The Portland daily press., 1897-03-05

eminent is still indebted for tb. su,plus
thus accrued which 1T must ultimately
pey, while Its ability to nav is not
strengthened, but weakened, by con-
tinued deficit. Loahs are imperative in
great emergencies to preserve the poyern-
ment or its credit, but failure TO sup
NV needed revenue in TIM of neace for
the maintenance of either has no iustifi-
cation.
THE TARIFF.
The best way for the government to
maintain its credit is to pay as it goes
not by resorting TO loans, but by keep
ing out of deht-through an adequate in
come secured By q system of taxation ex.
ternal or internal, or both. 1t Is the set
tied policy of the government, pursued
from the beginning and practiead by all
parties and adm Illustrations, to raise the
bulk of our revenue from taxes on for
eign products entering the United States
for sale and consumption and avoiding
for the most port every form of direct
taxation except in time of war. Tie
country is clearly opposed to any need
less additions to the subjects of internal
taxation and committed by It's latest
popular utteranees to the system of tariff
taxation. There Dan be no misundeT-
this tariff taxation shall be levied.
Nothing has ever been made palmer at
general election than that the controlling
principle in the raising of revenue from
duties on imports is Jealous care for
American interests and American labor.
The people have declared that such legis-
latlon shall be had rs Will givs protec-
ton and encouragement TO the Industries
and the development Of our country. 1t
is, therefore, earnestly hoped and ex-
peeted that Congress will at ths earliest
practicable moment enact revenue legis-
iation that shall be fair, reasonable, con-
seryatiye and just, and which, while sup
plying sufficient revenue for public pur-
poses. will still Re signally beneficial and
helpful to every section and every class
of people. 10 this policy we ara ALL of
whatever party, firmly bound by the
voice of the people, power vastly more
potential than the expression OF any po-
iitical platform. The paramount duty
of Congress is to stop the deficiency by
the restoration of that protective Ieaisla-
ton which has always been the firmest
prop of the treasury. The passage of
such law or laws would strengthen the
credit OF the government both at home
and abroad and go fer towards stopping
the drain upon the gold reserve held for
the redemption of our currency, which
has been heavy and we'll nigh constant
for several years.
RECIPROCITY.
In the revision of tho tariff especial
attention should be given to the re-en-
actment and extension of the reciprocity
principle of the law of 1890, under which
so great stimulus was given to our for
eign trade in new and advantageous
markets for surplus agricultural ana
manufactured products. The brief trial
given this legislation amply justi1es a
further experiment. and additional dis
cretionary power in the making of COM
mercial treaties, the end In view always
to be the opening up OF new markets Tor
tho products of our country By granting
con cessions to the products OF other
lands that we need and cannot produce
ourselves, 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
the great body of toilers of the country
and upon none more than the holders OF
small farms. Agriculture has languished
and labor suffered. The revival of man
ufaoturing will be relief to both. No
portion of our population is more devoted
| to the institutions of flee government
| nor more loyal in their support. while
none bears more chesrfully or fully it's
proper share in the maintenance of the
governments or IL better entitled to Its
wiae and liberal care and protection.
Legislation helpful to producers is bene-
| ticial to all The depressed condition Of
! industries on the farm and in the mine
and factory has lessened the ability of
the people to meet the demands upon
them, and they rightfully expect that
not only revenue shall be established
| that will SECURE the largest income with
| the least burden, but that every means
will be taken to decrease rather than in
crease our public expenditures. 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 resolutely turn our faces
In that direction and aid its return by
| friendly legislation.
THE DUTY OF CONGRESS.
However troublesome the situation
may appear Congress will not, I am sure
be found lacking In disposition or ability
to relieve it as far as legislation can de
so. The restoration of confidence and the
revival of business which men Of al
parties so much desire depend more
| largely upon the prompt, energetic anG
| Intelligent action Of Congress than upor
any other single agency affecting tn,
situation. 1t Is inspiring, too, TO remem
Der that no great emergency in the ont
hundred and eight years of our eventfu
national life has ever arrived that hal
not been met with wisdom and courage
by the American people with fidelity tt
their best interests and highest destiny
and to the honor of the American name
Those years of glorious history have ex'
alted mankind and advanced the cause O.
freedom throughout the world and i'm
measurably strengthened the precious
free institutions which we enjoy. The
people love and will sustain those insti
buttons.
THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE.
The great essential to our happiness
and prosperity is that we adhere to tn,
principles upon which the government
was established and insist upon thei
faithful observance. Equality of right
must prevail and our laws be always ant
sverywher, respected and obeyed. w
NAV have failed in the discharge of oul
full duty as citizens of this great repub
Lie, but it is consoling and encouraging
to realize that free speech, a free press
tres thought, free schools, the free ane