The evening herald. [volume] (Albuquerque, New Mexico) 1914-1922, 1921-07-24
NEW MEXICO AND SCHEDULE X

IN another page of this issue will be found a discussion of the new
wool tariff as contained in the Fordney bill. The article is from
" the National Wool Grower for July and while 1t is of particular
interest TO wool growers and business directly related to the wool
producing industry, it is of equal interest to every citizen OF New
Mexico. because the prosperity of this state rests to a large extent
upon the prosperity Of the wool growing industry and that prosper
ity rests rs We have learned by many years of experience and con-
trast between a protected industry and free WOOL upon the provisions
of Schedule X" which is that provision of tariff law covering wool
and wool products The article is one that can be understood even
by those wholly nnaecusiomed with the wool growing industry ana
with the tariffs Of the past and those now proposed.
Speaking generally it may be stated without fear Of contradic-
ton that New Mexico wool growers and New Mexico citizens have
prospered under a tariff law protecting the wool growing industry,
and that we have suffered loss Of prosperity when wool has been ON
and depression in this state by the changing national administrations
under which wool was protected by a duty or was upon the free list
Under the former, or republican administrations the state prospered
Under the latter, or democratic administrations, the wool growing in
dusry suffered serious depression and the business OF the state SUI
From October, 1913 until May, 1921, when the emergency tariff
law was enacted by a republican congress, no duties were levied upon
wool imported into the United States. The world war served TO ere
ate unusual conditions and to so restrict shipping as to provide for a
time at least the equivalent of a tariff on wool Market conditions
were abnormal. High prices were maintained. So were high pro
duciion costs. When the abnormal war conditions were suddenly
withdrawn the bottom dropped out of the market for our domestic
woods with the snddenness and violence of an explosion. Lacking
any tariff protection the market for American grown woods absolutely
ceased 10 exist. High production costs however, renamed NEG WIN que
wool grower and the inevitable result was disaster. With nothing
TO sustain it in its time of need the reaction of the wool industry to
post war conditions was nothing short Of a catastrophe.
As soon as possible after its inauguration the republican admin,
istration provided the emergency tariff and work upon the permanent
tariff law was begun. This law is now before the senate having
Generally speaking the provisions of The original Fordney bill as
contained in Schedule tx" r not satisfactory to wool growers
There is every reason TO expect that the wool schedule will be amend
ed, aud possibly rewritten while the bill is before the senate. The
matter is of the utmost importance TO New Mexico and 1t Is Tor
tunaie for the state that Senator Bursum has elected to foregC
partcipation ii the pre-eOnyentOn campaign, in which he is a eandi
date for the republican nomination, and TO remain at his post OF duty
while the tariff bill is pending. There are other matters OF hst i'm
portance 20 New Mexico before the congress but undoubtedly thu
Tariff bill is most important TO this state. A wise solution of th
wool schedules will determine prosperity or the lack OF II Tor New
Mexico during the years Immediately before MS.
Senator Bursum has more than a thorough knowledge OF th
theory of the WOO: tariff. He has thorough frsthand knowledge o
lis effect upon the individual wool grower, gained through man!
wears of practical experience. We are fortunate not only IN ms whl
jngness 10 leave his personal political fortunes to take care Of them
selves while he attends to this important business, but because he ha
a.. l,.uIadga AM eauinmput ia look ont for the interests q New
Mexico's great wool growing industry and the courage TO fight 70
those interests.