Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1888-12-05
STILL FOR FREE TRADE.

Recomme nding Prompt Action on tho
Tariff Question.
just and sensible revision of our tariff laws
should be made for the relief of those of Our
countrymen who suffer under present conditions
Such revision should receive the support OF all
who love that justice and equality to American
citzenship OF all who realize that In THIS justice
and equality our government finds It's strengtn
snd its power to protect the citizen and his
property; of all who believe that the
contented competence and comfort OF many
accord better with the spirit of our institutions
than colossal fortunes unfairly gathered In the
hands of a few; OF all who appreciate that the
toTbearance and fraternity among our people,
which recognize the value of every American IN,
teTest, are the surest guaranty OF our national
progress and Of all who desire tosee the products
OF American skill and ingenuity in every mar
ket of the world with a resulting restoratton OF
American commerce.
The necessity of reduction of our revenue is so
apparent as to be generally conceded, but the
means by which this end shall be accomplished
and the sum Of direct benefit which shall result
to our citizens present controversy of the ut
most importance. There should be no scheme
the people are only apparently removed. Ex-
uavagant appropriations of public money with
all their demoralizing consequences should not
the treasury of its present surplus or
as furnishing pretexts for resisting proper
reduction In tariff rates. Existing evils and in
justice should be honestly recognized. boldly met
and effectively remedted There should be no
cessation Of the strugge until plan IL perfected,
fair and conservative toward existing industries.
but which will reduce the cost to consumers of
the necessaries cf life while 1t provides for our
manufacturers the advantage of free raw ma
terlsls and permits no injury to the interests of
American labor.
The cause for which the battle 10 waged Is
comprised within lines clearly and distinctly
detined. It should never be compromised. 1t
the peoples cause 1t cannot be denied that thu
selfish and priv ate interests which SO persist
emily heard when efforts are made to deal in
just and comprehensive way with our tariff laws,
q faH mot rnog al fnr no
sentiment largely prevailing among the people
that the general government is the fountain of
individual and private aid that it may be ex-
pected to relieve with paternal care the distress
OF citizens and communities, and that from the
fullEess OF its treasury 1t should, upon the
slightest possible pretext of promoting the gen
localities and individuals Nor can it
be denied that there is growing
assumption that, asagainst, the government and
in favor OF private claims andIinterests the usual
| rules and limitations of business principles and
| just dealing should be waived. These ideas have
been unhappily much encouraged By legislative
| acQuiesence in relief from contracts made with
| the government too easily accorded in favor of
the citizen; the failure to support claims against
| the government by proof Is often supplied by
| no better consideration than the wealth of1the
| government and the poverty of the claimant;
| Eratuities in the form of pensions are granted
| upon no other real ground than the needy condi-
ton of the applicant or for reasons less valid and
| large sums are expended for public buildings
and other improvements upon representations
| scarcely claimed to be related 10 public need
and necessities. The extent to which the con-
slderatlon OF such matters subordinate and pest
| pohe action upon subjects of great public i'm
portance, bat involving no special private or
| partisan interest, should arrest attention land
! LEAD 10 reformation
| A lew of the numerous illustrations of this con-
| dition may bestAted. The crowded condition of
| the calendar of the supreme court, and the de-
/ lay to suitoys and denial of justice resulting
| therefrom, has been strongly urged upon the at
| tention of the Congress with plan Tor the relief
| OF the situation approved by those well able to
| Judge OF its merits. While this subject remains
| without effective consideration, many laws have
been passed providing for the holding of terms of
inferior courts at places to suitthe convenience of
localities or to lay the foundation of applica-
ton for the erection of new public building