Daily Arizona silver belt., 1909-03-09
MIR. TAFT AND THE TARIFF


 While in New York recently, MT. Taft expressed 8 hope that the new tariff
 stn would be speedily disposed of at the extra session to convene March 15. in order that business conditions might not be disturbed for a longer period than is necessary. His views reflected those of the major portion of the busi- ness and Industrial community, from which there is going up demand for prompt and early action on the tariff
 There are number of factors in the congressional situation favorable to such action. The ways and means com nIittee has been at work for nearly
 four months in the preparation of schedules. Its labors are well ad- vanced, and it may be taken for grant cd the completed bill will be ready soon after the session opens The house rules admit of very close control of the bill s RASoASSo, oo shat no un0uo 0oAdy WlL occur in that body. In the senate the ways may not be so well greased. Yet in the senate, as in the house, the i'm probability of any serious opposition from the minority makes>for expedition. It is less likely that the democratic sen- ators will delay the bill than that in surgent republicans may attempt ob- struction.
 Supposing that the situation at the capitol favors early action on the tariff, what prospect is there that rushing a tariff bill through will result 3n any real revision? There seems to be a general impression that haste will prove a cover for unimportant changes not affecting the interests of consumers to any great degree. MT. Taft has here tofore laid much stress on the prin- ciple of levying duties having some rela- ton to the difference between the cost of production at home and abroad. But this principle will play small part in the construction of the new bill, for 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 i'm portant respect, therefore, the new tar in measure will fall short of the ideal tariff MT. Taft had in mind. If it does not fall short in other respects every one will be greatly surprised. The pressure of the protected interests has been as strong as ever, and although for political reasons, it will be needful to make show of reduction, it will be singular if any considerable body of consumers profits by them. Since pro- lection 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 will be levied that is not amply protective. and this in itself initiates against Ser lous reductions, save in schedules where the duty is now so extortionate that lower duty will still assure control of the home market and prices.
 If prompt action is desirable, MT. Taft could hardly be expected to exer 'ise the veto power, should the bill, as passed be not wholly satisfactory, for veto would plunge the business world nto uncertainty again for an indefinite period. Even the resolute Cleveland allowed b,n that he considered be- .rayal of party pledges to become law his signature. We do not an- 'icipate that MT. Taft will keep the industrial interests of the country in suspense merely because of relatively minor differences of opinion between himself and congress over tariff sched- lies. That would be expecting alto .ether too much.