The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-04
TARIFF AND RECIPROCITY.
Latter Must BE Treated the Hand
maiden of Protection.

There is general acQuiescence in our pres
ent tariff system as a national policy. The
first requisite to our prosperity is the con-
tinuity and stability of this economic policy.
Nothing could be more unwise than TO dis
turb the business interests Of the country
by any general tariff change at this time
Doubt apprehension, uncertainty are eX-
actly what most wish TO avoid in the
interest of our commercial and material
well-being. Our experience in the past has
shown that sweeping revislons OF the tariff
are apt to produce conditions closely an
preaching panic in the business world. Yet
it is not only possible but eminently desir-
able, to combine with the stability OF our
economic system a supplementary system
of reciprocal benefit and obligation with
other nations Such reciprocity is an in
cident and result of the firm establishment
and preservation of our present economic
policy 1t was specially provided Tor IN the
present tariff law.
Reciprocity must be treated as the hand
maiden of protection. Our first duty is TO
see that the protection granted by the
tariff in every case where 1t Is needed Is
maintained, and that reciprocity be sought
for so far as IL safely be done without
injury TO our home industries. Just how
far this is must be determined according
TO the individual case, remembering always
that every application OF our tarln policy
TO meet our shifting national needs must
be conditioned upon the cardinal fact that
the duties must never be reduced below the
point that will cover the difference be
tween the labor cost here and abroad. The
well-being OF the wage-wOrker Is a prime
consideration Of our entire policy OF econ
onic legislation.
Subject to this proviso Of the proper pro-
lection necessary to our Industrial WeI-De-
ing at home the principal Of reciprocity must
command our hearty support The phenom-
email growth of our export trade emphasizes
the urgency of the need for wider markets
and for a liberal policy in dealing with
foreign nations. Whatever Is merely petty
and vexatious in the way of trade restrlc-
lions should be avoided. The customers 10
whom we dispose of our surplus products
I'm the long run, directly or indirectly
purchase those surplus products by giving
US something in return. Their ability 10
purchase our products should as Tar as
POSSIBLE be secured by so arranging our
tariff as 10 enable us to take from them
those products which we can use without
harm to our own industries and labor;
or the use or Whlch VIII De OF maIheu
benefit to us.
1t is most Important that we should MAIN
tain the high level o. our present pros
perity. We have now reached the point in
the development of our interests where
we are not only able to supply our own
markets, but to produce q constantly grow
ing surplus for which we must lind markets
abroad To secure these markets we can
utilize existing duties in any case where
they are 40 longer needed for the purpose
| of protection, or IN any case WnerS the
| article is not produced here and the duty
is no longer necessary for revenue, as
giving us something to offer in exchange
| for what we ask. The cordial relations with
other nations which are so desirable will
| naturally be promoted by the course thus
| required by our own interests.
The natural line of development for a
| policy Of reciprocity will be in connection
/ with those of our productions which no
longer require all of the support once
/ needed to establish them upon a sound
basis, and with those others where either
/ because of natural or OF economic causes
we are beyond the reach of successful COM
] petition.
| ask the attention of the Senate to the
reciprocity treaties laid before it by my
| predecessor.