The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1893-12-08
TARIFF REFORM.
Both an Opportunity and a Duty.y

After a hard struggle tariff reform is di-
rectly before us. Nothing SO important
clearly presents itself as both an
opportunity and duty; an oppor,u ity
to deserve the gratitude Of our
fellow citizens, a duty imposed upon US by
oft repeated professions and by the EN-
phatic mandate of the people. After full
in favor OF this reform, and they nave con-
fided the work of its accomplishment TO
the hands of those who are solemnly
pledged to it. If there is anything in the
theory of il representation in public places
of the people and their desires, if political
officers are really the servants OF t y co
pie and II political promises and prof IS
sions have any binding force. oL,r falldre
to give the relief so long awaited will lie
sheer ~recreancy. Nothing should inter
vene to distract cur attention or disturb
our effort until this reform is accom-
plished by wise and careful Legislation.
While we should ~staunchly adhere to
the principle that only the necessity Of
revenue ~justifies the imposition of tariff
duties ana other federal tax ton, and
that they should be limited by strict
economy, we cannot close our eyes to the
fact th1t conditions have grown up among
US, which in Justice and fairness G If for
discriminating care in the distribution of
u duties and taXation as the EN- 'rgen-
cleS of our government actually demand
Manifestly if we are to aid the people
directly through tariff reform one Of its
most obvious features should be u reduc-
tion in present tariff charges upon the
necessarles of life. The benefits of sucn a
reduction would be palpabIe and substan-
tial, seen and felt by thousands VINO
would be better led, and better clothed
ami better sheltered. These gifts should he
the willing beuefactions OF u COVER 4I1ent
whose highest function is the promotion
rf Uhn ur.lf,nD Of tho nar1a h4f l,n,
closely related to the prosperity and well
being Of our people is the removal OF re-
strictions Upon the importation of the raw
materials necessary to our manufactured.
The world should be open to our national
ingenuity and enterprise.
Interests of Labor Involved.
This cannot be while federal legislation
through the imposition Of high tariff for
bids to American manufacturers as cheap
materials as those used by their cOmpeti
tors. 1t is quite obvious that the nhaICe-
ment of the price of our manufactured
products resulting from this policy, NOS
only confines the market for these pro-
ducts 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 III this feature of our
tariff system.
The sharp competition and active strug-
gle among our manufacturers to supply
the limited 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 III the homes of
our ~workingmen. Even if the often dis
proved assertion could be made good that
a lower rate of wages would result
from free raw materials and low Tariff
duties the intelligence of our w~orkingmen
leads them quickly to discover that their
steady employment, If permitted by free
materials, is the most important factor in
their relation to tariff legislation.
A measure has been prepared by the ap
propriate congressional committee en-
bodying tariff reform on the lines herein
suggested, which will be promptly sub
mitted for legislative action. 1t is the re
sult of much patriotic and unselish work
and believe it deals with its subject on
sistently and as thoroughly as existing
reduced tariff duties provided for in the
proposed legislation, added to existing in
ternal revenue taxation, will in the near
future, though perhaps not Immediately,
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 bust
ness of the country adjusts itself to the
new tariff schedules, have wisely embraced
in their plan a few additional internal
revenue taxes, including a small tax
upon incomes derived from certain cor
porations. These new assessments are
not only absolutely just and easily borne,
but they ave the further means of eng
such as can be RENTED without unfavor-
able business disturbances whenever the
necessity of their imposition no longer ex-
lists.
In my great desire for the success of
this measure | cannot restrain the sug-
gestion that its success can only be at
tanned !y means of unselfish counsel on
the part of the friends of tariff reform and
as a result of their willingness to sub
Ordinate persons! desires and ambition to
the general gooG The local int rests af-
fected by the pr posed reform are so mum
erous and so varied that if all are in
sisted npon the legislation e~mbodying the
reform III Z st inevitably fail.
In conclusion, my intense feeling of re
sponsibillty impeis Inc to invoke for the
manifold interests of a generous and con
fding rnople the most ~scrupulous care,
and to pledge my willing support to every
Legislative effort for the Advancement Of
the greatness and prosperity of our be
loved country.
GROvER CLEVELAND,
Executive Mansion, Washington, D. c.,
Deo 1 1SO3