New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-01-28
NOPE PETENTE OR QUIET.


at Washington that they can only make them
selves ridiculous in the eyes of Americans, ana
their country an object of dersion to the world
by talking about "a vigorous foreign polc!
while refusing TO the Government revenue
enough for It's current expenditures. Not Only
war, If that should be involved, but even the
mere preparation for such an emergency, the
completion and arming Of vessels ana the he
fence Of harbors and coasts, would involve an
extra expenditure Of many millions. Cntil Sen
ators are willing TO pass and the President ~
willing to approve bill largely Increasing the
revenue, all their talk about foreign questions
is liable to be interpreted as the shallowest klhd
OF demagoguism. The man who means DuSi-
ness does not take pains to tie himself mana ana
foot at the outset
II has been argued by the President and Secrc-
tarv Of the Treasury that the revenue Will pres
only prove large enough for current expenses.
But that would not be enough if the Nation were
10 take positions which might involve the plac-
ing of a large loan within few months. There
must he n substantial surplus, for interest on
any loan that may be needed and rs proof of
Willingness and ability 10 pay of the principal
gradually In addition. II there is TO be incurred
sums must be spent without delay in necdful
preparation The truth is that the present rcye-
nue falls mulch short Of the necessary expendi-
lures of Government. Oihcial statements AUNT
n deficit Of nearly sG,Ooo,OVo in January thus far
and over S2l 100000 since July l, 1870 ami the
deficit would be much greater II Government
had met all It's obligations honorahly ana
prompily: but IL i of 10 consequence 10 DISCUSS
the precise extent Of the deficit. II current "A'
uenditnrc actually exceeds The revenue. with
OFT any additional expenses for National de-
fence it IS nonsense 10 talk of facing possible
foreign controversies until there j. manifested
both willingness ana ability 10 raise Il revenue
many millions larger
But cannot money he borrowed both for
'prcparation ana for war II that should DE
necessary? We began the civil War with
TREASURY cmptcd and credit destroyed j"
buchanan" Quite true. ana The first ihin-
Rcpuhlican congressman did when They Oh
tanned control bv the secession " som" Sen
otors WAS 10 pass the Morrill, protective tariff
of March . ISL which was intended 10 supply
some surplus as basis for loans authorized
Even rs late a. the middle Of February it was
opposed by Mr.. Hunter. Of Virginia. soon 10
become an open enemy Of his country. with cN-
acrlv the argument which Secretary Carlisle
uses now. that the rcvenurproducing power OF
the Democratic tariff In force had been under
rated and that it would produce about The
$4,000 GOO needed. instead of SiO.OooVOo, ns be
fore Shortly the rebellion Of Mr.. Hunter and
his friends made necessary a larger revenue.
and the acts Of August and December - pro
v!dcd such revenue ~ a basis for the loans then
needed I'm short. Congress proceeded AT once
to raise bv taxation sum mu"h in excess Of
current expenses in time OF peace the only
possible assurance to creditors that there would
be money for paying their debts after the irou-
bic was over.
II makes no difference whether the emergency
Is great or small, whether II may arise in con
ncction with Armenia cuba or Ncnczlcla; the
men who contemplate the possibility and face
the risk OF any foreign difficulty whatever place
themselves under The most sacred Obligation
first 10 show that this Nation is able and Will
ing to raise money enough to pay It's expenses.
To provide for defence besides. and. further. 10
provide for AZ least the interest on such loans
as may become necessary. Refusal * sur" 10 be-
interpreted by foreign Powers. If not by oar own
people a. proof OF insinccriiy In any proposal
to assert or maintain the rights Of the Nation.