The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-03-20
Letters to The Editor
TARIFF REVISION.
Conditions and Public Opinion De-
 mand It.

Conditions and Public Opinion De- Editor The Adertiser:
 After an interval of twelve years, a session of Congress has met to revise the tariff. This rare occasion makes the opportunity for the most effective work of a decade by this committed. This revision Is forced upon the lead CTS Tn Congress and the administration the strong and widespread popular sen timent in favor of a heavy reduction of duties the work of this committee has contributed in no small measure. The essential situation surrounding the present revision is novel. For tn. nrst time we have vigorous tariff re auction movement originated by Re- publicans and manufacturers. and spreading in the party of protection. This movement. quite naturally. is not in accordance with our views in i'm portant particulars. and is apparently not vet strong enough to control the revision; but 1t makes a serious diyis- ion among the protectionists. The feeling between the stand-patters and the reductionists is bitter and becom- ing more so. In this clash great dea. of damaging truth about protection" can e; be brought out and used to widen the breach.
 This situation permits of forcing tho discussion of the whole tariff ques- tion. In Congress and before the peo- pie. practically free from considera- tions of party. This, in itself. is a long step toward the just settlement of tn" question.
 Moreover. the imperative need of a great and prompt increase in the reve- nue now compels the party of pro of any tariff they can frame. and to compel serious consideration of various plans for more direct taxation. as well s m esr of hy b the. opportunity to show. in Congress and out. and likewise without parti- sanship. the advantages of more direct taxation over tarin taxation.
 Under these exceptional circum- stances. this committee can accomplish, by reason of its experience and con- nections, and at comparatively small expense, a great deal toward the final breaking down of the protective sys- tenn. by supplying the most effective facts, figures, arguments and suggest pers. and certain special factors or great influence which can be stirred into activity by well directed efforts Persistent and intelligent work on our part now can accomplish in a few months results that ordinarily would be the work of years.
 We need at once several thousand dollars for carrying on the work which elusive facts are available .now.. but cannot be procured and used without sufficient funds. We can supply a large number of country newspapers with convincing information in the in- terest of the consumer. in plates which they are ready and willing to use. If we can meet the necessary expense. and we ought to carry on this service largely just now.
 This Is undoubtedly our best oppor- tunity in years for effective service. We ask all interested. therefore, to send us IS liberal a contribution as they can to the fund of the Tariff Reform Com mittee. Checks should be made pay able to the order of Louis Windmuller, Treasurer. Reform Club. 42 Broadway. New York. We trust that prompt at- tention will be given to this matter. for there should be no cessation or do. lay in our activity.
 Very truly yours,
 Byron W. Holt, Chairman of Tariff Reform Committee
 of Reform Club.
 New York. March IS.