The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1893-12-28
CONGRESS- AND THE TARIFF.


The ways and means committee Of the
house Of Representatives has reported a
new tariff bill 10 The houss for considera-
ton. The committee in charge of the
bill limited the hearings before the COM
mittee TO space Of about two weeks,
thus showing resolute purpose to carry
forward TO . speedy conclusion the Inn
portant work committed to Il. The work
was begun not moment too soon. More
than year has already passed since the
emphatic verdict Of the people, which
amounted to almot political revolution,
was rendered in favor OF reduction OF
the tariff and charged President Cleve-
land and Democratic congress with the
duty Of carrying their verdict into effect.
Two years before the Mckinley tariff had
been condemned by an overwhelming
majority Of the voters Of our country and,
after free and fair discussion Of the
tariff iseu, in the campaign Of 1892. de-
cided expression was given in favor Of
Substantial tariff reduction. The evils,
the burdens and the injustice of the tariff
have, In the meantime, grown no less. A
duty, therefore, as solemn as ever rested
upon any political party rests upon the
president and the Democratic house and
senate not to delay action. but to proceed
with diligence and wisdom to obey the
mandates Of the people. There is not
little talk Of the danger of hssty revi-
sion Of the tariff, but the only danger
seems to lay in delay. for, at this critical
juncture, II a revision is not made, it may
again be continued for another series OF
years. One OF the causes put forth against
hasty revision is that large number OF
factories are not earning anything on the
capital invested, and many have failed
because OF their inability to meet their
obligations. 1t would seem that this
state Of affairs would be the best possible
reason for hasty reduction, as system
Of protection which would leave the in
dustries OF the country in condition OF
this kind after having been in operation
for years, is very dangerous.
The true reason for the condition OF the
factories at this time is evidently that
they have been handicapped BY high
duty on raw materials. The chief reason
why the tariff should be reformed at this
time Is that the financial panic through
which we are passing has caused a far
greater cessation Of production than could
possibly have been expected by an utter
abolition of the tariff. Consequently
stock and manufactured goods are much
reduced, and any change in current
prices, caused by reduction OF the tariff,
would fall more lightly upon the holders
Of the goods thus affected than at any
other time.
Our business condition at present Is
one Of plethora, and 1t has been growing
more evident every wear that the capacity
OF the American people to produce has
far outgrown their ability to consume,
at once arguing that VIC need enlarged
foreign markets for our products. You
cannot sell our goods in foreign markets
unless We allow the goods which they
send us in payment to enter our ports,
and substantial reduction of the tariff
at this time would at once set in motion
two healthy and life-giving currents. A
new tariff should be made to take effect
Immediately. The majority OF our manu-
facturers are not afraid of a reduced tariff.
but are anxious to know what is going to
be done.
1t is to be hoped, therefore, that those
who have charge Of the new tariff bill
win speedily press it to final passage
without undue delay, as the people OF the
United States are especially iDtolerant OF
inactioa- and delay in dealing with meas
ures eFecting their business insterests.
Their dissatisfaction is not always noisily
expressed, but deeply felt, and is sure to
be manifested in opposition to the respon-
sible political party at the next election.