The Dingley Act of 1897 (ch. 11, 30 Stat. 151, July 24, 1897), introduced by U.S. Representative Nelson Dingley, Jr., of Maine, raised tariffs in United States to counteract the Wilson–Gorman Tariff Act of 1894, which had lowered rates.
Following the election of 1896, McKinley followed through with his promises for protectionism. Congress imposed duties on wool and hides which had been duty-free since 1872. Rates were increased on woolens, linens, silks, China, and sugar (the tax rates for which doubled). The Dingley Tariff remained in effect for twelve years making it the longest-lived tariff in U.S. history. It was also the highest in U.S. history averaging about 52% in its first year of operation. Over the life of the tariff, the rate averaged at around 47%.
The Dingley Act remained in effect until the Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act of 1909.
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“The denial of our duty to act in this case is a denial of our right to act; and if we have no right to act, then may we well be termed “the white slaves of the North,” for like our brethren in bonds, we must seal our lips in silence and despair.”
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