Mr. Fairchild, the Secretary of the Treasury, in his report
supports strongly the line of the President. He proposes that the revenue shall be so reduced, as for some years to come not to equal the expenditure, so that the accumulated surplus may be gradually used up. He proposes to simplify the tariff, snaking the duties as far as possible specific, instead of pro. portional to the value of the articles imported. He asks for discriminating duties on woollen and worsted cloths, and declares that the manufacture of worsted cloths will cease in the United States unless the duties be amended. He declares that the trade in American vessels is diminishing under the present tariff, and he wishes that foreign-built vessels, owned by American citizens, should be allowed to trade between the United States and other countries under the American flag. In other words, Mr. Fairchild asks for a considerable relaxation of the American navigation laws in the direction of Free-trade. We shall be surprised if an American Free-trade League does not soon spring up in the United States to second the policy of President Cleveland. Its main support will be in the West.
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