New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-02-27
THE RiINES BILL.

There is revolt against the Raincs Excise
bill at Albany. 1t Is a wholesome revolt and 1t
has not come too soon. In fact it ought 10 have
come a little sooner. But nevertheless the men
in charge of the machine are afraid of il. That
IS the meaning Of the caucus, or conference. OF
Republican Senators which was suddenly called
Yesterday They are aware that the opposition
Is developing rapidly, and they were anxious TO
put on the clamps and forestall a defiance OF
dictation Naturally, IL made them nervous to
he told plainly by Mt least five Republican SEN
ators that they would not vote for the bill under
any circumstances. and 10 receive earnest pro-
tests from as many more. Moreover, they heard,
and had considerable reason TO believe, that
Governor Morton was getting anxious. Alto
gethcr the last forty-eiGht hours have compelled
them to take notice Of several ugly obstacles in
their path.
The Raincs bill IS long and complicated.
Several OF its provisions may be sensible and
proper. but there is no advantage In discussing
The details lis operation might be salutary in
some respects. We don't care 10 guess what all
its consequences would be Nobody knows. and
a great many persons would probably find them
selves fooled If ii should he enacted. For the
present at least. we prefer to coniine ourselves
TO just two points. They are enough to damn
the bill and put everybody who votes for il 10
shame and confusion.
The bill creates a g%at political machine. not
incidentally but avowcly and Of set purpose.
That is what II WAS made for. and the Kcpub-
lican machinisis are delighted with their job
They think II will give them firm and pcrma
nent grip on the party. Perhaps IL Will on what
Is left Of the party after 4, has been put into
operation But majority IF the voters Of this
State are not knavcs or towards or hypocritcs
They are always rcady-and they were never
before so ready rs they are now 10 smash IA
contrivancc OF this sort soon as they under
stand its nature and object. They won't be- long
in ascertaning that the machinery Of this Ralncs
bill is expressly meant 10 cnsnarc and plumber
them Clever scheme: No. Insuncrably stu
pid. Mr.. Platt said the other day over his own
signature that he was an ass We have his word
for IT, So much for point number one.
Point number two. The Ralncs bin IS a raid
on the cities Of the State. and especially on New
York. 1t provides that Onc-half the proceeds
from excise taxes, fines and penalties shall 90
into the State treasury 10 pay State expenses
Let us sock II to NewYork and Brooklyn and
Buffalo and Rochester and all the other fat and
plcthoric communities. say the authors Of the
flames bills being, and leave the dear farmers
| 10 capcr without a burden. That Is the oil with
which they are lubricatng the processes Of
legislation. 1t is Il shabby and Indecent method
of avoiding friction from rural districts and win
ming their consent 10 n humilalng tyranny.
We don't believe the rural districts want to
! escape taxation on those terms. II would be too
degrading. Moreover the scheme would not
work according to the description. Money that
goes into the treasury with seeming ease goes
out in ways that discredt and cheat its pre-
tended bcneiiciarles 1t flows into jobs Of all
sorts, through commissions and other disburSing
| agencies created for the purpose Of getting rid
Of it. cuivating continually in official circles
habit Of prohigacy, and everywhere else a mood
| OF discomfort.
The Raincs bill is blun1cr from every point
| Of view from which ii is not crime. II ought
| to be killed or amended ont Of recognition.