New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-07-08
THE WoRK OF THE NEW TARIFF

Mr.. Mckinley expresses the opinion that the
new tariff will Justify itself lie rs only so far
wrong as thIs---it may with much truth be sad
that the new tariff has already Justified itself
Il has increased the duties on comparatively few
articles, so that it is not difficult to decide what
its effects have been. The advanced duties
were mainly on wool and woollen goods, Oh
linen goods after certain years, on tin plates
after July l. on plate glass and few forms OF
iron and steel which have been largely import
ed For the present purpose it Is not necessary
to consider the minor changes Of duty, nor to
dwell upon the fact that large number OF re-
auctions of duty were made, resulting in direct
advantage to consumers. 1t must first be adj
mtted that the advanced duties have thus far
caused no change in prices to consumers in this
country Neither wooen goods, linen goods,
tin plate or products thereof or other articles
affected by the new tariff, are found to hive
advanced in price to consumers. Nevertheless,
each of these changes has in fact done much
to increase and enlarge home industries. Each
one of them has already brought about the
establishment of some additional works, and the
employment of additional American labor in
producing articles heretofore imported from
other countries.
The case of woollen goods may be taken as
an example. 1t is declared by many who are
in the best position to know the facts that the
orders placed in foreign countries for wO0llen
goods heretofore imported are this season July
so pgr cent less than in previous years. This
is only an estimate, it is true, and it may be
IN some extent erroneous But if only pOr-
tion of the $50 900 600 worth of wOollen goods
which have been imported year after year can
now be made in this country, by the labor OF
American working men and women, with larger
employment for the American capital invested
in woollen manufactures, this at least is
definite and great benefit to the industries OF
this country. Facts already published show
that the cost of the woollen goods consumed by
the great majority of the people is not greater
to consumers to-day than it was one year OF
two years ago, and the fact IS well known IN
the trade that fre manufacturers have not been
able and do not now expect to Obtain higher
prices for their goods. AT no additional c0Sc
70 the people therefore, a considerable stimulus
has been given to an important industry, works
formerly idle have been brought into full opera
ton, and profitable employment given TO thou
sands of hands. Why should any American
citizen object to such change as this?
Major Mckinley states that several new
works have gone into operation for the pro
ducton Of tin plates. He says with truth that
the Democratic organs have labored with zeal
that is not reputable to prevent the establish
ment of this industry, but they have not been
able. and will not be able for works OF large
capacity are already in operation or are rapidly
approaching completion. Beyond doubt the
development of this industry has been greatly
retarded, though not prevented, by the clamOr
of parisans for repeal of the new duties, and
by the results Of elections last fall which
seemed to many to indicate that in essential
features the tariff would be changed within the
next year. But in spite of this hindlance the
new works 90 forward and a considerable part
of the tin plates required in this country will
before long be produced here At the same
time dispatches give details of shipments of
tin from mines in California, and the fact is
stated that the latest consignment goes to tho
tin-plate works in st. Louis. 1t is gratifying
fact that the country is not to be dependent as
to any part of the material or process upon
foreign industries, for though no tin has hitherto
been produced in this country in considerable
quantities, and it is possible to manufacture tin
plates, exactly as the works in Great Britain
DO, by using the tin imported from the Straits,
yet it will lie an important advantage to Amcr,
can works if they are able to obtain supplies
from mines in this country. In any event, new
works have gone into operation employing many
hundred hands, and there Is every reason 10
expect that still larger employment Of Amer
can labor viii soon result from this one Clause
Of the new tariff.
Without referring In detail to other results
Of this enactment, it is safe TO say that it ha9
already justified itself 1t has increased the de-
mand for American labor, added to the produc-
ton of wealth IN this country lesSened the de-
pendence Of the United States upon other ma
TONS and meanwhile has thus far added moth
ing to the cost OF produces to consumers.