Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1890-05-21
Gest ana the Tariff.

Gest ana the TarfH.
That Congressman Gest, of this dis
trict. is an ardent supporter of the Nc
Kinley abomination bill is not 10 be won
dered at although his snte.election
speeches would indicate the contrary. An
eastern newspaper man approached Mr..
Gest on the subject. and quoted him as
saying;
1T would be strange il It (the McKin
ley bilD. were not good measure
after being considered so long by the
ablest men in the house. There is moth
ing in the bill to which am opposed. 1t
is a well considered measure"
While the above is not so much an ex-
preston of Mr.. Gest's personal opinion
of the bill as it is an illustration of his
hide bound fidelity to the republican par
ty, it nevertheless, places him in full ac>
cord with the bill. And one would in
fer, and would be justified in believing.
that had the Mckinley bill increased the
tariff 400 or 500 per cent higher than it
does on the necessaries of life, that Mr.
Gest would support it as cordially as he
does the present bill In short, Con-
gresham Gest records himself unequivo,
cslly and irrevocably in favor of whatever
measure the tariff robbers and mouopo>
listic combines may propose. He closes
his ears to the protests and appeals for
industrial relief that are springing up on
all sides, and seeks to increase the bur
dens of the people.
The Eleventh cODgres sional district,
which Mr.. Gest is supposed to represent
in congress. is largely devoted to agri-
culture. Sundry requests have been sent
to him from his constituents in the rural
districts. asking him to favor such legiss
lation as would have a tendency to
ameliorate their condition. MIR. Gest's
answers to these petitions have been eva
sive and unsatisfactory. evidently thinks
ing the mutterings of discomfort would
soon blow over. But we advise the Hon.
Mr.. Gest to beware and not test the pa
tience of the long suffering farmers too
far. He is treading on dangerous ground
that menaces his political safety and men,
tai equilibrium.
Here are some resolutions which the
Peoria County Grange adopted at late
meeting They might be interesting if
not beneficial to our present Mckinley
tariff loving congressman.
WHEREAS, Steps are now being taken
toward the revision of our laws in regard
to taxation; and,
WHEREAS, To accomplish such legisla.
ton with full justice to all, all are equally
entitled to hearing; therefore. be it
ResolUed, That in the sense of this
j. Grange the condition of our different sins'
dustries renders it unnecessary, unwise
and un-American to longer continue the,
principle of high taxes upon the necessi-
ties and low taxes upon the luxuries of
life.
ResoIced, That iron>ore, wool. jute.
hemp. fax and sisal, and other like raw
material, and also coal, wood, lumber,
salt and sugar, and rice and all bread
stuffs should he admitted free of duty.
ResoLoed, That the present duties upon
wooden, cotton, iron, steel and leather
goods. and many other articles of neces-
sity or utility to the masses, are too high
and should be greatly reduced.
Resoloed, That the existing duties upon
many articles of luxury, such as dia-
monds and all precious stones. jeweiry.
fine furs. wines and liquors, silk goods,
art works. paintings and statuary musical
instruments. besides many other articles
not necessary TO the comfort or prosper
ity of the majority are too low, and should
he increased.
ReS0Ioed, That we protest against any
reduction of the internal revenue rates.
Res0lCed, That at the next district con-
ventions of the respective political par
ties these resolutions be presented, and
that the nominees of said conventions be
forewarned that they cannot receive our
support unless they will pledge Them
selves TO labor earnestly for the passage
of such measures. and to vote for the
same when they are offered, irrespective
of the political party in which they have
originated.
Paste these resolutions in your hat
Bro. Gest. and remember they express
the sentiments of nine, tenths of your con-
stituents Then 90 and commit political
suicide by swallowing the Mckinley poi>
son, if you wish.