The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1902-06-27
a TARIFF SCANDAL.

Oar esteemed co temporary, the
Baltimore SIM, scores in just terms
the ae'ion Of Congress in the matter
Of tariff legislation. In an editorial on
Thursday it truthfully says:
The Congress now nearing its end
Las 5 gnaiiy failed to meet popular ex-
pCctations il respect to any matter
that involved lessening of the Ding
ley tariff rates. The tariff lords de-
handed the maintenance OF their cXor-
li'ant system and successfully op-
posed every measure-no matter how
neccssary-that involved its modifica-
ton Sordd views prevailed. Not
that there was no margin of revenue
that would permit reductions of rates
fer Spt cial PURPOSES, bnt because it
was feared that tie removal of the
smallest stone from the arch of "pro-
lection" would bring the whole edifice
tumbling about the ears of the tariff
lords. Despite the repeal Of the war
taxes. there was and still is an ample
surplus OF revenue. This is being got
lid of by increasing the special pen
sions vase, by providing for enormous
expenditures on arid land irrigation
and by increasing beyond measure the
extravagant outlay on public buildings
and rivers and harbors. But there
was no constructive craftsmanship.
Such statesmanlike measures as the
relief of Cuba. reciprocity treaties, con-
sular reform and tariff revision were
DEFEATED, simply and solely because
they Involved some reduction Of tariff
rate.
Everything was conducted on the
lowest plane Of selfishness, in blind dis
regard Of all considerations Of national
Gnlv. Even the recognized leaders Of
the Republican party we've Gefied and
q srlism was risked rather than yield
lrf:nE percentage OF the tariff rate
on sugar Such was the superstitious
fer Of tile entering wedge" on the
Iait Of tbs prutcctionist teaches that
fat:tn ~ tie American public that
tiny were deal to all arguments of du.
y aud Xxi ,i,ncy. Mr.. Mckinley in
!. a.etutrab:e speech announced, in
Hlcw of our widening political and
CO., ms ciai relations, that ''the period
81 xu.u>j,eness IS past" 1--we de
s:ted IL ,u'sr rAiei9n markets fc''',
L oui goods, &c must facilitate y.
c3ahE'& ~ some lowering e duties
Hec.i rositl r'a'ics imply g small re
,uc:i..i, OF rates, and for th:s rcas; n
reciprocity must lie rejected. Mr.. Nc.
kjnleys influence with his patty was
great but it could not command a c
per cent rtGuct or President Roose
Veil = :! strenuous states man ana &c
murstrated earnestly and often the sa
cred Obligation resting upon us to t;!
yor Cuba with seine small reduction s
Of rates with view TO stimulating
Cuba's prosperity ard retaining hel
affection for h,r libcrator. If we are
Ia exercise { controlling innu, nee on
her fo:j,ica dcs:iuits, it is specially
ucUnb~ij Oh l. { fac. i;ay the fnar
cal success Of the young republic.
But no. Any concession to CUBE
however small, would be an "enterine
wedge and there was to he no weak
cning oi TIE protectionist combination
Il enc duty was lishtcned, there wou.t
soon, it was argued, be call for all
other reduction. The tariff lords mus
stick together or their game will end
If they are not to fight each other lik'
dogs and cats, they must support Gael
ether in plunderine the consumer
Bot peoples eyes are opening, and thu
stupidity Of Tic protect;onists du: N!
this session # Congress may produce
that gCHc!a disgust which tarff re
formers have so long been expecting