The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1929-02-23
Raising the Tariff Dixie

Tariff revision it appears, will not be as simple
as some of those who advocated it had expected.
Originally the idea was that the tariff was to be
readjusted as measure of farm relief Instead OF
lowering the tariff to permit farmers to buy the
products of industry more cheaply the senate adj
vocated in resolution year ago. the idea was ac-
copied that the better method would be to increase
the tariff on agricultural products.
There would also, be certain other adjustments"
for the benefit of few industries which were suffer-
ing most from foreign competition
Politicians of both parties made good use OF this
argument during the campaign 1t pleased the 1arm-
ers, and the tariff beneficiarieS as well.
Now after six weeks of hearings before the house
ways and means committee it is apparent that If
manufacturers their way tariff will be estab-
ushed which will make the Fordney McCumber
schedules look like free trade.
procession of representatives from almost every
major industry has appeared before the committee
emoaning the ruinous effects of foreign competition
and demanding greater protection. Listening to them,
you would believe American prosperity is entirely
mythical and that manufacturing is prof1tless
Farmers naturally have asked higher duties on
all soil products since the revision presumably
initiated in their behalf.
House and senate leaders, and, it is believed Her
bert Hoover becoming apprehensive at the pros
pect of a general revision upward which in many
instances would establish practical embargoes.
And well they may be. Probably they prevent
it, but this is by sure. Every group seek
ing favors is well represented in congress, and the
opportunities for trading votes are infinite.
The problems that are arising from this presum-
ably simple task are of far-reaching Importance
There is danger that the farmers may be bam-
boozled and find themselves no better off than before
Higher duties things the farmer buys would tend
to nuIlify the rather dubious benefits Of higher agri-
cultural tariffs.
And there is direct conflict of interest which
threatens to bring producers and manufacturers to
grips. The shoe people would tax importatons, but
they do nc5 want to give the farmer tariff hides
manufacturers of industrial alcohol oppose duty or
black strap molasses, which the farmers demand.
Tire and thread manufacturers argue against the
tariff on long staple cotton which the Impoverished
growers of the southwest insist they must have And
so on.
Also the question of what would be the effect on
business of prohibve tariff barriers is beginning to
would react on buying power, and create demand
for higher wages.
Other problems affect foreign relations. How
America collect dividends and interest investments
and loans abroad if the Importation of goods is i'm
possible? Will foreign nations retaliate through high
er tariffs and cartes and njure our foreign trade?
What will be the effect on the Philippines, Hawaii
and Cuba if their sugar industry is crippled? How
can we expand our Latin american trade if we i'm
pose heavy duties on their produce, such bananas?
All in ALL tariff tinkerng is fruitful source Of
trouble. SO far the only voice that has not been
raised in the cry for favors is that of the consumer
Whatever the outcome, it is safe bet that he will
bear the brunt of any changes made.