The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1900-04-21
An OPPRESSIVE Tariff Item.


From Philadelphia Ledger, RepuDllcan.
The manufacturers of low grade carpets
ingrains under the shield of the heavy duties
imposed upon the importation OF such fabrics,
have already advanced the price of the pro
duet, and it is announced that another raise in
its manufacturing price is about to be made.
This increase in cost of fabrics in extensive
use and necessary to comfortable living is one
of the many ways by which the present pro
hibitive customs duties affect the standard of
American life and diminish the ability OF the
people To provide themselves with the reason
able conveuiences and comforts and to save
something for the proverbial rainy day. Free
competition is the great economic balance
wheel and regulator of the price OF labor, the
only commodity which the vast majority OF
the people have to sell; but the present Tariff
law was ingeniously contrived to permit and
encourage combinations TO deprive the public
of the advantages of wholesome competition
as to every commodity in common use. In
the case of carpets the enactment has proved
to be peculiarly oppressive, for the reason
that under it, for the first time in our tariff
legislation, Chinese, japanese and India straw
mattings are dutiable, in order to force the
American public to iorego mattingS and TO
purchase low grade carpets, and upon these
latter the duties were greatly increased. The
device is tribute to the skill of the tariff
draughtsman. but probably in no other item
Of the customs schedule have the interests of
such large proportion OF the American pub
lie been more ruthessly sacrificed under the
guSe of fostering an American industry.
Mating ofthis character was not manufactured
here The primary object in imposing duty
upon it was not, in fact, to assist am infant and
struggling industry suffering from the compe-
tition of the Orient, but to assist another IN
dustry, which Is additionally protected IN the
~ H.. to. 10 44t7s.
eign competition.
The enhanced cost of Canton mattings has
curtailed the demand for cheap, clean aud
sanitary floor covering which was fast coming
into general use throughout the country. IL
was much sought for by persons of moderate
means. is peculiarly adapted for summer use,
and is much superior 10 many Of the low grade
carpets sold at higher price. For these rea-
sous strong opposition was made TO the nm
position of duty on product So well adapted
10 American needs, the use of which mater'-
ally reduced the cost OF house furnishing.
1t does not appear that any but the manu-
tacturers have received any benefit from the
duty on Ingram carpets and mating. Their
working men have to pay a largely enhanced
price for their carpets without receiving an
increase OF wages. A manufacturer stated on
Monday to a reporter of the Ledger that
the manufacturers promised their employees an
advance on the wages they were then getting
under the Wilson tariff a soon as practicable.
II appears that although the Dingley tariff,
with lis excessive duties on ingram carpets
and mating. has been IN operation for good
part of that time, the wages of the working
people have not been increased, and, growing
tired Of the manufacturers taking All the al
vaniagcs of the tariff. they have made a de-
mand tor the comparatively Insignificant al
vance ia their wages equal On per ceui. only.
This increase the working people say must be
granted by Jane /; but as the employers are
pretty cumpac,ly organized the result Is doubt
iul. they evidently being 81 the opinion that
the high carpet and mating duties were ian
posed not for the benefit Of labor, but Of cap
ital.
Conventional declarations against trusts aud
oppressive combinations at capital are - dust
N the balance when compared with legislation
which would lessen the possibility u! InorNl.
naiely high prices a. the resuli ct the abuse OF
the protective principle iu iaua cuaC'm~n'S-
A discriminating modification and relaxation
Of the existing faIif law and Of the internal
revenue schedule would b. worth much 10 the
party in poVeT in the struggle for the sueess-