The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-08

done. is a fine example of how easily
men mistake their wishes for their rea-
sons. 1t is proposed to repeal sucn por-
lions of the tariff act as nave md1S
these corporations prosperous "
course, this is not intended to attack the
tariff. All we are trying to do Is 70 save
the prosperity of institutions Whicn nave
grown SO large as to frlghten US w ny
do they brighten AS? Because they are
great and strong and wealthy. OF
course, then, their greatness ana
strength and wealth are fundamental
facts beyond dispute
mo tariff law. of course, can be made
which does not apply to all Hence
if the tariff is so reformed that the Dig
strong and wealthy corporations 60 TO
destruction how are the small ones TO
be saved? Really, to the calm and 1u-
dicious mind this seems like free trade
for its own sweet sake.
Protection in some lands may be the
subject of discussion and debate. How
it can be that in this country. and at
this time, passes all understanding. In
the United States the policy of protec-
ton has had a century and quarter
of alternate triumph and defeat. The
triumph has always been followed by
prosperity, the defeat by hard times.
The last decade has been of striking
example. We saw fit to try tariff re-
form in an act called the wilson act.
So prompt were the evidences of fail
ure to meet the hopes of it's farmers
that the country rose as one man, re-
pealed the act and substituted there
for the Dingley act, which was the re
suit of care and skill. and Immediately
there followed a demonstration of the
advantages of protection the like of
which was never seen even in this
country.
What would you say was the ideal
industrial condition of nation?
everybody at work. And yet we think
we want something else. If we keep
on fussing we-fshall get it. With ali
the world. except England, including
her own colonies. of cur opinion, with
success embroidered on all our ban
ners. we are invited to surrender our
views and give place to a beaten
world
man unrest which is part of the history
of the race We, being also of limited
knowledge, are much given to be be-
guiled by generalities. Here is one line
of gereralities. Is the Dingley tariff
| bill the end of wisdom? If not then 1t
can be improved A tariff bill could be
framed, we think, watch would be free
and retain its virtues. Where would
you enact such bill? Why, in your
mind, of course. Unfortunately, a bill
enacted in the mind has no extra terri
torial force. A bill enacted by congress,
| like the progress of the world. is the re-
suit of a fierce conflict of opposing hu.
man interests. and. must be so. When
men talk carelessly of tariff revision.
Iney Jalk OF a Iar11 never yet eSJaD-
| lished and one that never can be. They
dream of a tariff which exactly suits
them individually. while a real tariff bill
| is one which measurably satisfies the
country as a whole. -st -. -,<
But can we not have. sitting in per-
petual session, a body of men non-par-
tisan, judicious, wise and incorruptible?
Yes, in your mind. You can have anything
in your mind. Imagination IS unlimited,
and it is very delightful to wander round
among possible fmpossibilities. Just think
of a non-partisan free trader sitting
tariff tax. OF course hes would be above
any prejudice except his own. I saw one
tariff commission sit in 1892. and its report
was not enacted into law. All its mistakes
were and the result was satisfactory to
nobody.
"What we had better do is to remem-
Der where we are and what our dangers
are Enterprises of business are not en-
tered upon by helter-skelter. They are
the result of caieu1atio One of the first
inquiries Of the promoter or maker is.
How many of our present conditions are
to remain? If there are to be uncertain
ties in the future he will not dare to act.
What can you imagine that would
dampen a business mans ardor more than
to be called on to guess what a new
tariff bill would be2 The prophetic instinct
in the human creature is there beyond its
limit
1--WE ought to- let the tariff alone; we
ought to defend itaagainst all corners for
the good of the nation. We doing more
than well, and need not hunt for disaster"