The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1892-09-27

Tariff legislation presents a familiar
form of federal taxation. Such legisia
ton results as surely in a tax upon the
daily life of our people as the tribute
paid directly into the hand Of the tax
gatherer. We feel the burden of these
tariff taxes too palpubly to be persuaded
by any sophistry that they do not exist,
or are paid by foreigners.
such taxes, representing a diminution
of the property rights of the people, are
only iustiliable when laid and collected
for the purpose of maintaining our gov
ernment, and furnishing the means for
the accomplishment of its legitimate
purposes and functions. This is taxation
under the operation Of tariff for reve-
nue.. 1t accords with the professions of
American free institutions, and its JUS
lice and honesty answer the test supplied
by a correct appreciation of the princi-
pies upon which these institutions
rest.
This theory of tariff legislation mani
testify enjoins strict economy in public
expenditures and their limitation to
legitimate public uses, inasmuch as it
exhibits as absolute extortion any exac-
tion, by way of taxation, from the sub
stance OF the people, beyond the necessi-
ties Of a careful and proper administra-
tion of government
Opposed to this theory the dogma is
now boldly presented, that tariff taxation
is justifable for the express purpose and
intent of thereby promoting especial in
terests and enterprises. Such a PROPOSE
| tion is so clearly contrary to the spirit of
our constitution and so directly encour-
ages the disturbance by selfishness and
| greed of patriotic sentiment, that its
statement would rudely shock our people,
| if they had not already been insidiously
allured from the safe landmarks of prin-
ciple Never have honest desire for ma
tional growth, patriotic devotion to coun-
try, and sincere regard for those who toll,
been 50 betrayed to the support of per
nicious doctrine. In its behalf, the plea
that ourinfant industries should be fos
tered, did service until discredited by oul
stalwart growth; then followed the eX
! igencies of terrible war which made oul
people needless Of the opportunities fol
ulterior schemes afforded by their willing
and patriotic payment of Unprecedented
trlbutei and now, after a long period o
peace, when our oYerburdeued country
mon ask for relief and restoration to
fuller enjoyment of their incomes anC
earnings, they are met by the claim tina
tariff taxation for the sake of protection
is an American system, the continuance
Of which is necessary in order that higl
wages may be paid to our workingmel
and home market be provided Tor GU
farm products.
These pretences should no longer de
ceive. The truth is that such a system
IL directly autagonized by every sentimen
oil justice and fairness OF which Ameri
cans are pre- emInently proud It is ais
true tina while our wOrkinPmen AN
farmers can, the least of all our people
defend themselves against the harde
home life which such tariff taxation de
crees, the workingman suffering from tn
importation aud employment of paupe
labor nstigated by his professed friends
aud seeking security for his interests i
organized cooperation, still waits for
division of the advantages secured to hi
! emf loyer under cover of generous solic
tuda for his wages, while the farmer
learning that the prices of his product
are fixed in foreign markets, whore b
suAers from competition invited an
built up by the system he is asked
support
ahe struggle for unearned adyantag
al the doors of the government trample
on the rights OF those who patiently rel
upon assurances of American equalit!
Every governmental concession to elamo
ou1 fayortes invites corruption in polit
calnfiAirs by encouraging the expend
tuds of money TO debauch suffrage
support of a policy directly favorable I
private and selfish gain. This In the en-
must strangle patriotism and weakt