THE OLD FEUD.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXIV, Issue 142, 6 July 1888, Page 2

THE OLD FEUD.

? . *m It is a pity that ftt fee present stage the dogs of Protection and the dogs of 3?peer trade do not leave off barking at one another over the tariff. It is perfectly doggish to be worrying the tariff like a meat bone. Why they keep op at it we cannot for the life of us see. The only probable explanation, that we can offer is that their constituencies sent them up on oue ticket or the other, and they must make a noise for Protection, or kick up a row for Freetrade. Here, for example, is Mr Beetham, who, on the motion for the third reading, makes a "final protest against the imposition of g. Protective tariff." His "anomalous" action, to which Mr Ballance drew : attention, is a matter which docs not concern our present point. What we wish to say is that it is ! not a question of Protection v. Freetrade, aneZ tb.at- any member who went up to the present ; session pledged (to himself or his constituents) as^iil^r § Protectionist or a Freetrader pure and simple, is Jjke a man m .heavy marching order trying to got over .rough gioundT Neither the one nor the other can be rigidly adopted. Thc policy of the {iovernnient should be fixed enough to comman4poufi.cJ.6ncp, butilexible euough to meet the eircurastanegs of the hour. One circumstance of the present houj; is of a very startling" character. Wo. must have revenue, ancl we have not got enough ; and the only way the Goyernment can see of getting it is to tax. Taxation m any form is of course unpleasant, and the taxing of the ' necessaries and semi-luxuries of life is a duty from which the boldest Treasurer shrinks. NotUjn? but the direst necessity induced tho MfnjLsiry to frame this tariff. There is no doubt aboui that. In snch an emergency it is worse tlian idl; po talk of Protection v. Freetrade. That question is really not m it. It is not now a question of ipstenugiudustries by protective duties j

it is a case of finding the sinews of war. and these must be had. The only way tc get them immediately when the # value ol property is at so low an ebb, is to tax things winch m a more prosperous season would be exempt. Hence the Customs Duties Bill, which we observe with satisfaction the common sense of the House is allowing to pass through all its stages, The most sensible members are those whe stand by the pilot while the ship is m the breakers, and allow him all the pilot's privileges and freedom. It will be quite time when \<?e round, the point and get into deep water again, to legislate for the promotion of this and that indnstty. Al present revenue is needed, and it can onlj be got immediately through the Customs ; a stern necessity but a genuine one.