Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1897-03-13

direct taxation except in time OF
war.
The country is clearly opposed to
any needless additions to the subjects
of internal taxation. and is committed
by its latest popular utterance to the
system Of tariff taxation.
There can be no misunderstanding,
either, about the principle upon
: which this tariff taxation shall be
levied. Nothing has ever been made
/ palmer at general election than that
! the controlling principle in the rails
ing Of revenue from duties on imports
is jealous care for American interests
and American labor. The people have
declared that such legislation should
be had as will give ample protection
and encouragement to the industries
and development Of our country.
| 1t is, therefore, earnestly hoped and
expected that Congress will, at the
earliest practicable moment, enact re-
venue legislation that shall be fair,
reasonable, conservative. and just,
and which, while supplying sufficient
revenue for public purposes. will still
be signally beneficial and helpful to
every section and every enterprise OF
the people.
To this policy we are all. Of what
ever party, firmly bound by the voice
OF the people--a power vastly more
potential than the expression Of any
political platform.
The paramount duty of Congress is
to stop deficiencies by the restoration
OF that protective legislation which
has always been the firmest prop of
the Treasury. The passage of such a
law or laws would strengthen the
credit of the Government both at
home and abroad, and go far towards
stopping the drain upon the gold re-
serve held for the redemption OF our
currency, which has been heavy and
we'll nigh constant for several years.
: In the revision of the tariff, special
attention should be given to the re-
enactment and extension of the reci-
procity principle Of the law Of 1890,
under which so great Stimulus was
Igiven to our foreign trade in new and
advantageous markets, for our sur
plus agricultural and manufactured
products.
/ The brief trial given this legislation
amply justifies further experiment
and additional discretionary power in
the making OF commercial treaties,
the end in view always to be the
opening up of new markets for the
products Of other lands that we need
and cannot produce ourselves, and
which do not involve any loss of
labor to our own people, but tend to
increase their employment.
j The depression Of the past foIr
years had fallen with especial severity
upon the great body Of toilers Of the
country, and upon none more than
the holders of small farms. Agricul-
ture has languished and labor suffer-
ed. The revival of manufacturing
will be a relief to both.
No portion Of our population is
more devoted to the institutions of
free Government, nor more loyal in
their support, while none bears more
cheerfully or fully its proper share in
the maintenance Of the Government,
or is better entitled to its wise and
liberal care and protection. Legisla-
ton, helpful to producers, is benef-
cial to all
| The depressed condition of industry
on the farm and in the mine and fac
tory has lessened the ability Of the
people to meet the demands upon
them, and they rightfuily expect that
not only system Of revenue shall be
established that will secure the larg-
est income with the least burden, but
that every means will be taken to de-
{ crease, rather than increase, our
public expenditures.
Business conditions are not the
most promising. 1t will take time to
restore the prosperity Of former years.
If we cannot promptly attain it, we
can resolutely turn our faces in that
direction and aid its return by friend
| ly legislation.
| However troublesome the situation
may appear, Congress will not, am
sure. be found lacking in disposition
or ability to relieve it, as far as leg
islation can do so.