The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1908-11-19
A MAXIMUM AND
MINIMUM TARIFF.

A preliminary word from Serene E.
Payne is to the effect that the new
tariff will be maximum and mini
mum affair, thus insuring modern
ness. They are fine words-maximum
and minimum-and indicate a depart
ure. theoretically such tariff takes
account of the influence high rates
on imports have on the expansion of
export trade. This country flatters
itself that it is something of a factor
in international commerce. Annually
there are compiled statistics to show
that we export manufactured articles
of great aggregate value. We know
that England is our best customer
and Germany is our second best. We
vey Druckenbrod, Kelly Sanders,
sewing machines and typewriters
can be bought in Paris for lower
prices than in New York, that kero-
sene oil sells for less in Berlin than
in Chicago and that American steel
rails are much cheaper in Mexico
than in Pittsburg. These and
thousand similar reports tell the tale
of our industrial consequence and
warrant predictions of a command
ing future.
We know, too, that continuation of
selfshly high tariff schedules has
caused many threats of reprisal.
Dingleyism has not operated to ex-
10
ley recognized this in his last speech
at Buffalo when he said we could not
go on forever selling abroad and re-
fusing our home markets to the for
eigner. Reciprocity is recognition of
the advantages to be gained through
trade agreements and by the foreign
er but by us. In it's original form
reciprocity is dead, but it's spirit lives
in the maximum and minimum desig-
nation of a tariff which takes account
not only of revenue and protection
but of trade development and expan-
sion.
Germany has such tariff and it's
adoption alarmed hundreds of Ameri-
can manufacturers. Twice the opera
tion of its maximum schedules against |
us have been suspended, but there is |
no hope of stay beyond next July /
unless concessions are made by us to |
German products.
This experience with Germany has |
doubtless caused the tariff makers to
take notice, but, as they are the same
men who framed the Dingley law,
here is no particular promise of ade-
luate treatment. We cannot forget |
hat reciprocity was fundamental in
he discussion of the Dingley bill.
Schedules were made higher with
Instinct prospect that trade treaties
would reduce them. Then the treaties,
Negotiated in good faith, we're throt-
led by a relentless and treacherous
enate. How the maximum and mini
mum plan will be juggled to the same
urpose we know not, but a suspicion
justified that practically insur-
lOuntable conditions will be made G
Or the operation of the minimum
ates and the maximum will work all
lC time.
We hope we are wrong. Tariff
laking is infinitely comp icated and
ificult under any circumstances, bat
le opportunity presented at this
me is wonderfully tempting. It is
4 opportunity to test the sincerity,
resight, prudence, economical skill t
I'd patriotism of a political pa! H.. y
oditcation of the fear that the '
usts will gorge themselves less on !
wer schedules and more solicitude f
r our foreign trade viii help much. 7
he stimulation of production, in {
cad of its limitation to the demands ( G
domestic consumers, will broaden C
If Industrial independence and make c
If manufacturers less the creatures f
the home markets. 1t is easy to a
nceive a situation in which every d
'mestic furry would not cause a t
ssation of business. If an extrava- n
ntly high tariff gives TO our manu- S
cturers the greatest market in the v
orld" it also deprives them of all s
course when that market fails. c