Why was reducing the tariff important to Cleveland during his first presidential term?

Reducing the tariff was important to President Grover Cleveland during his first term because he believed it would promote free trade and stimulate economic growth by lowering prices for consumers and increasing competition. He aimed to alleviate the financial burdens on consumers and businesses, arguing that high tariffs disproportionately benefited special interests at the expense of the general public. Additionally, Cleveland sought to address the issue of a surplus in the federal budget, which he believed could be resolved through tariff reduction. This approach aligned with his commitment to fiscal conservatism and limited government intervention in the economy.