New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-11-11
THE TARIFF REVISION OUTLOOK.

Talk about tariff revision continues We are
not sure that it is not more eager and profuse
than before the election. Then II was harped
upon as reason for returning a Democratic
majority to the House OF Representatives
though as a matter Of fact the latter would
have blocked the way to tariff revision for at
least two years. Now the same theme is dwelt
upon as bound to command paramount atten-
ton at the coming session and in the new Con
gress and as eXerting great influence In the
canvass for the SpeakershiD OF the House 1t
may be that the latter discussion is more
rational, or less inept, than the former. We
have no doubt that the question OF tarifr re-
vision will be thoughtfully and practically con-
sidered by the Republican majority in Congress.
and also that candidates for the Speakership
will be subjected TO some scrutiny as to their
opinions upon the subject. But we greatly
doubt that the net outcome will be any more
satisfactory to the foes of the American system
than was the outcome of the election
BY that we do not mean that nothing will he
done in the direction Of tariff revision on the
contrary, 1t seems probable that n good deal
may be done But We mean that whatever is
done will be done by the friends of protection
and reciprocity and not by their foes, and will
be done for the maintenance. strengthening
and extension Of those systems. and NOT for
their destruction. That is why the outcome
viii be unsatisfactory TO free traders There
is nothing more certain than that their ante
election demand for tariff revision meant tariff
reversal from protection to free trade That
was not concealed. The foremost living Demo
cral the only Democrat who has been President
for more than forty years in his one campaign
speech inveighed with his severest inyectiye
against the idea of tariff revision by the friends
OF the tariff Vet
or the tariff is precisely what the nation has
voted for by a decisive majority That is per-
maps the most positive and significant outcome
or the Congress election Generally sneak
hR' where the tariff was issue Republicans
made gains, and where Democrats made gains
IL was on other grounds than the tariff
we nave said that some revision OF the tariff
will probably be effected There is no reason
why it should not be whenever if is needed
There is nothing sacrosanct i'm any particnIor
set OF schedules. Tariff rates are adonted To
suit existing conditions. and when conditions
materially change the rates NAV propcrIv he
changed TO meet them. For the sake Of bust
ness sIaDlllty, Of course. such changes SbOud
not De 100 frequent, and should not he made
upon slight preteXts. But when conditions
nave so materially ana Iastingly changed that
business interests and the public welfare will
be promoted by revision Of tariff schedules
such revision should be made without undue
delay. AS a matter of fact tariff cbonoes
through the extension of reciprocity are nov, in
active preparation The government is fuIlv
committed TO Il generous measure of reciprocitr
with Cuba, and the conclusion of n treaty for
reciprocity with Newfoundland has lust been
announced. The friends of protection and roci.
procity are doing these things. and they will
for years to come continue to do wbotover
needs TO be done in such directions That is
the unmistakable mandate Of the natinn