The Globe-republican., 1893-04-07
IMPORTS AND THE TARIFF.

IMPORTS AND THE TARIFF.
important Points for the Consideration OF
Democratic Flnanciers.
If Secretary Carlisle looks to the
bottom of the matter, there may occur
TO him obstacles in way of tariff reform
which he may not have fully realized
In the last two weeks the amount at
New York alone was S32, 461, I'll, and
the increase over the corresponding
weeks last year about $1,000, 600. Yet
the total imports in March, 1892,
amounted to $3.50, 533, and were
about s., 600. 00U larger than in March,
1891. as those were about $40, 600, 900
larger than in March, 1890. Who is pre-
pared to say what this means? The
laws have not been changed, breaking
down the barriers and letting in goods
which protective duties have shut out.
When that has been done what will be
the value of imports, and how will the
country pay for them?
In 1892 the value was about SS76 0OO.-
coo. This year al increase appears of
about $40, 600, 900 each month If con-
tinued it will make the total for the
year 81, coo. 900. 600. Only fourteen
years ago, in the year before specie
resumption, the amount was about
s5l3, 900, 600. and the population has
not doubled within that time. The
fact to which serious thought must be
given is that the consumption of for
eign products has enormously in
creased. The habits of the people, their
modes of living and enjoyment. have
greatly altered, and it will not be
found easy to change back again for
many years. Is Mr.. Carlisle certain
that the theories which answered
thirty years ago will answer now?
Under the constant stimulus of duties
for the defense of home industries the
condition and habits of the whole ma
ton have wonderfully altered. 1t is
true that wealth has accumulated in
the hands of few thousand persons,
and they spend more freely, but their
expenditure is but drop in the buck
ct The wages of la Dor have substan-
italy dou bled. Being able to eXpend
twice as much. the millions satisfy
their wants to such an extent that
what were once rare luXuries have be-
come the necessities of everyday life.
Consumption Of all things has grown
almost beyond belief. From 80 pounds
for each person the consumption of
sugar has grown to 60 pounds. From
cigars for each person the. con-
sumption has grown to 20. Frd8u so
pounds of iron for each person the con-
sumption has grown to more than 3S'2
pounds. These are but samples of
change which is almost universal.
The root of the matter is that 10000.
600 wage earners now receive nearly
double the wages paid in 1860. In
manufactures millions now average
$500 yearly, W hereas in the same occupa-
tionS the average was about $3.50 yearly.
Including farm labor. the average for
all is now more than $500. against
about 500 yearly thirty-two years ago.
This means difference between 81
600, OC0. 600 and SIS. 900. 600, 600 yearly in
the receipts of the wage earnerS alone.
They receive 1000. 900, 600 more. and,
therefore, can increase their purchases
by that enormous sum, or SO much OF
it as they may please. Roughly speak
ing. while the working population has
doubled. Its power to purchase has in
creased fourfold. The new modes and
habits of life have become as necessary
to the 30. 900, 900 wage earners of this
day as the far more restricted allot-
ment of comforts was to their fathers.
Throw wide the doors and let in for
eign goods more freely, and people will
buy more largely-as long as they are
able. 1t must be so, if reduced duties
are to yield necessary revenues Now
about 500. 900. 900 is realized by duties
on $40. 900, coo Of imported goods, but
if the duties are reduced to an average
of p per cent imports of $500, 900. 900
will be needed to yield the same rev.
enue Shall gold be paid for the addi-
t;aual 500, 600, 900 yearly, and if not,
how shall the debt be paid? Or is the
rem edy 70 be found in enforced econo-
my Of the 30, 900. O0p wage earners? If
workers who now produce in this
country the $500, 900, 600 worth of
goois which would be imported are to
be thrown out of employment. if
wages of all workers are to be de-
pressed by merciless competition. then
indeed purchases must be reduced. But
in that case imports would also be re-
duced. and where would government
get the necessary revenue? There
are persons who will consider these
questions frivolous. But Mr.. Carlisle
is man of too much ability to make
light of them, and will try to solve
them Il he calm. Y. Tribune.