The daily journal. (Salem, Or.) 1899-1903, 1901-08-31
PROTECTION
SHOULD END
Established Industries Ought
TO Stand by Themselves.
DR.. Cusick Says When They
we're Young the Tariff was
Necessary, but Now it is
Unjust
saIem speeIaI Io the oregonIan


SALEM, Aug, 20.---Many Marion County
Republicans are plain spoken in their
opposition to a protective tariff. II the
noticeable change in opinions here lie gen
eral throughout the state, it would seem
that the next Republican convention
will adopt tariff plank vastly different
from any that has ever received Re
publican support in this state.
w. A. Cusick, a lifelong Republican
and for many years strong worker in
Marion County politics, lie one Of the
strong advocates Of radical reforms in
tariff legislation. In speaking today Of
the evil results Of recent laws, DR..
Cusick said:
"The next National political platform
by either party which are not drawn
with unqualified declarations in favor Of
such laws and Constitutional amend
ments as are necessary to overthrow the
power Of the trusts will prove the polt-
ical death warrant OF the candidates or
parties which stand on them. The wis-
dom Of q tariff for the protection of in
fant industries no one can successfully
dispute, any more than one can question
the wisdom OF parent protecting his
child during infancy and childhood, but
when the child grows 70 a stalwart
manhood, matured mentally and phys
ically, and competent TO meet all com
ers, il would be irrational and silly TO
continue protection longer. Every coun-
try fsvors protection during the early
stages Of the development Of it's indus-
tries, and gradually drifts to free trade
as its manufacturing industries grow
powerful and wealthy, naturally seek
ing markets for surplus products. Our
country has passed the stage Of devel-
opment where a high tariff is required
or justified
"Selfshness TO the extent Of caringfor
ones individual interests s not only jus.
tifiable, but commendabe, but when
these immense aggregations of capital
band together in order to take advantage
OF minor forces in finance, and control
production and regulate both selling and
buying prices, and spreading wholesale
financial ruin TO all who are not in their
syndicate, then selfsbness is morbid,
and has become disease as pestilentia
as the world has ever seen, and remedial
agencies sufficiently heroic TO reach and
remedy such disease Of the body polite
are not only justifable, but there is an
imperative demand for them. The pro.
tective tariff Is not the only factor in
bringing about the conditions which are
stirring our people today, but ] believe
II 10 have been the most prominent
cause and that IL should be corrected.
"ID fact the people begin to need pro.
lection against protection or against go
called trusts, which are in great part
the offspring Of protection too long con-
tinued. Indeed, the stupendous aggre.
cations OF capital have really become
menace to free government, in conse.
quence OF their tendency towards linacial
despotism. The steel trust is only one
OF many, II is a mighty financial giant.
II assumes TO direct and regulate the
uprising and downsittings of the hur
man race, and say wherewithal IL shall
be clothed what comforts Of life IL may
enjoy, and OF what it shall pay for
that which IL purchases, and
what II shall receive for that which it
sell. II seeks TO render the human race
II not ito slave, its plant tool. There
IL not man in the United States today
who dares, or would be safe In estab-
fishing any considerable business or
manufacturing interest, for II it prove
profitable, hs is liable any day to be alb
sorbed, digested and assimllated in the
NAV Of some devil fish Of a trust, or, H.
prefer it, he will be driven to certain
be financial ruin, and whichever horn of
the dilemma he takes, he will always
wish he had taken the other, II he san
honest man.
"Ihis species Of socalistic coercion is
fast developing into the rankest despot-
ism on earth. IL would strike death
blow TO the God-giyen right to maintain
an individuality. The Americans are
the last people on earth who will submit
to tryannical exactions, and conclude,
therefore, that Morgan Il Co. have been
unfortunate in selecting ground on which
to pitch their tent.
Even the Congress of the United
States may yet wake up TO recognition
Of thu fact that financial colossus
which is large enough TO bestride our
little world is old enough TO be con-
sistently weaned. Our Nation has
therefore successfully battled against
different types OF slavery, aud the right
10 maiatain individuality, ON the part Of
American citizens, will be an established
and unquestionable fact long after the
Morgan coterie is aiely ensconsed in
some appropriate and cosy corner ol
hades and National lawmakers who
continue TO Coddle these injquitous trusts
by tariff legislation will hear some.
thing drop in their immediate vicinity,
and their speed up Salt River will be-
such that they will only strike the road
In the highest places.
"Aside from our Civil War, believe
the questions involved as between tie
trusts and la( or unions constitute the
mOst trying ordaal thronoh vvhi.h ,,,,,