Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1893-12-08
IT PHOENIX, BRA1E4EBORO, FRIDAY DECEMBER g. 1893.

legislation. While we should stanchly
adhere to the principle that only the neces-
slty OF revenue iusties the imposition of
tarlh duties and other federal taxation,
and that they should be limited by strict
economy, we caunoo close our ewes to the
TACT that conditions have grown up among
us which in justice and fairness call for dis
terminating care in the distribution of such
duties and taxation as the emergencies of
our government actually demand
Manltestly, If we are to aid the peo-
pie directly through tariff reform, one of
It's most obvious features should be a
reduction in present tariff charges upon
the necessaries of life. The benefits of
such a reduction would be palpable and
substantial, seen and felt by thousands
who would be better fed and better clothed
and better sheltered These gifts should
be the willing benefactions of a govern
ment whose highest function is the promo
tion of the welfare of the people
Not less closely related to our peoples
prosperity and wel-being is the removal of
restrictions upon the importation of the
raw material necessary to our manufact-
ures. The world should be open to our
national ingenuity and enterprise. This
cannot be while federal legislation through
the imposition of high tariff, forbids TO
American manufacturers as cheap materi-
ais as those used by their competitors. 1t
is quite obvious that the enhancement of
the price of our manufactured products re-
sulting from this policy not only confines
the market for these products within our
own borders, TO the direct disadvantage of
our manufacturers, but also increases their
cost to our citizens
The interests of labor are certainly,
though indirectly, involved in this feature
of our tariff system. The sharp competi-
ton and active struggle among our manu-
facturers to supply theimited demand for
their goods soon fill the narrow market to
which they are confined. Then follows a
suspension of work in mills and factories,
a discharge OF employees, and distress in
the homes Of our workingmen. Even if the
often disprOved assertion could be made
good, that lower rate of wages would re-
suit from free raw materials and low tariff
duties, the intelligence of our workngmen
leads them to quickly disc over that their
steady employment, permitted by free raw
materials, is the most important factor in
their relation to tariff legislation.
The New Tariff Bill.
\ measure has been prepared by the
congressional committee. embodying tariff
reform on the lines herein suggested. which
viii be promptly submitted for legislative
action. II is the result of much patriotic
and unseltish work, and believe it deals
with its subject consistently and as thor
oughly as existing conditions permit ! am
satisfied that the reduced tariff duties pre-
vided for in the proposed legislation, added
TO existing internal revenue taxation, will,
in the near future, though perhaps not i'm
mediately, produce sufficient revenue to
meet the needs of the government.
The committee, after full consideration,
and to provide against a temporary def
cheney which may exist before the business
of the country adjusts itself TO the new
tariff schedule, have wisely embraced in
their plan few additional internal revenue
taxes, including a small tax upon incomes
derived from certain corporate Investments.
These new assessments are not only abso-
lutely just and easily borne, but they have
the further merit Of being such as can be
RENTED without unfavorable business dis
tuIbance whenever the necessity of their
imposition no longer exists.
In my great desire for the success of this
measure ] cannot restrain the suggestion
that its success can only be attained by
means OF unseliish counsel on the part of
the friends of tariff reform. and as a result
OF their willingness TO subordinate person
al desires and ambitions to the general
good. The local interests affected by the
proposed reform are so numerous and so
varied that if all are insisted upon the leg
islation embodying the reform must incvi-
tably fail.
Finally.
In conclusion, my intense feeling of re-
sponsibility impels me to invoke, for the
manifold interests OF generous and CON
hding people, the most scrupulous care,
and to pledge my willing support to every
legislative effort for the Advancement OF
the greatness and prosperity Of our beloved
country.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
Executive Mansion, Washington, Dec.
{. 1898
Democratic Opinion.
From the New York sun