New-York tribune., 1900-10-14
BRYANs REMEDY FOR TRUSTS.
DEMOCRATIC LEADERS PLAN TO INTRO
DUCE FREE TRADE.
To the Editor of The Tribune

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: Rrvan's proposition to the alleged evils
OF trusts-to put articles controlled by such or
ganizations the free LISTS as irrational ana
visionary his plan to make 80 cents worth or
silver equal TO 81 In value, through legislative ac-
tiou. This absurd proposal in respect to trusts
also dscIoses the latent hostility of the Democratic
party to protection in every form.
An attempt to place articles believed to be con-
trolled by the free list would demoralize
the whole tariff. and might destroy its vital prin-
ciple OF protection. In almost every case where
foreign merchandise would be imported under such
law the aid OF the courts would be required to
determine whether the article in controversy is
controlled by trust. great and expensive itiga-
ton and delays would ensue, doubt and uncer-
tanty as to the scope and effect OF the law would
prevail. trade would be hampered and great many
evil results would follow When could we expect
TO obtain judicial construction OF the tariff laws
with reference to the placing OF articles the free
list TO overreach the trusts?
But the objection just considered is of less mag
nitude, perhaps. than the effect which such
reservation in tariff laws might effect. 4 law
placing upon the free list all articles controlled by
a trust might tend to place us on a free trade
basis, and leave US, in the of England,
with few protected industries. English capital
lists and manufacturers would be quick to take ad-
vantage OF such law. They have vast amount
OF capital invested in this country in some form Of
corporate enterprise or In trusts. Under a law
such as the Bryanites propose for the control Of
trusts, by placing articles cornered by them the
ITee list, English or other foreign capitalists or
manufacturers might combine with certain capital
lstS or manufacturers in this country to control
our leading industries and the result would be the
summary destruction of tariff laws. American
prosperity would be transferred to the other side
ol the Atlantic, and the hard times and soup
kitchens OF the Cleveland-Wilson regime would
soon be In order again The great volume of COM
modities now produced in America would then be
fabricated by pauper labor of Europe and Asia.
and where would our workingmen stand?
1t might be urged that American interests or
nome producers might prevent conspiracy O con-
uoi an leading products OF our mills factories
ehd thus place such commodities the free list
through sef-interest. But do not think so Self
interest is best satisfied by the greatest returns
capital invested. Manufacturers say that they can
with time to adjust their business accordingly,
prosper under any tariff. but they cannot pay
can be produced cheaper abroad on account Of the
crowded labor market and the less of living
ana lower wages. i Is obvious that If free trade
IS ADOPTED American workmen must compete on
unequal terms with the underpaid and underfed
lah of other countries and that their wages must
countries
If II be true. the Democrats urge that trusts
are pacious and bear down upon people, then
such organizations would not hesitate take ad-
vantage of a provision in our tariff laws placing
articles controlled by trusts the list, to
negative such laws by clever merger of foreign
and domestic capital for that purpose and thus
throw the country free trade basis Great
combinations of capital might be able to accomplish
such results.
scheme of Bryan to overthrow tariff indirect
means. The scheme is characteristic of the Bryan
Democracy. GEORGE A RFNIIAM
Cortland. n. Y, Oct s. 1900