The herald., 1893-12-04

revenue justifies the imposition OF tariff
duties and other federal taxation, and
that they should be limited by strict
economy, we cannot close our eyes to the
fact that conditions have grown up
among us which in juetics and fairness
call for discriminating care in the distri-
button of such duties and taxation as
the emergency OF our government actu-
ally demand.
Maniiestly five are to aid the people
directly through tariff reforms, one OF
it's most obvious features should be
reduction in the present tariff charges
upon the necessaries OF life. The bene-
fits OF such reduction would be palpa-
bic and substantial, seen and felt by
thousands who would be be tier fed and
better clothed and better sheltered.
Not less closely related to our people.
prosperity and well-heing is the removal
OF the restrictions upon the importation
OF raw material necessary to our manu-
facture. 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 materials as those used by their
competitors. 1t is quite obvious that
the enhancement of the price Of our
manufactured products resulting from
this policy, not only confines the mar
kets for these products within our own
borders, to the disadvantage of our
manufacturers, but also increases their
cost to our citizens.
The interests of labor are certainly,
though indirectly. involved in this fea-
ture OF our tariff system. The sharp
competition and active struggle among
our manufacturers to supply the limited
demand for their goods soon fills the
narrow market to whicn they are con
fined. Then follows suspension OF
the working mills and factories,
discharge OF employees and
distress in the homes of our working
men. Even il the often disproved as
sertion could be made good that lower
rate OF wages would result from free raw
materials and low tariff duties. the in
telligence of our workingmen leads them
quickly to discover that their steady
employment II permitted by free mate
rials, is the most important factor In
their relation to tariff legislation.
THE NEW TARIFF BILL.
A measure has been prepared by ths
appropriate congress committee, en-
bodying tariff reform on the lines herein
suggested, which will be promptly sub
mitted for legislative action. 1t is the
result of much patriotic and unselfsh
work and I believe it deals With it's sub
ject as consistently and thoroughly as
existing conditions permit. am salts
fed that the reduced tariff duties pro-
vided for in the proposed legislation,
added to the existing internal revenue
taxation, within the near future, though
perhaps not Immediately, will produce
sufficient revenue to meet the needs of
the government.
The committee, after full considera-
ton, and to provide against temporary
deficiency which may exist before the
business of the country adjusts itself to
the new tariff schedules, have
wisely embraced in their plan a few ad-
ditional internal revenue taxes, in
Guiding a small tax upon incomes de-
rived from certain corporations. These
new assessments are not only absolutely
just and easily borne. but they have the
further means OF being such as can be
remitted without unfavorable business
sturbances whenever the necessity for
their imposition no longer exists.
In my great desire for the success Of
this Tneasurc. cannot rest in the sug-
gestion that its success can only be at
tanned by means OF unselfsh counsel on
the part of the friends of tariff reform,
and as result of their willingness sub
the generaI gvUa. uo -rvs.-- r. --s-
affected by the proposed reforms are 30
numerous and 80 varied that II all in
sisted upon the legislation embodying
the reform must inevitably fail.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion. my intenee feeling
Of responsibility impels me to
invoke for the manifold interests
of generous and confiding people
the most scrupulous care, and to pledge
my willing support to every legislative
effort for the advancement OF the great
ness and prosperity of our beloved
country. GROVER CLEVELAND.
Executive Mansion, Washington, d.
c., December 4, 1898.