The indicator., 1897-03-13

ing out of debt-through an adequate
income secured by n system of taxa
ton, external or internal, or both. 1t
is the settled policy of the government,
pursued from the. beginning and prac-
ticed by all parties and administra-
tions, to raise the bulk of revenue from
taxes upon foreign productions enter
ing the United States for sale and con
sumption, and avoiding for the most
part every form of direct taxation, ex-
cept in time of war. The country is
clearly opposed to any needless addi-
tions to the subjects of international
taxation. and is committed by its lat
est popular utterance to the system of
tariff taxation. There can he no mis-
understanding, either, about the prin-
ciple upon which this tariff taxation
shall be levied. Nothing has ever been
made palmer at a general election than
that the controlling principle in the
raising of revenue on imports in zeal
Gus care for American interests and
labor is wished. The people have de
clared that such legislation should be
had. as will give ample production and
encouragement TO the industries and
the development of our country. 1t is,
therefore. earnestly hoped and expect
ed that Congress will at the earliest
practicable moment, enact revenue leg
islation 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 whatever par
ty, firmly bound by the voice of the
people-a power vastly more potential
n
platform. The paramount duty of Con
greSS is to stop dHticiencies by the res
tOration of that protective legislation,
which has always been the tirmest
prop Of the treasury. The passage of
such n law or laws would strengthen
the credit of the government both at
home and abroad and 90 far toward
stopping the drain upon the gold re-
serve held for the redemption of our
currency, which has been heavy and
well night constant for several years,
Advantages of Reciprocity.
In the revision of the tariff, especial
attention should he given to the re-en-
uctment and extension of the reciproc-
ity principle of the law of 1890, under
which so great a stimulus was given to
our foreign trade in new and advan-
ageous markets for our surplus agri-
cultural and manufactured products.
The brief trial given this legislation
amply iustifes 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
our country. by granting concessions
to the products of other lands that we
need and cannot produce ourselves,
and which do not involve any loss 0r
labor to our own people, but tend to
increase their employment. The de
preston of the past four years has
fallen with especial severity upon the
great body of the country, and upon
none more than the holders of small
farms. Agriculture has langushed and
labor suffered. The revival of manu-
featuring will be relief to both. No
portion of our people is more devoted
to the institutions of free government,
nor more loyal in their support, while
none bears more cheerfully or fully its
share in the maintenance Of the govern
ment or is better entitled to it's wise
and liberal care and protection. Leg
| islation helpful to producers is benc-
fetal to all. The depressed condition
of industry on the farm and in the
manufa ctory has lessened the ability
of the people to meet the demands up
on them, and they rightfully expect
| that not only system of revenue shall
be established that will secure the
| largest income with the lghtest bur-
den, but that every means will be TAX
en- to decrease rather than increase our
public expenditures. Business condi.
tions are not the most promising. 1t
will take time to restore the prosperity
of former years. If we cannot prompt
ly attain it, we can resolutely turn our
faces in that direction and aid its re-
turn by friendly legislation. However
| troublesome the situation may appear,
| Congress will not. am sure, be found
| lacking in disposition or ability to re-
| lieve as far as legislation can do so.
The restoration Of confidence and the
revival of business which men of all
parties so much desire depends more
| largely upon the prompt, energetic aud
Intelligent action of Congress than up
on any other single agency that nf-
| fects the situation.
Equal flights to all.
| 1t is inspiring. too. to remember that
no great emergency In the 10s years Of