Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1892-02-19
when the Tariff is u Tax.



pnigm.
ENtract from col Albert Clarke, addr,,, he
fore the Republican League Convention
"Thc tariff is a tan" is it? That talk is
very old and very cheap. Hon. Bolln G.
Mallory of Vermont met it in Congress
as long ago as 1928 and answered il in a
speech which Henry Clay said was zone Of
the abest ever delivered on the subject of
the tariff Mr.. Mallory mentioned several
articles-as we can many more today-the
prices OF which have been reduced by do
nestle competition to about a level with the
duty, and in conclusion he said, ~ will
mention but one article more. | mean
cheese The duty is nine cents per pound
the average value in the market not over
seven cents. If duties on the foreign article
are a taN on the consumer, he is in equity
and good conscience entitled to two cents
for every pound he eats.
/ will tell you when the tariff is tax.
1t is when we depend wholly or chiefly on
the foreigner for a dutable article The
duty on sugar was tax before the Mckin-
ley bill removed it, and the duty on tin
plate is tax and will be until our home
production, now just begun, advances far
enough to either supply the demand or to
compel the foreigner to pay the duty in
order to sell in our market. That period is
near at hand, for the latest returns show
that our works are now producing about
10000 boxes a week and that the produc-
tiOn is rapidly increasing. Moreover. it
often happens when we are dependent upon
foreign supply that the tariff is worse than
a tax, for we have no means of defence
against eXactons in price.
Vermont, though less engaged in manu-
featuring than any other Eastern state.
has, owing to the broad natiOnalism Of
its people, ever been a foremost friend of
protection, and the state enjoys the proud
distinction of having furnished three of its
greatest promoters - ROlln C.. Mallory,
Thaddeus Stevens and Justin 5. Morrill, 1t
was the tariff which bore the name and the
handiwork of Mr.. Morrill, that enabled us
to successfully wage the war for the Union;
that restored the credit of the government
and made it the highest in the world, and
that furnished the opportunity for that
marvellous prosperity which surpassed in 30
years the entire previous savings of the peo-
pie. In the preparation of the new tariff,
though Mr.. Morrill, resigned the labOring
oar to a younger man. the intelligent indus
trious and upright Senator Aldrich of Rhode
Island. yet his ripe wisdom was frequently
appealed TO. and not few of his suggestions
are embodied in the law. Happy is your
state-I hope | may still be allowed to say
our state-in thus being identified with the
great policy and the greatest measures of
our national growth and glory, and | have
no fear that you will not continue to Justify
the proud distinction.
Other questions of great moment are like
ly to enter into the coming campaign. but
time admoniShes that | should forbear to
discuss them here. We all have the most
unbounded confidence that whatever mis-
chief may be done by Congress will reach
high water mark at the door of the White
House. The history of our government fur
nishes no example of an ADLER more patri-
otc more dignifed and prudent, and yet
more efficient and progressive administra-
ton than that of President Harrison. The
President himself has been its actual as
well as its official head, and not only in his
executive functions but i'm his appearances
before the people. he has displayed quail
tiles of head and heart that have caused
him TO grow in universal estimation. The
advisers whom he has called about him,
from the preGminent Mr.. Blaine, to whose
place in history the presidency itself would
not add so much as the fact that he has
twice declined it when it was practically
Nilllll his ltdCil. All dlOllS NON IL lllt lllt VI
able statesmen, of whom Vermont strong
and worthy son, Secretary and now Sena-
tor Proctor, is a peer and fitting type. have
brought to the discharge of their respective
duties such character and ability as to COM
mand the confidence of the people and
keep the departments of the government
abreast with the progress of our magniti-
cent country. Should the standard Of our
party again be placed in Mr.. lIarrson's
hands, he will bear it untarnishcd to an
assured victory and many even who will
oppose him will experience relief in his
success.
To the front, then, NermOnterS, which is
your accustomed place In proportion TO
your character and in disprOportiOn to your
numbers, your loyalty and zeal are an in
spiration near and far; | know that YOU
will halt not SO long as single danger
menaces the public veal, and know that
all who follow you, though mayhap with
tagging pace, will sooner or later reach the
goal where centres our countryS and hui
manity's best and highest good