The record-union., 1893-12-05

representation in public places of the
people and their desires, if political OIL
GERS are really the servants of the people,
and if political promises and professions
have any binding power, our failure to
give the relief so long awaited will be
sheer recreancy. While we should
stanchly adhere to the principle that only
the necessity OF revenue justities the lm-
position of tariff duties and other Federal
taxation, and that they should be limited
by strict economy, we cannot close our
eyes to the fact that conditions nave
grown up among us which i'll justice ana
fairness call for discriminating care IN
the distribution of such duties and taxa
ton as the emergency oi our Government
actually demand.
DUTIES ON NECESSARIES.
If we are to aid the people directly
through tariff reforms, one of its most
obvious features should be reduction OF
present tariff charges upon the neces-
saries of life. The benefits of such re-
duction would be palpable and substan-
tial, seen and felt by thousands who
would be better fed and better clothed
and better sheltered.
TARIFF ON RAW MATERIAL.
Not less closely related to our peoples
prosperity and well-being is the removal
of restrictions upon the importation of
urerS.
1t is quite obvious that the enhance
ment OF the price of our manufactured
products not only confines the market
for these products within our own bor-
ders, to the direct disadvantage of our
manufacturers, but also increases their
cost to our citizens. The interests of la
bor are certainly, though indirectly, in
volved in this feature OF our tariff sys-
tenn. The sharp competition and active
struggle among our manufacturers TO
supply the limited demand tor their
goods soon fill the narrow market to
which they are confined. Then follows
suspension of working mills and factories,
discharge OF employees and distress IN
the homes of our workingmen.
Even if the often disproved assertion
could be made good that a lower rate OF
wages would result from free raw ma
terials and low tariff duties. the inteli-
gence of our workingmen leads them
quickly TO discover that their steady en-
ployment, ii permitted by free materials,
is the most important factor in their rela-
tion to tariff legislation.
TEE NEW BILL.
A measure has been prepared by the
appropriate congressional committee en-
bodying tariff reform on the lines herein
suggested, which will be promptly sub
suit of much patriotic and unselfish
work, and l believe it deals with its sub
ject consistently and thoroughly as eX-
listing conditions permit. l am satisfied
that the reduced tariff duties provided
for in the proposed legislation, added to
existing internal revenue taxation, within
the near future, though perhaps not i'm
mediately will produce sufficient rev.
enue to meet the needs of the Govern
ment.
The committee, after full consideration
and to provide against a temporary de-
ficiency which may exist before the bus
mess of the country adjusts itself to the
new tariff schedules, have wisely en-
braced in their plan few additional in
ternal revenue taxes. including a small
tax upon incomes derived from certain
corporations. These new assessments
are not only absolutely just aud easily
borne, but they have the further means
of being such as can be RENTED without
unfavorable business disturbances when
ever the necessity Of their imposition no
longer exists.
In my great desire for the success OF
this measure 1 cannot rest in the sugges-
tion that its success can only be attained
| by means of unselfish counsel on the part
of the friends of tariff reform, and as u
result Of their Willingness to be subOrdl-
nate in personal desires and ambition to
the general good. The local interests af-
fected by the proposed reforms are so nu
merous and so varied that if all insisted
upon the legislation embodying them the
reform must inevitably fail.
In conclusion, my intense feeling of re-
sponsibility impels me to invoke for the
manifold interests of generous and con-
tiding people the most scrupulous care,
and to pledge my willing support to
every legislative effort for the advance
ment OF The greatness and prosperity of
our beloved country.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
Executive Mansion, Washington, d. c.,
December 4, 1898.