Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1900-03-30
CAN SUCH THINGS Beg

reproduce from the Washington Eoen
sng Star. OF yesterday, an utterance so re
markable, not TO say astounding, as to cal
for the most careful and vigilant inspection
"'The action of the Iowa legislature can.
not affect the situation In Congress. The
deal has been made; it is q matter OF money
for the campaign, and the tariff measure
will be carried
This statement was made by Republi
can member Of the House who supported
the bill In the House by his vote.
"'You may as well set il down that the
deal will be carried out he added. The
carrying out of the recommendation of the
President for free trade with Porto Rico
would have deprived the party of a very
considerable contribution; the adoption Of
the reverse policy insures a very large con-
tribution.
"'The possible unpopularity of the Porto
Rican tariff was balanced against the GER
tainty of money TO use In the campaign, and
the decision was 10 favor of the campaign
contribution. II was not expected that the
storm of protest would be as strong as II is,
but 1t Is now too late for q change"
1t Is quite unnecessary to say TO our local
readers that the Evening Star is not yell
low journal, or q sensation monger, or an
irresponsible purveyor OF scandal and ex
element II the Star declares-as II does
in this instance-that member OF Congress
has made the statement above quoted, II is
perfectly safe 10 assume that II speaks the
truth. The Star has everything TO lose
and nothing 10 gain by disseminating false
hood-and we add, upon our own motion,
that the Star does not bear the reputation OF
reckless or unsupported statement. We feel
that we are warrented, therefore, 10 assum-
ing that our esteemed contemporary speaks
with knowledge and conviction when II
quotes-if anonymously member OF the
House as declaring that the Porto Rico
tariff bill has been inspired by the detesta-
Bile and base purposes of q campaign iuad.
To say that is TO say that the Republican
party is using the administration and the
Congress as the iootpad exploits the de-
fenseess wayfarer-for mere plumber in the
form OF cash
We have frequently wondered, aud as
frequently asked, what there is behind all
this astonishing determination In Congress
to afflct Porto Rico with tariff. Unable
to understand II ourselves, we have ap.
pealed to the country at large for enlighten-
ment-for even a suggestion. Every con-
sideration Of honor and good faith and JUS
tice demands that we should treat Porto
Rico as the President eloquently Indicated
liz his message last December. Almost with
out exception. the press--especially the Re-
publican and independent press-has sup
ported this demand. And now comes the
Evening Star, as II TO answer the almost
passionate anxiety Of the country, explain
ing in deliberate terms that the tariff against
Porto Rico has been devised-not for any
purpose of statesmanship-not even in mis-
taken loyalty to national honor-not even
to establish precedent In the public inter
est-but simply and solely to placate certain
corporations which will contribute hand
somely TO party campaign treasury
II this be the case If Porto Rico is to be
sacrificed to the sordid uses Of political
contest If these innocent and trustful peo-
pie, who welcomed US with open arms and
conhded their destinies to our honor and
generosity, are to be inundated on the altar
of detestable and mean party emergency;
II it be true that the Republican Congress,
backed by the Republican administration,
deliberately intend TO trade upon the misery
and the helplessness Of q people who have
thrown themselves upon our mercy, then
we say-and we believe-that the country
will make haste 10 denounce and to con.
denim and to rebuke an inlamy 30 monstrous
and so indefensible. Wash. Post Of Sdtur.
fins LAT .