
profits between centrifugal and graduated was
then fivc-eighths Of cent per pound and Is
now but three ghthS OF cent, which is not
much above the cost OF refining. But when the
raw sugar can be brought into this country fer
less than cents for average grades, and 80
cents for centrifugal in any desired quantity,
the same rcEncrs' charge would make the re-
fined sugar from . Ia to 3 cents per pound
cheaper than it is now As the consumption
averages more than $50 pounds for each family
throughout the country the benefits realized by
consumers will be something very definite and
appreciable.
1t is imagined by some that a combination oi
refinerS can keep up the price of refined sugar
at pleasure, and force consumers to pay what
they please But it is enough to say that many
tons of refined sugar from Germany have al
ready been shipped for sale in this country after
the new act takes effect. in the belief that then
the foreign rciners can compete successfully
with the American. The duty on refined will
he so small that. after paving that duty and the
foreign cost Of refining, the refined sugar can be
imported and sold here at not much over 3 -
cents per pound for the cheaper grades. The
average cost of imported beet sugar in Dcccm
ber was 2.S7 cents abroad, and OF imported cane
sugar 25S cents. The combination Of rcfincrS
will be compelled to let the people enjoy the
benefits of this great change, and il is one which
will he felt in every family. Then people will
for the first time realize the full effects Of the
Republican act Great reduction of taxes. no
addition TO burdens of consumers larger demand
for tmpicon lahor