Birmingham age-herald., 1894-09-16
THE NEW\TARIFF.

The newspapers, orators, business men {, and in fact all classes, are discussing the new tariff law. It is a matter that coaies home to every man, womah snd>ehijd. It is the most important Legislative measure that has been enacted since the last tariff bill, for the power of taxation is the great est power exercised by government. It may bSr0f interest to mention some of the articles affected by the new law.
 A perusal of the bill shows that the tariff on fifty nine articles has been increased over the rate of the Mckinley bill. This disposes of the argument of the Republi- cans that the bill is radical in it's reduc- tions and is almost free trade. But these articles upon which the duty has been in- creased are nearly all articles of luxury, and affect only the wealthy class. The obs ject of the framers of the bill was to reduce the cost of the necessaries of life 80 that the poorer class might be the benefciaries. This is we'll defined and generally &C., cepted principle of good government, for the rich are more in need of the protection of the government, and hence should bear their proport1onate share of the burdens of the government. The history of the Dem- ocratic party, from it's inception to the present, shows that the object of the party has ever been to protect the masses against the classes. It is party of the people, by the people and for the people.
 In the matter of clothing the new law makes considerable reductions. A man can clothe himself and family in woolen goods this winter at less expense than at any time since men ceased to wear the un- dressed skin of animals. Wool is placed No f,oa I;1k T tI.o <1..k., af woolen manufacture has been reduced. But it will be observed that the duty on goods of woolen manufacture does not take effect until January 1, 1Sy5. But the pros- pect of this reduction is even now having a good effect. Dealers are cutting prices in anticipation of the lowering of the duty. And in cotton goods the reduction will soon come. although it may not be ap. parent for several months. A great de- mand has sprung up since the passage of the new law, the wholesale dry goods houses are kept to the top of their bent to fill orders, home manufacture has been stimulated, and this demand keeps prices stiff.
 The farmers are great beneficiaries of the new tariff, for nearly every article they buy, such as cotton bagging, cotton ties, calico, blows, trace chains, barbed wire, nails, axes, hoes, etc., have been cheap ened under the new law. It will be strange indeed if the farmers desert the Democratic party, which has removed so many bur- dens from their backs. and affiliate with the Repu ublican party, which still declares its purpose to again oppress them if it re- gains power.
 The demand for houses is rapidly reviv- ing, and little paint adds wonderfully to the attractiveneBs of a house. All house. holders are glad to know that paint has been cheapened under the new law. New, fresh paint will everywhere please the eye. White paint, which has heretofore been considered expensive because it soiled so quickly, can now be used freely. White is certainly cool and refreshing to the eye. Birmingham may soon become known as '"The White City," But red paint is as dear as ever. If you "paint the town red" you will find that there is no reduction in the recorders tariff.
 The Democrats very thoughtfully reduced the duty on birthstone. The Republicans can get it cheap now, and plenty of it, and they can become familiar with 1t before they are forced to stand it forever.
 The ladies should be especially grateful to the Democratic party, for it has reduced the price of nearly every article they use. All those fine imported goods that so de- light the hearts Of womankind will be ob- tained in a short time at less expense to the purse. and consequently with smaller draft on the affections of father or hus- band. In pearl buttons, for instance, the iniquity of the Mckinley bill is shown up. That law placed such high tariff on pearl buttons as to be prohibitory. New York importer, just before the law went into effect, ordered quantity sufficient to sup Nly the market for several years, and run A the price, which consumers had to pay. He was the great beneficiary of the law. Under the Democratic law pearl not manu- factUred is put on the free list, and pearl buttons will be manufactured Tn this coun- try and sold at a reasonable price.
 In order that all the people may rejoice