The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-03-27
THE TARIFF BILL.

IT cannot be too often although
proof that the nation recognizes its truth
that. as Congressman Nlli!ken SAID In the
tariff debate, "the crime vas rot 10 sell
ing the bonds bat In passing revenue bills
which starved the treasury" and made the
issue Of honds necessary. This was the
Issue Of the campaign. The people decided
nat II VIC incur obligati3ns We mast Tay
them. bu. that we want government
which will avoid mourning obligations IN
time OF peace. There are two means. al
ways to he concurrentiy employed by gov
ernmenss. by which nations can be kept
out Of debt. One Ia no. to let the expense
exceed the income. ard the other II 10 Gre
ate sufficient income 70 meet the expense.
But II through extravaganza or neglect to
provide sufficient income We run into debt.
ths policy Of this country is TO pay that
debt in good faith.
The nation has gone through such an sx-
periencs within the past rev years. 1t had
n revenue which was so great that the
surplus over expenses became. according
TO Democratic doctrine. a menace. A Da-
tional campaign was fought on the Issue
teat a protective tariff SHOULD be no high
er than was necessary TO produce rsve-
rue. That policy prevailed but. admirable
a. the theory might be. those who were Sc
iected to carry out the national will erred
In their calculations. They framed a tariff
which not only destroyed the Republican
policy OF protection. but fell far short OF
bearing out the Democratic policy OF tar
~ for revenue. The result was a serious
diminution In our income. a consequent
deficit In the treasury. a run upon the gold
reserve an a consequence OF shaken conf
dence due TO the threat to make up the
deficiency by cheap money. and danger
OF insolvency. This was met by borrow
Ing money upon acceptable security.
That step was an unmistakaois express
sion OF the dsts-minati IN OF this country
20 maintain It's co.nmecciai integrity; and
much an the people objected to the issue
OF bonds they approved Of 1t in preference
20 any st'yml upon our credit.
The Republican majority In congress.
carrying GU, the pledges Of the party plat
form Is now sndeavoring 20 devise a tar
~ which shall afford adequate revenue
and restore general prosperity by reviying
our languishing trade. II 10 met by the
hostility OF members Of that party which
has so often been said never 20 profit by
experience. The passage OF tho measure
~ being delayed by arguments worn
"a fhag rtIa 4sf
but have been proved failaeious.
II will be observed with impotence by
those looking forward 10 business i'm
provement that most OF the talk Of the OPP
position Is directed 20 tho underlying prin-
eipIss which wsrs thresaod Out during the
last campaign. and not 20 the best means
o, making the bill a success. The only
patriotic course for the Democrats who
are no, vet convinced Is 10 admit that the
people have deciied and that new sched-
ole Ia 10 be adopted. and 10 toln in making
Il as good a measure ~ possible. II their
conscience win not permit this aid Trey
could very consistently a; back and let
TO Republican majority have fair trial
Of Its policy. Tae bin is going 70 paNs.
whether Il IL wlse Or not the country viii
be the sainer or the loser: It IL not . test
OF mans or pArty's skin. bat meas
nre upon whose success he fortunes and
the happiness Of millions depend.
No tariff can be perfect. 70 tax can be
made entirely equal and free from excep-
tional lsniency ar exceptional hardship.
No tariff can ee framed which shall b.
equally acceptable 10 the home manvfac-
tuver ana 70 TIE importer. every interest
Will seek exemption for itsclf and re-
strieuon upon It's competitor. Each can
pat forward reasons for It's own immunity.
and 81 viii take not oaly = very high de-
srse % skin to devise. bat moral courage
20 stand BY a measure xalea entrenches
upon any powerful lntssest IRE effect os
fAetieaal opposition Is only to aid the sell
rsa Interests which take advantage Of
party rivalry 70 wiring compromises ana
concessions Il is very gratifying 20 Cad
therefore. 81 careful 81 authority a. Steele
declaring that the MEASURE Is TIE mos,
complete tariff I'm ever frausi. both for
is schedule and fer the methods provided
for tie collection Of duties.
The great strength - Ire party ia ire
house has Fre3s The task comparatively
easy. but when 4 reaches Ire senate 4 may
as expected that sams 81 least % IRE cp-
postsloa Will delay lls passage sy fighting
oves sgsia TIE sAtti~s Of tie campaign.
The ordeal must - endured vita p2;isscs
when sse eeus1csnt s1scss Of tAs rev sli
sassa - sxaisgt thessase elves there val -
ne further nsea e argument. Ard ~ 40
heSe1ts are 70 fellow tHs scencr ne knew
a. the better. IN or1sF 70 devise Sozas ethss
method ef felies