The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1893-12-14

appreciation of the condition OF the treasury
IN sympathy with the strained circumstances
OF our fellow citizens The duty OF public
economy is also of immense Importance in
its intimate and necessary relation to the
task now in hand OF providing Tor revenue to
meet government expenses and yet reducing
the peoples burden OF federal taxation.
REFORM OF THE TARIFF.
Alter hard struggle tariff reform is d-
rectly before us. Nothing 30 important
claims our attention and nothing SO clearly
presents itself as both an opportunity and a
duty, an opportunity TO deserve the graft
tude OF our fellow citizens, duty imposed
upon US by our oft-repeate1 professions and
by the emphatic mandate OF the people. Al
ter full discussion our countrylnen have spo-
ken in favor OF this reform and they have
confided the work Of its accomplishment to
the hands OF those who are solemnly pledged
to it. Ii there is anything in the theory OF
representation in public places OF the people
and their desires: ii political officers really
the servants OF the people and il political
promises and professions have any binding
force, our failure to give the relief so long
awaited will be sheer recreancy. Nothing
should intervene to distract our attention or
disturb our effort until this reform is ac-
complished by wise and careful legislation.
While we should staunchly adhere to the
principle that only the necessity OF revenue
iustites the imposition of tariff duties and
other federal taxation, and that they should
be limited by strict economy, we can not close
our eyes to the fact that conditions have
grown up among us which in justice and fair
ness call for discriminating care in the distri-
button OF such duties and taxation as the
emergency OF our government actually de-
mauds.
THE NEcEssARIEs OF LIFE.
Mnnifestly il we are to aid the people di-
rectly through tariff reform one OF its most
obvious features should be reduction in the
present tariff charges on the necessaries of
life. The benefits of such n reduction would
be palpably and substantially seen and felt
by thousands who would be better clothed
and better fed and better sheltered. These
gifts should be the willing beneiactors OF a
government the junction OF which is the pro-
motion OF the welfare OF the people
TO HELP MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
No less closely related to our peoples pros
perity and well being is the removal OF the
restrictions upon the importation of raw ma
terial necessary to our manufacturer. The
world should be open to our national iDgenu-
ity and enterprise. This can not be while
federal legislation through the imposition of
a high tariff forbids to American manufac-
tuners as cheap materials as those used by
the enhancement OF the price of our manu-
featured products resulting from this policy
not only confines the market for these prod
ucts within our own borders, to the direct
disadvantage OF our manufacturers, but also
increases their cost to our citizens.
THE INTERESTS OF LABOR.
The interests OF labor are certainly, though
indirectly, involved in this feature of our
tariff system. The sharp competition and
not vn rfpf la .a.l
supply the united demand for their goods
soon fills the narrow market to which they
are confined. Then follows a suspension OF the
working mills and factories, "a discharge of
employees and distress in the homes of our
workingmen. Even if the often disproved
assertion could he made good that lower
rate of wages would result from free raw ma
terial and low tariff duties, the intelligence
OF workingmen leads them quickly to dis
cover that their steady employment il per-
mitted by free materials, is the most impor-
tant factor in their relation to tariff lcgis-
lation.
THE HOUSE THRIFT BILL.
measure has been prepared by the appro-
pirate committee OF congress cmbodving
tariff reform on the lines herein suggested,
which will be promptly submitted for legisla-
tive action. II is the result OF much patriotic |
and unsellish work, and believe it deals with |
its subject as consistently and thoroughly ms
existing conditions permit. | am satisfied |
that the reduced tariff duties provided for in
the proposed legislation, added TO existing
internal revenue taxation will within the near
future, though perhaps not Immediately |
produce sufficient revenue to meet the needs !
OF the government.
INTERNAL REVENUE TAXATION.
The committee, after full consideration,
and to provide against temporary def |
lcncy which may exist before the business |
)f the country adjusts itself to the new tariff |
have wisely embraced in their plan |
! lew additional internal revenue taxes, in |
,luding small tax upon incomes derived !
rom certain corporations. These new assess
nents are not only absolutely Just and easily |
borne, but they have the further merit OF |
)aing such as can be remitted without unfa-
'orabe business disturbances whenever neces-
'ary, their imposition no longer existing.
LET US HAVE COMMERCIAL LIBERTY.
In my great desire for the success Of this
measure | cannot restrain the suggestion
hat its success can only be attained by
means OF unselish council on the part of the
rlends OF tariff reform and as a result OF
heir Willingness to subordinate personal de-
'ires and ambitions to the general good.
The local interests affected by the proposed
'eform are numerous and so varied that
all insisted upon the legislation embodyiug
oeal interests the reform must inevitably
all
In conclusion, my intense feeling of respon-
utility impels me to invoke for the manifold
interests OF generous and confiding people
he most scrupulOus care and to pledge my
wiling support to every legislative effort for
he advancement of the greatness and pros
lerity OF our beloved country.
GROVER CLEVELAND,
executive Mansion, Washington, d. G., Dec.