The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-05-18
THE TARIFF ISSUE.

THE TARIFF ISSUE.
Republicans United on This Important
Question.
The entire harmony Of Republican
conventions in different states, IN their
declaration Of the principles and pur-
poses Of the party, cannot escape atten-
ton. The party speaks without hesita-
ton or reserve, indorsing most heartily
the present administration, approving
its course toward foreign powers and
particularly applauding its reciprocity
treaties. But it is on the tariff question
that the formal declarations of the party
have gained most in distinctness and
cordial agreement.
Not q single Republican convention
prove the Mckinley tariff. Until the
tariff Of 1890 had been formulated and
passed there was not little difference
in the expression of Republicans Of diff
ferent states regarding the modification
Of tariff desired. All approved the pro-
tective policy in general and called for
its maintenance by tariff better ad-
IubVcu duu IftOIO AICC iIOil CAiOAo eAAnh
the act of 1883. but at some points most
stress was placed upon the better de-
Tense of American industries, and at
other points upon the reduction of du-
ties in the interest of consumers. These
differences of expression gave handle to
free traders, who constantly interpreted
utterances of the latter type as in har-
mony with their theories. They scorn-
fully refused to believe, when they were
told with truth, that the whole farming
population of the west cared more for
the removal of the duty on sugar than
for any other change Of duty whatever.
The Mckinley tariff reduced duties
and at the same time strengthened the
defenses of industry. It made the peo-
pie present of 10000, 900 by removing
the duty from sugar, and at the same
time caused the establishment of mul-
titude Of new works in all parts of the
country. 1t lowered many duties and
took off many, but it also raised some
and made them strong for protection.
Judging from the action of Republican
conventions thus far, this seems TO have
been exactly what Republicans desired.
In all quarters the act is recognized as q
great step forward, which has already
done much good and promises to do
much more, without adding burdens to
consumers. but actually removing many.
No one pretends that the act is sacred,
untouchable or faultless, but it is be-
lieved that no Republican convention
has failed to approve the act as whole,
to commend its principles and workings,
and TO insist that any modification that
may hereafter be found desirable should
be made by friends and not by foes of
the protective system. In short, there
appears to be more Of complete accord
among Republicans of all parts of the
country on this question than was ever
attained prior to the enactment of 1890.
Doubtless this is in part because cir
cumstances in other countries as well
as i'm this country have combined TO
prevent any enhancement Of retail prices
through more effective protection. Many
kinds of goods were produced abroad at
a great profit. The demand being sud-
denly restricted, the profits have been
cut down. and the goods are offered
here as cheaply as before. Other goods
largely imported two years ago have al
ready been completely driven out of the
American market by home products
that are better and not dcarer.
Others have been mach chcapenod for
a time 10y the prostration Of industries
abroad and the decline inpriccs Of many
materials. but when foreign makers have
70 DAY more. for psserials sn6 txy 10