The Washington herald., 1909-03-02
Mr.. Taft and the Tariff.

While in New York recently. Mr. Taft
expressed a hope that the new tariff bill
would be speedily disposed Of at the extra
session 10 convene March Is. In order that
business conditions might not be dis
turbed for a longer period than IS neces-
sary. His views reflected those Of the
major portion OF the business and indus
trial community. from which there is go
ing up a demand for prompt and early
action on the tariff There are number
Il factors in the Congressional situation
favorable TO such action The Ways and
Means Committee has been at work for
nearly four months in the preparation OF
schedules It's labors are well advanced,
and It may be taken for granted the com
pleted bin win be ready soon after the
extra session opens. The House rules ad-
nit Of very close control Of the bills
progress, so that no undue delay VIII
occur in that body. In the Senate the
ways may not be so well creased. Yet in
The Senate, as in the House, the improb-
ability OF any serious opposition from the
minority makes fer expedition It Is less
likely that Democratic Senators VIII de-
lay the bin than that insurgent RepuD-
iicans may attempt obstruction.
Sapposing that the situation az the Cap
ltol favors early action on the tariff, what
prospect is there tAat rushing a tariff
bill through viii result in any real re-
vision2 There seems to be q general i'm
preston that haste VIII prove a cover
for unimportant changes not affecting the
interests Of consumers 10 any great de-
gree- Mr.. Taft has heretofore laid much
stress on the principle OF Ievying duties
having some relation 10 the difference be-
tween the cost Of production at home and
abroad But this principle viii play small
part in the construction Of the new bin.
fo- the Ways and Means Committee Is
not in possession OF the information
requisite TO the determination OF rates OF
duty based on such a principle. In one
important respect. therefore. the new
tariff measure viii fail short OF the ideal
tartE Mr.. Taft has had in mind Il II
does not fall short in other respects.
every one VIII be agreea5ly surprised.
The pressure Of the protected interests
has been as strong as ever. and although,
for political reasons. 1t viii be needful to
make q show OF reduction, II wiz be
singular If any considerable BODY OF con-
sumers profits by them Since protection
OF American industry is the pervasive and
controlling principle Of tariff legislation.
acquiesced in By a larger number OF
Democrats than usual, there is no chance
that any duty viii be levied that is NOT
amply protective, and this In Itself mill
tates against serious reductions. save in
schedules where the duty is now 50 ex-
tortionate that lower duty wiz still
assure control of the home market and
prices.
X prompt action is desirable. Mr.. Taft
could hardly be expected 70 exercise
the veto power. should the bin. as
passed be not wholly satisfactory. for a
veto would plunge the business world
into uncertainty again for an indesnita
period Even the resolute Cleveland al
lowed bin that he considered a be-
trayal OF party pledges to become a law
without his signature We do not anticy-
pate that Mr.. Taft VIII keep the indus
triai interests OF the country in suspense
merely because Of relatively minor differ
ences OF opinion between himself and
Congress over tariff schedules. Thar
would be expecting altogether too much.