Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1893-12-05


ducing the peoples burden of federal tax
TARIFF REFORM.
After hard fight tariff reform is d-
rectly before us. Nothing so important
claims our attention and nothing 50
clearly presents itself as both an oppor-
tunity and duty; an opportunity to
deserve the gratitude of our fellow-citi-
gems and duty imposed upon
us by oft repeated professions
aud by lhe emphatic mandate
Of the people. After full discussion our
couutrymeu have spoken in favor of this
reform and they have conhded the work
of It's accomplishment to the hands Of
those who are solemuly pledged TO II.
If there is anything in the theory of
representation in public places of the
people aud their desires, II public officers
are really servants of the people, and II
political promises and professions have
any binding force, our failure to give
the relief 80 long awaited will be sheer
rccrelncy. Nothing should intervene 20
distract our attention, or disturb our eff
fort until this reform Is accomplished by
wise and careful legislation. While we
should staunchly adhere to the princi-
pie thats only the necessity of revenue
iustihes the imposition of tariff duties
and other federal taxation, and that these
should be limited by strict economy we
cannot close our eyes to the fact that
conditions have grown mp among VA
which, in justice aud fairness, call for
discriminating care In distribution Of such
duties, and taxation. as the emergencies
of our government fully demand.
M1nifcstly, If we are to aid the people
directly through tariff reform one Of it's
most obvious features should be a re-
ducti0n In present tariff charges upon the
necessaties of life. The benefits of such
reduction would he palplhe and sub
st1ntially seen and felt by thousands
who would he better fed and better
clothed and better sheltered This gift
should be the willing hencfactiou of q
government whose highest function Is
the promotion Of the welfare of the
people
Not less closely related to our peoples
prosperity and well being is the removal
Of restrictions iIpon the importation of
the raw materials necessary 10 our man
uflctOries. The world should he omen
to our national ingenuity and enterprise.
This cannot be while federal legislation
through the imposition Of high tariff
fn'hlds TO American manufacturers as
chcop materials as those used hv their
competitions. II Is quite Obvious that the
enhancement Of the price of our manu-
ihctured products resulting from this
policy not only confines the market for
these products within our own borders
TO the direct disadvantage of our man
utactnrers. hut also increases their cost
30 our citizens, The interests of labor
are certainly. though Indirectly. involved
IN this feature Of our tariff system. The
sharp competition and active struggle
among our manufacturers to supply the
limited demand for their goods soon I'll
me narrow market TO which they are
cnnLhed' men follows suspension of
Work IN mills and factories a Discharge
81 employees and distress IN the homes
81 our wnrlSin rrncn. Even If tho often
dsDrOvcl assertion could he made good
lhnt lower rate Of wages woull result
rom Tree raw material and low tariff
lu4eS, Tue intelligence of our workment
lends them quickly to discover fiat their
ste1dy employment permitted Nv free
r1w materials Is tho io'nnrt1nt factor in
their relation 70 tarif fflegislation.
\ measure has been prepared by the
appropriate congressional committee
louliylng tHriH reform on the lines here
IN suggested, which will be proiuntlv
submitted for lrgislotve action. II il
the result of much patriotic aud unsplfsb
work. and | h"lcve il deals with ia
SUBJECT a. cnnci'ev and thoroughly ms
existing conditions permit / am sntis-
hed that the reduced tariff duties pro-
Nued Tor IN the proposed lerisl1ti,n
added TO existing internal revenue to~'
auoh' VIII IN tue near future. tbourh
Perhaps not Immediately, produce snfii'
Gent revenue 10 meet the needs of tbe
governm'n mt The committee, after mn
consideration and to provide against
temporary deficiency which may exist he.
fore the business of the country adjusts
itself to the new tariff schedules have
wisely embraced in their plan fevj
additional revenue taxes. including a
small tax upon incomes derived from
certain corporate Investments. These now
assessments arr not only absolutely inst
ana easily borne. but they have Inc fnr.
ther merit of being such as can he re-
initted without unfavornhle business dis.
lur1anccs whenever the necessity of
their imposition no LONGER exists
In my great desire for tho success of
this measure, ] cannot restrain tho sre.
cestion that its success can only ho a.
taincd by means Of unsclfsh roi,nsel an
the part of the friends OF tariff reform
ana as result Of their Willingness t9
subordinate personal desires and ambi.
lions to the general good Tho Local In.
tereSts affected by the proposed reforms
are so numerous and "a varied that ii
all are insisted upon the legislation en-.
fan. 'u'"i4""'
In conclusion. my intense feeling of
responsibility impels me TO invoke far ITO