The Forrest City times. [volume] (Forrest City, Ark.) 1871-1919, 1896-12-18
LEGISLATION NEEDED.
a Thorough Test of the Revenue Raising
Power should Be Given.


Secretary Carlisle's discovery that
revenue legislation is absolutely neces-
sary to put the national finances In
sound condition is rather belated.
Throughout the last session of con-
gress, when bonds were being sold to
the pIodigious profit of millionaire
hankt ny for tie maintenance of gold
plete,s to provide funds for the current
expenses of government, the secretary
stoutly insisted that no deficit in the
revenue existed, nor need any be feared.
Rev. John Jasper has not more pertina-
ciously preached his theory ''the sun
do move" than did Secretary Carlisle
proclaim the solvency of the treasury
despite its apparent bankruptcy. In
the face Of this record, the secretary's
admission now that additional internal
revenue taxes will be necessary 10 pro-
vide for the expenses of the govern
ment is tantamount to admission of
/ systematic Misrepresentation by him
in the past.
Seemingly it was a mistaken idea
that to admit the failure of the Wilson
bill would be form of party disloyalty
dinary course. The condition of the
treasury was so patent to all that his
repeated denials of any lack of money
were received with general incredulity
at the time, and are now made ridicu-
lous by his tardy confession. IT, as
seems probable, the administration
feared the political effect of any supple
mentary tariff legislation. ii was sim
gulariy ill-advised. Nothing in the
course of the past four years did more
to develop that great force within the
democratic party which thrust out
Cleveland and Carlisle than the repeat
ed bond issues which the policy of mac
ton compelled.
1t is not probable that Mr.. Carlisle's
suggestion now for providing more rev
enue by laying more taxes on tea and
other articles Of general consumption
will be needed. An expiring congress i:
little apt to take up burdens which car
be left to its successor. That the new
administration and the new congress.
recently chosen cannot at once tax,
charge of the government is unfcr
tunate. The species of interregnun
which follows every presidential elec
tion is invariably hurtful to business.
When the new congress shall assem-
le-particularly If Mckinley shoul,
summon it Immediately upon his in
auguration-it will be the part Of pa
triotism for democrats to refrain from
merely factious opposition to revenu,
measures. Suggestion has been mad
that the silver senator's repeat the ex
ploit of last winter. and defeat any tar
iff measure which is not accompanied
by silver bill. Public sentimen
would infallibly condemn such course
The republican party, having gained
complete control of the government, Il
entitled to put its policy-which in thi,
year is definitely high protection ant
gold monometallism the test. II i
succeeds in reestablishing prosperity
through its administration of the state
II will merit and receive the gratitude
of the citizens without distinction Of
party. If it fails the people will turn
elsewhere for leaders. Meanwhile 1,
should be the policy Of those in house o,
senate who may disagree with the ma.
jority to confine their opposition to the
usual parliamentary forms, disregard
ing wholly those devices which only
Impede Instead of directing legislation
The verdict of November should be
given its fullest effect.-N. Y. Journal.