the people, yet was not designed to produce large revenues, and they were obliged to go into debt to pay for the public works they carried on.
The Proof of these Statements is Easy to Furnish.
First, take the customs tariff. It is generally recognized that it was reduced substantially; we cite the attitude of the Conservatives in evidence. At one time it suited their purpose to declare that the Liberals had maintained the national policy in its entirety, and that it was solely because they had done so that the country was so prosperous. Gradually, however, the facts percolated into their understanding, and they now openly and bitterly blame the Government for reducing duties.
But let the facts speak for themselves.
In 1896, under the Conservative tariff, $18.28 was charged by the customs on every $100 worth of goods imported into the country. In 1903 only $15.88 was so charged. Although this is a reduction of 13%, it may seem small to you, but apply it to the total importations of 1903, and you will find that if the Conservative rate had been charged, more duty to the amount of over five and a-half million dollars would have been collected.
But Conservative politicians have argued in the House of Commons, that in making the calculation, Coin and Bullion, and Indian Corn that comes into the country but is not consumed here — being afterwards exported — should be deducted. Well! taking them on their own ground, we find that the average rate of duty imposed in 1896, after deducting Coin and Bullion, was $19.19, whereas it was only $16.60 in 1903 — deducting Coin and Bullion and Indian Corn imported but not remaining in the country. If the Conservative average rate of 1896 on this basis had been in operation in 1903, nearly six million dollars more duty would have been collected.
The Conservatives have further argued that it is not fair to make a comparison with the year 1896. Well! we will take their full term of office. The average duty charged by them during their eighteen years of power was $19.10 on each $100 of goods imported. Since the Liberals came into power the average duty was $16.49. If the Conservatives average rate had prevailed during the seven years from 1896 to 1903, over thirty-two million dollars more duty would have been paid into the Treasury.
