The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1897-03-09


revenue. While large annual surplus OF
revenue may invite waste and extrava-
gance inadequate revenue creates distrust
and undermines public and private credit.
Neither should be encouraged. Between
more loans and more revenue there ought
to be but one opinion. We should have
more revenue and that without delay,
hindrance or postponement.
A surplus in the treasury created by
loans, is not permanent or safe reliance.
1t will suffice while it lasts, but it can
not last long while the OUTLAWS of the
government are greater than its receipts,
as has been the case during the past two
years. Nor must it be forgotten that how
ever much such loans may Temporarily re-
live the situation, the government is still
indebted for the amount of the surplus
thus accrued, which it must ultimately
pay, while it's ability to pay is not
strengthened, but weakened by con-
tinued deficit. Loans are imperative IN
great emergencies to preserve the govern
ment or it's credits, but failure to supply
needed revenue in time of peace for the
maintenance of either has no justification.
The best way for the government to
maintain it's credit is to pay as it goes
not by resorting to loans, but by keeping
out Of debt-through an adequate income
secured by a system OF taxation, external
or internal, or both. 1t is the settled pol
icy of the government pursued from the
beginning and practiced by all parties and
administrations, to raise the bulk of our
revenue from taxes upon foreign produc-
lions entering the United States for sale
and consumption and avoiding for the
most part every form of direct taxation,
except in time of war.
Protection Endorsed.
The country is clearly opposed to any
needless additions to the subject of in
ternal taxation, except in time of war,
and is committed by it's latest popular
4R0,o Of no Of foT.fff To
alton. There can be misunderstanding,
either, about the principle upon which
this tariff taxation shall be levied. Moth
ing has ever been made palmer at gen.
eral election than that the controlling
principle is the raising of revenue on i'm
ports in Jealous care for American inter-
ests and American labor The people
have declared that such legislation should
be had as will give ample protection and
encouragement to the industries and the
development or our country. 1t Is, there
fore, earnestly hoped and expected that
congress will, at the earliest practicable
moment, enact revenue 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 peo-
pie. 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 plat
form. 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 treas
ury. The passage of such a law or laws
would strengthen the credit of the gov
eminent, both at home and abroad, and
go far towards stopping the drain upon
the gold reserve held for the redemption
of our currency. which has been heavy
end we'll nigh constant for several years.
Reciprocity the Thing.
In the revision of the tariff especial at
tention should be given to the re-enact-
ment and extension of the reciprocity
principle of the law of 1890, under which
so great a stimulus was given to our
foreign trade in new and advantageous
markets for our surplus agricultural and
manufactured products. The brief trial
given this legislation amply justifies
further experiment and additional diScre-
tionary power in the making of CONNER
cial treaties, the end in view always to
be the opening of new markets for the
products of our country by granting con-
cessions to the products of other lands
that we need and cannot produce our
selves and which do not involve any loss
of labor to our own people, but tend to
increase their employment.
The depression of the past four years
has fallen with especial severity upon
none more than the holders of small
farms Agriculture has languished and
labor suffered. The revival of manufac-
turing will be a relief to both. No por-
ton 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 it's
proper share in the maintenance of the
government, or is better entitled to it's
wise and liberal care and protection
Legislation helpful to the producer is
beneficial to all, The depressed condition
of industry on the farm and in the mine
and factory has lessened the ability Of
the people to meet the demands upon
them, and they rightfuliy expect that not
only system of revenue shall be estab-
lished that will secure the largest income
with the least burden, but that every
means will be taken to decrease, rather
than increase, our public expenditures.
Return of Prosperity.
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 leso-
lutely turn our faces in that direction
and aid it's return by friendly 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 legislation can do so.
The restoration of confidence and the
I0NlNd1 VI DuSAuCpS1 W1A@NAA 44AC4@ ~ bAA
parties so much desire, depend more
largely upon the prompt energetic and
intelligent action of congress than upon
any other single agency affecting the
situation.
1t is inspiring too, to remember that
no great emergency in the one hundred
and eight years of our eventful national
life has ever arisen that has not been
met with wisdom and courage by the
American people with fidelity to their
best interests and highest destiny and to
the honor of the American name. These
years Of glorious history have exalted
mankind ana advanced the cause of free
dom thror ohnut the world and INN ca g