The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1897-03-24

that the imports of each class of goods
would be the same the next fiscal year az
IN the fiscal year ended last June. But as
the imports OF wool were three times as
great and those OF wooden goods more than
twice as great in pounds as in 1893. the COM
mittee assumes that their excessive i'm
portation would be largely reduced by the
proposed bill, although the fact that our
domestic production OF wool has diminished
100000 pounds since 1899 will necessitate
the importation of much more wool now
than in the latter year. Assuming that the
importation OF wool will fall off at least
One-third from those OF 1896 on account Of
anticipatory imports to avoid duties. we
place the Increased revenue from this
source at S1l 100000. Anticipating also that
the imports of woolens will fall off nearly
Is per cent from the enormous imports OF
1896. we estimate the increased revenue
from this source under the proposed ra ties
al about $4,000 900. From sugar we esti-
mate s2OOO0.OOO additional revenue. An
ticpating a considerable falling off OF i'm
ports OF Havana tobacco because of the
revolution In Cuba, we reduce the estimates
OF additional revenue TO be derived from
the tobacco schedule 10 81. ZOO, 000 The re-
naming schedules will afford a revenue OF
about S39, 100000 on the basis Of the imports
OF 1896, but as there would probably be
diminished exports at some points, al
though the gradual restoration of business
activity would offset this by increasing the
consumption of imported Injuries. we re-
duce the estimates on these TO SO, 0OO. OOO
These would aggregate an additional rev.
enue OF $S0,000.000 the first year further
reduction OF S5000,000 or 100000 for con-
tingencies would leave $70,0OO.O0O to $751;
900, 900 as the probable increased revenue
from this bill the first year. which would
undoubtedly rise to 500. 900 the second
year
Delay Means n LOSS
'These estimates are below rather than
above the probable result unless a consid-
cradle delay In the enactment of the bill
should greatly enlarge the opportunity for
imports OF articles on which duties are TO
be raised-particulurly wool and woolens
for speculative purposes. Undoubtedly
any delay beyond the first OF May In plac-
ing the bill on the statute book would re-
suit In large loss OF revenue.
In framing this new tariff the aim has
been to MAKE the duties specific, or at
least partly specific, so far as possible
TO protect the revenue and also to protect
our own industries This has been done
In response to the wishes OF the better class
OF importers as well as OF the admins
traitors OF the law and of our own pro-
ducers. The very general substitution OF
specific duties, even wnere they are only
the equivalent OF existing al valorems. will
or itself increase the revenue and strength
en- the protection offered to our industries
Reciprocity Provisions.
THE reciprocity provisions OF the act
OF 1890 have not only been fully restored
but this policy has been extended by add
ing 10 sugar, tea, coEee and hides ar
ticles on which to make reciprocal agree
ments, such articles as champagne, brandy
wines, artificial and natural mineral
waters. chicle. argols and silk laces In
adding these articles the reciprocity pro-
vision Is strengthened greatly by providing
for a reduction of duties on them to coun-
tries giving us similar concessions.
THE bill as a whole has the unanimous
support OF the republican members OF the
ways and means committee and will, IL Is
hoped. receive the support not only OF re-
publcans. but OF others who believe that
revenue should be at least equal to ex-
penditures, with n small surplus added |
and who are patriotic enough TO entertain
the conviction that in adjusting duties to
secure such revenue IL is wise policy TO en-
courage home production and manufac.
lures. and thus provide employment AT
good wages for the laborers OF our people. |
upon whose purchasing power depends the |
market for our productions"