Republican Criticism Of Taxed Hides

According to the protective theory the imposition of a tax on noncompeting articles adda to their cost to the consnmer. This theory would be aptly exemplifled in the proposed duties on hides, as the people wonld be compelled to pay more for their footwear. It is estdmated that the increased cost of boots and shoes for one year nnder the proposed dnty wonld amount to $20,000,000. With free hides our niannfacturers of leather goods have been able to build ■np a great export trade in footwear. As Mr. Blaine said when it was proposed to put a duty ou hides in the law of 1890, "It will yield a proflt to the butcher only - the last man that needs it" The interests of the tanners and hoe manufacturera are vastly more important than tbe interests of