The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-09-06
ON WITH TARIFF REFORM.


1t is decidedly encouraging to note that
the public demand for speedy action on
the tariff is almost as unanimous as for
the repeal OF the Sherman law. 1t comes
from republicans as we'll as from demo-
Gratis. There is a general recognition Of
the fact that the policy Of the country on
this question was decided by the election
of 1892. and that 1t is best for everybody
that the new system should be put into
operation as speedily as can properly be
done. One OF the most notable events
In this connection is the recent action
OF the Manufacturers club of Philadel-
phia, which has long been a special
stronghold Of protectionism. II was an
nounced a few days ago that this organ
ization, over the remonstrance Of its
president. Mr. Dolan. and several other
members, had adopted resolutions deny
ing that the present stringency was due
to financial disorders, and advocating no
interference with the tariff. This report
is now contradicted. 1t is said that such
resolutions were introduced and dis
cussed. but indefinitely postponed. Mr..
William Woods. vice-president of the
club, indorses the position of President
Dolan and says:
The fear Of tariff legislation did not
cause the present condition Of stoppage
among the textile mills. but the silver
scare" and the monetary fright
through a shrinkage Of certain classes OF
collaterals. have caused a closing up OF
bank accommodations. a distrust,
boarding Of money, and the natural con-
sequences, a non-payment OF maturing
accounts, a countermanding Of orders
which had already been placed for future
delivery; all of which necessitated a
curtailment Of production and a stop
page of factories.
This is a very clear and very sensible
statement, which we believe will be in
dorsed by the great majority of the bust
ness men Of the country. Everyone
knows that the first manifestations of
this trouble were with the banks, and
not with the factories. and the bank
disasters were precipitated by the with
drawal of gold from the national treas
ury, and the fear that the government
might not be able to maintain specie
payments. Mr.. Woods further says:
In the present condition of the in
dustrial interests and the stagnation of
business from the loss of purchasing
power of the masses, the wisest thing
congress can do is first repeal the silver
purchase clause Of the Sherman act, and
then, continuing in its present session,
take up the tariff subject. and. having in
Min fHf. TVHf1rr xr-af oh
loves justice, be guided in it's political
actions by reason and by sentiments Of
patriotism. and as early practicable
furnish that measure Of relief which
would quiet the apprehensions Of capital
and give early employment to the thou
sands who are soon to suffer through the
enforced stOppage of our varied in
dustries.
Although he puts the statement in the
language of a protectionist, he ac-
knowledges that the passage of a tariff
reform law will give early employment
to the thousands who will soon be suffer
ing from the stoppage Of mills caused by
the financial stringency. We believe that
this too will meet the general approval
OF business men. The country is in the
condition of a man who has had a sudden
and violent attack of illness. 1t is past
the danger point, but It is weak. II
needs a tonic. That tonic is a tariff for
revenue law. II needs a tonic that will
first act as a purge. relieving the system
Of the protection poison that has per-
meated 1t. Let the medicine be adj
ministered quickly. The majority of the
people are agreed as to what should be
done. There is no necessity for calling
in any more doctors. What the patient
needs is medicine. not advice. The
doctors in charge will not change their
opinions after consulting with others.
They will give the same medicine any,
way. Why delay it? Why let the
patient suffer? Give us the medicine and
let it prove for itself whether or not It
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