Speech 71
A MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TARIFF

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE AT THE OPENING OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTY NINTH CONGRESS, DECEMBER 5, IOX55

THERE is more need of stability than of the attempt to attain an ideal perfection in the methods of raising revenue; and the shock and strain to the business world certain to attend any serious change in these methods render such change inadvisable unless for grave reason.  It is not possible to lay down any general rule by which to determine the moment when the reasons for will outweigh the reasons against such a change.  Much must depend, not merely on the needs, but on the desires, of the people as a whole; for needs and desires are not necessarily identical.  Of course no change can be made on lines beneficial to, or desired by, one section or one State only.  There must be something like a general agreement among the citizens of the several States, as represented in the Congress, that the change is needed and desired in the interest of the people as a whole; and there should then be a sincere, intelligent, and disinterested effort to make it in such shape as will combine, so far as possible, the maximum of good to the people at large with the minimum of necessary disregard for the special interests of localities or classes.  But in time of peace the revenue must on the average, taking a series of years together, equal the expenditures, or else the revenues must be increased.  Last year there was a deficit.  Unless our expenditures can be kept within the revenues then our revenue laws must be readjusted.  It is as yet too early to attempt to outline what shape such a readjustment should take, for it is as yet too early to say whether there will be need for it.  It should be considered whether it is not desirable that the tariff laws should provide for applying as against or in favor of any other nation maximum and minimum tariff rates established by the Congress, so as to secure a certain reciprocity of treatment between other nations and ourselves.  Having in view even larger considerations of policy than those of a purely economic nature, it would, in my judgment, be well to endeavor to bring about closer commercial connections with the other peoples of this continent.  I am happy to be able to announce to you that Russia now treats us on the most favored nation basis.