The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-08-09

amendments OF our tariff laws as will
place the products of trusts upon the free
list and thereby prevent monopoly under
the plea of protection During almost four
years of Republican control of all depart
ments of the Government the trust evil
has grown to its present overshadowing
proportions. What finger has been lifted
for its suppression? With its friends again
entrenched in power, what hope is held out
for the future?
"At this hour / can but allude in brief
words to other needed reforms 10 which
the attention Of the country is called by
the Democratic platform. Prominent among
these is such enlargement Of the scope OF
the Interstate Commerce law as will pro-
tect the public from unjust transportation
rates and individuals from unfair discrini-
nation. AS is well known, this law has
failed TO effect the wise purpose for which
it was enacted In fact, ii is now little
more than dead letter upon the statute
books Under well-considered amendments
the commission should be vested with am
pie power TO prevent injustice to indiyid-
uals and to the public
Labor and Pensions.
"Our platform favors the creation Of a
Department. of Labor, whose chief officer
shall take rank with the other constitu-
tional advisers of the President. This is in
the interest of justice, and will prove an
important step looking to the proper rec
ognition and encouragement Of the pro-
ducers of wealth.
IN specific terms 1t favors liberal pen
sions to our soldiers and sailors and 10
those dependent upon them.
with equal justice it reiterates the de-
mands of former Democratic platform for
l. IF ell n
its proper function in our monetary sys-
TEN. ~
For the protection of the home laborer
it demands the enforcement of the Chinese
Exclusion act.
And in the interest of an enlarged COM
merce it favors the immediate construe-
ton of the Nicaragua Canal. This, how
ever, with the provision that it shall re-
main forever under the exclusive owner
ship and control of the United States. The
pending Hay Pauncefote Treaty is con-
demned as surrender of American rights
not TO be tolerated by the American peo-
pie. In the construction and control OF
this great work there can be no concession
of right to any European power. CONNER
cial interest and national safety in time
of war alike demand its permanent owner
ship by our Government.
The Paramount Issue.
"a question is yet to be discussed to
which all of these are of secondary i'm
portance. 1t is solemnly declared by our
platform to be the paramount issue. Ques-
lions of domestic policy, however impor-
tant. may be but the questions of the hour
that of Imperialism is for time. In the
presence of this stupendous Issue others
seem but as the dust in the balance. In no
x,rif nd is ha IL
preme question of republic or empire. The
words of the eminent Republican Senator,
Mr. Hoar. challenge attention: I believe
that perseverance in this policy will be the
abandonment of the principles upon which
our Government is founded. that it Will
change our Government into an empire;
that our methods Of legislation. of diplo-
macy, of administration, must hereafter
be those which belong to empires, and not
those which belong to republics
Upon every phase of our foreign policy
the language of the Democratic platform
is too clear to admit of misconstruction. 1t
favors trade expansion by all peaceful and
lawful means.
Constitution Follows the Flag.
1--WE belize that liberty. as we'll as the
Constitution follows the flag. Democrats,
in common with many Republicans, oppose
the Porto Rican law as violation OF the
Constitution and fragrant breach of good
faith toward dependent people. 1t is i'm
posing government without the consent of
the governed. Ii is in conflict with that
provision Of the Constitution which de-
cIares that duties. imports, and excuses
shall be uniform throughout the United
States Believing that this constitutional
nroyision applies TO every part of the Uni
rcd States we condemn the tariff taxat on
imposed by a Republican Congress upon the
helpless and distressed people of Porto
Rico. Such egislation---inspired solely by
greed-ls indeed the tarbinger of evil TO
the Republic
THE attempt 10 collect unjust taxes with
one hand. and with the other to return
them in part to plundered people, is ut
terly without constitutional warrant or
Justification. We give our. earnest assent
to the declaration: Our plain duty is 10
abolish all customs tariffs between the Uni-
ted States and Porto Rico. and give her
products access to our plarkets.' No party
exigeucy or pressure could justify a de-