The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1894-03-31
Cleveland Plain Nenler.

Cleveland Plain l'enler.
Today the discussion of the tariff
begins in the senate. 1t is gener-
ally understood that the Republic
cans will do all they can to prevent
the passage of this bill Already
agents from different sections of
the country, representing the Me-
kinley idea of a tariff, are booked
| for Washington to help defeat the
senate bill. Under the dictator
ship of Tom Reed and Senator
Sherman, the plan is clearly out
lined. They propose to use every
means possible to defeat this bill
and to leave the Mckinley bill on
the Statute books. If there be one
argument stronger than another
why this hill should he passed and
passed quickly, it is because of the
opposition which is made to it by
the high protectionists in both the
house and senate. The bill, as it
stands, gives an average of SO per
cent. protection. The Mckinley
gives 1856. Under the present
condition of prices the Mckinley
bill is almost prohibitive; in many
lines it is entirely so. Under it's
administration the loss in revenue
for the fiscal year will reach close
to 800, 100000. These prohibitive
tariff statesmen care nothing for
this. They would be willing, it
seems to us, to wreck the credit of
the government for the purpose of
partisan advantage. What to them
is the business of the country in
comparison with their ideas of par
tisan advantage? 1t looks some.
times as though they would prefer
to have the mills stand idle, men
out of work and business depress-
ed, until the elections of next No
vember, in order that they might
secure control of the house of re-
representatives..
We do not claim that ali Repub-
licans entertain these views. We
know that there are many fair
minded men in the Republican
party-men who are conservative
and who believe that the business
interests Of the country are of far
greater Importance than political
advantage.
The duty of the Democrats and
conservative Republicans in the
senate is very plain. This bill
should be discussed until il is clear
ly understood. 'ilie fact is that all
of its general features are now un-
derstood. Business men have shap-
ed their calculations for the future
on the lines laid down in this SEN
ate bill. 1t is 81 conservative that
the country at large has conclude d
that the bill will become ii law,
hence the revival of business as
soon as the bill was reported to the
senate. We say, pass the bill; it is
as good as can be expected from
the present congress, Il is conser-
vative. 1t is based on the idea of
collecting revenue with which to
carry on the government. Iu do
ing this it Will afford all the pro-
tectiod that anyone has IL right to
ask. We do not claim that the bill
is perfect. No bill will ever be
perfect that is founded on the
schedule system.
Right here we wish to repeat
again how much credit is due to
Senator Brice for the work which
he did i'm helping to form bill
which can be passed into law.
The business men of Ohio, from
both parties-the conservative bust.
ness men, have expressed their
thanks to the senator and given
strong endorsements to him for
the work which he did. We now
hope that he will go forward in
this line of duty and lift his voice
: and his hand to the passage Of the
bill. The country demands it. If
there is any possibility of making
Z, the bill more equitable than it now
is by discussing it, then discuss it;
if not, let it be explained and then
let it be passed and become law.