The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-12-07

Manifesly, II we are to aid the people directly
through tariff reform one of its most obvious fea-
lures should he reduction in present tariff c,irges
upon The necessities of life. The benefits oil such
reduction would be palpable and substantial. seen
and felt by thousands who would be better fed ard
better clothed and better sheltered. These gifts
should be the willing beneiactions OF n Govern
ment whose highest function is the promotion OF
the welfare of the people.
Not less closely related to our peoples prosper
ity and well-being is the removal of restrictions
upon the importation of the raw materials neces-
sary to our manufactures 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 materia as those used by
their competitors. II Is quite obvious that, the
enhancement of the price of our manufactured
products resulting from this policy not only corr
fines the market for these products within our own
borders TO the direct disadvantage of our manu-
faeturers, but also increases their cost 10 our
citizens ..
The interests Of labor are certainly though in
directly, involved in this feature of tariff sys
tenn. The sharp competition aud active struggle
among our manufacturers to supply the Hmiled
demand for their goods, soon fill the narrow mar
ket to which they are confined. Then follows II
suspension Of work in mills and factories, dis
Charge 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 re-
suit from free raw materials and low tariff duties
the intelligence of our workingnen leads them
quickly TO discover that their steady poyment
permitted by free materials, is the most inn
factor their relation to tarl ieElsHtion
A measure has been prepared by the appropriate
Congressional committee cmbOdying tariff reform
on the lines herein suggested, which will be
promptly submitted for Legislative action. 1t is
the result of much patriotic and unseilish work,
and believe il deals with its subject consistently
and as thoroughly rs existing conditions permit
am satisfied that the reduced tariff duties pro-
vded for in the proposed legislation. added to ex-
listing internal revenue taxation, WILL in the near
future, though perhaps not immediately. produce
sufficient revenue 10 meet the needs of the Govern
ment
The committee after full consideration, and to
provide against a temporary deficiency which may
exist before the business of the country adjusts
Itself TO the new tariff schedules have wisely en-
braced in their plan few additional internal
nue. taxes, including n small tax upon incomes
derived from certain corporate investments.
These new assessments not only absolutely
just and easily borne, but they have the further
merit of being such can be remitted without I'M
favorable business disturbance whenever the ncces
sity Of their imposition no longer exists.
In great desire for the success of this measure
cannot restrain the suggestion tia; its success can
only be attained by means Of unselfsh counsel on
the part of the friends of tariff reform and
result of their Willingness TO subordinate personal
desires and ambitions 10 the general good. The
local interests affected by the proposed reform
numerous and varied that il all insised
upon the legislation embodying the reform must
inevitably fail.
In conclusion. my intense feeling OF RESPONSE
bily i'm pels me to invoke for the manifold inter
ess of n generous and confiding people the most
scrupulous care and To pledge my willing support
10 every Legislative effort for the Advancement of
the greatness and prosperity of our beloved coun-
try.