Omaha daily bee., 1896-11-09

The St Louis platform declared in re-
gard to the tariff: 1--WE are not pledged
to any particular schedules. The question
of rates is a practical question. to be
governed by the conditions of the time
and of production: the ruling and un-
compromising principle is the protection
and development of American labor and
industry" This attitude of the repub-
lcan party was endorsed by its candi-
date for the presidency in his letter of
acceptance and it is safe to say that it
will guide the course of the republicans
in congress and the administration in
dealing with the tariff
Although the question of protection
was subordinatcd in the presidential
campaign, it was by no means lost sight
of. Great numbers of worIingmcn in the
manufacturing states were influenced by
ii to support the republican ticket. Many
farmers i'm the eastern ana middle west
crn states also regarded it as no less
important than the currency question.
1t had its effect in determining the course
of a very large number of business men
east and west. The overwhelming pro-
test that was made two years ago
against the democratic tariff was still
potent with most of those who made it.
1t cannot be denied therefore. that while
Il subordinate issue protection was still!
an issue in the campaign and eNcrted
very considerable influence for rcpub-
lican success. The people expect the vic
torious party to carry out the pledge of
its platform in respect to this principle
and to give the country such judicious
fiscal system ms will ut once provide the
government with needed revenue and
afford proper protection to the industries
and labor of the country.
The republican house of the present
congress enacted an emergency revenue
bill which it was estimated would pro
duce sufficient revenue for the immedi-
ate needs of the government. 1t was de
fcatcd in the senate by Il combination
of free silver republicans with the dem
OcratS. The treasury deficiency has
steadily increased and unless impOrta-
tions grow to an enormous extent it will
continue to increase. 1t is urged that
the house should pass another cmer-
gency bill as soon rs practicable after
converting and it is possible this will be
done. but there is small probability that
1t could pass the senate. or If ii did that
it would receive the approval of Presi-
dent Cleveland. Some of the silver state
senators who opposed such legislation at
the first session might be induced TO sup
port it now, but the administration can
hardly be expected to regard the result
of the election aS in any sense victcry
FOR protection. Mr.. Cleveland may safely
he counted on to adhere to his opposi-
ton to any increase of tariff duties.
That being the case there is no hope Of
any change in the fiscal policy during
the term of the present administration.
What will be the duty of the succeed
ing administration? obviously To call
congress in special session as soon as
practicable for the purpose of revenue
legislation and it seems to be understood
that this will be done 1t will not be
necessary Mt such a session TO make Il
general revision of the tariff That is Il
matter for careful and deliberate consid-
Grafton, giving all interests full and
fair chance to be heard. But treasury
deficits must be stopped as soon as pos
Sible under the new administration and
all danger of further bond issues
avcrted. The country expects this, it is
practicable and under n republican ad-
ministration it will be accomplished
without causing any disturbance to bus
mess. That done, congress can in regu-
lar session take up the work of revising
the tariff. governed by the conditions
of the time and of production" but keep
ing in view the ruling ana uncompro-
missing principle of the protection and de
vrlopment of American labor and in
duStry.