Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1897-03-23

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
portatlon would be largely reduced by the
proposed bill, although the fact that our
domestic production Of wool has diminished
100000 pounds since 1893 will necessitate
the importation of much more wool now
than In the latter year. Assuming that the
une-third from those Of 1896 on account Of
anticlpatory imports to avoid duties, we
place the Increased revenue from this
source at $11.OO0,0O0. 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 rates
at about s14,000.0O0. From sugar we esti-
mate $2o,O0O.000 additional revenue. An
ticipating 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 to s4.00O,0OO The re-
manning schedules will afford a revenue or
about $39, 900 on the basis of the imports
Of 1896. but as there would probably DO
diminished exports at some points al
though the gradual restoration Of business
activity would offset this by increasing the
consumption of mported luxuries, we re-
dnce the estimates on these to SCI, 900, 600.
These would aggregate an additional rev.
enue Of $50, 0OO, COO the first year. A further
reduction Of s5,ooo.ooo or sl0,000.000 for con-
100000 as the probable increased revenue
from this bill the first year. which would
undoubtedly rise to $l00.000.00o the second
year.
Delay Means n Loss.
''These estimates are below rather than
above the probable result unless q consld-
cradle delay in the enactment of the bill
should greatly enlarge the opportunity for
imports OF articles on which duties are to
be raised-particularly 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.
I'm 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 adminis-
traitors OF the law and of our own pro-
ducers. The very general substitution of
specific duties, even where they are only
the equivalent Of existing ad valorcms. will
OF itself Increase the revenue and strength
en- the protection offered to our Industries.
Reciprocity PrOvinions.
1.-THE reciprocity provisions OF the act
OF 1880 have not only been fully restored
but this policy has been extended by add
Ing to sugar, tea, coffee and hides az ar
t1cles 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 reduction of duties on them to coun-
tries giving US similar concessions
THE bill as whole has the unanimous
support Of the republican members OF the
ways and means committee and will, it Is
hoped. receive the support not only Of re-
publicans, but Of others who believe that
revenue should be at least equal to ex-
penditures. with a small surplus added,
and who are patriotic enough to entertain
the conviction that in adjusting duties to
secure such revenue 1t is wise policy to en-
courage home production and manufac.
lures. and thus provide employment al
good wages for the laborers OF our people,
upon whose purchasing power depends the
market for our productions