New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-11-16
TARIFF CHANGES.

The Republican party has an enviable record
for practical efficiency in administration. 1t
has ever stood ready to face new conditions as
they arose and, while remaining true TO its
principles. TO adapt its measures with changing
circumstances to the needs of the people. 1t
promised in the recent campaign to do this
with reference to the tariff. The platform.
while standing arnly for protection and against
any tariff revision intended not TO perfect, but
to destroy, the system which has in general so
promoted American prosperity, fully recognized
the need of readjusting schedules from time
to time President Roosevelt likewise in his
speech of acceptance said: THAT whenever the
need arises there should be a readjustment OF
"the tariff schedules is undoubted." Republi-
cans boldly stand pat on the principle of pro-
lection. They wisely refused to undertake
wholesale revision at & time when it would
lead TO a prolonged controversy and certainly
injure business. But they never have thought
of treating any schedule fetch, or lost sight
of the fact that the tariff should from time
to time be brought up TO date, at the seasons
when the work can be performed with the least
disturbance TO trade.
The Dingley act was passed nearly eight
years ago. Since then wonderful develop
ment In American manufactures and commerce
has occurred. No wise and patriotic man can
wish to arrest that development but he must
realize that in some respects the country has
outgrown the law, and that in some other re-
spects. as experience has demonstrated the law
was faulty from the beginning. The iron and
steel schedules have certainly been outgrown
and need revision. Some hnplate manufact-
urers concede that they do not need any longer
the measure of protection which they receive
The leather duties, which were intended to pro-
tect cattle raisers seem by a mscalculation to
Tod in bar rir1of 1annfaPfnre for
export Of heavy leather goods made from thick
South American hides and in making those
goods unnecessarily dear at home. Then more
and more the people realize the shortsighted-
ness and folly Of taxes on books and art. Ihe
supposed benefciaries of these taxes almost
unanimously demand their repeal. Our duty to
the Philippines and our selfinterest also prompt
the opening of our doors to their trade. Their
prosperity is the solution of our insular prob
lem.
We are by no means satisfied that in general
the Dingley tariff is SO far outgrown as to make
wholesale revision with its risks Of disturbed
confidence wise, but certainly in few particu-
lars like those mentioned there is need of re-
adjustment, and the quicker 1t comes with
the least political debate the better. Shortly
after the election of 1892 the Editor of The
Tribune at a Chamber Of Commerce dinner,
said TO Mr.. Cleveland and his party, There is
nothing so injurious to business as uncertain
ty," and urged them to make the tariff changes
on which they were intent without unneces-
sary and harasstng delays" The country's ex-
perience while in suspense for nearly two
years until August %, 1894, warns Republicans
against undertaking a long tariff discussion.
Just how to avoid this and at the same time
make necessary changes is problem of prac-
teal craftsmanship for the leaders in Congress-
PERHAPS as good a method as any would be to
take advantage of the approaching short session
TO do Justice to the Philippines and agree on
few general schedules which need most to be
brought up to date, and delegate the study of
those schedules to an expert commission The
floor of Congress is no place for the solution
Of complicated business problems This COM
mission should be small, predominantly adher
ing to the protective policy, but unquestonably
disinterested and unbiased by the claims Of
any particular industry. Such body could in
a short time, without creating general uneasi-
ness, recommend the few specific changes most
needed The country could be saved the I'M
ending struggle which inexpertness selfish in
terests and political considerations would make
inevitable in Congress At the long session the
houses could take up these few expert recon-
mendations, which would excite no general at
tack and if they were reasonably moderate
and fair comparatively little opposition from
particular interests affected, and pass them
quickly Thus the tariff could be modernized
with the minimum Of disturbance, and if it was
found that still further changes were needed to
bring it up to date these could be made in the
same manner without any general controversy
or shaking of confidence. Whatever is to be
done should be done quickly, and it should be
done with the aid Of impartial experts.
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