The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-11-20
NO GENERAL TARIFF REVISION.

Speaker Cannon, when he discusses any question of public mo-
nent, invariably deals with it in a way that is practical, sensible and
cogently reasoned. This was the case the other day when, in consid-
eing the question of tariff revision, he said: IF a tariff bill should
be brought in, and we should discuss it for twelve months or so, and
It's friends then had the votes to enact it, and business should succeed
in adjusting itself to the new conditions, the measure would probably
be found to contain as many 'outrages' and injustices' as the pres
ent law" Herein the speaker expresses the chief reason that leads
practical Americans to resist all proposals for a general revision of
the tariff. Experience and observation have convinced them that the
principle of protection is the only one this country can safely follow
in determining its fiscal policy. Whatever differences may exist do
not affect the principle itself, but concern only the application of that
principle to local industries and interests.
1t is the conflict of these local interests and industries, each of
which seeks what it deems best for itself, that have made every gen.
eral tariff law enacted a compromise, some features of which were
bound to be unsatisfactory In spite of these recognized and admitted
defects practical Americans are loath to reopen the whole tariff ques-
ton, because they believe it wiser ito bear the ills we have than rush
to others we know not Of"
This belief explains why the Dingley tariff with its many known
inequalities and its failure to provide proper treatment for ur new
insular possessions, is $ difficult of modification, even when fair
minded and far-visioned citizens admit the desirabilty of such modi-
6cation.
1t is realized that a reopening Of the whole tariff question would
provide a n opportunity for the exploiting of the vagaries of free trade
and other final theories; that it would precipitate a conflict between
local industries and interests the outcome of which could only be
another compromise; and worse than al, it would disturb the business
of the entire country, halt the march of prosperity by engendering dis
trust and uncertainty, and work untold harm to American labor.
Capital is sensitive and even the menace of a general revision of the
tariff would cause almost IS much disturbance a S would a revision
itself.
This, of course, does not excuse us for neglectng the economic
welfare of our new possessions with the opportunities they offer for
development, but it does make clear why tariff inequalities exist and
it also points the way to safe and sane tariff reform. Such reform can
be brought about by getting rid of the worst injustice Of the present
tariff frst-that is, by treating our new possessions fairly and
equitably. That done, 1T will be possible to take up the next worst evil
and deal with that and sc on until the abuses complained of have been
eradicated-
This work should be carried on, not upon any abstract theory,
but with a view to applying a practical remedy to abuses as they are
revealed Under no circumstances should the nations prosperity and
its industrial progress be jeopardized by even the hint of a general
revision of the protective tariff. "