The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-08-20
Special to the Globe.


Special to the Globe.
MORRISVILLE, VT, Aug. 19.-Les-
lie NJ. Shaw, secretary of the treasury,
Who attended school here as boy, to-
lay in an address practically admitted
that little change in the tariff laws
may be expected if the Republicans re-
tain control of congress. He said "the
protective tariff is not the mother of
trusts, though it is the parent of con-
ditions that make it profitable for cap
ltaI to combine and congenial for laboF
20 organize"
Secretary Shaw assailed the action
Of the butchers in declaring in favor
Of abolishing the tariff on cattle and
meat and said in effect that the beef
trust, with certain limitations, is
if the Democrats got control of the
national legislature and began a
wholesale revision of the tariff there
would be a general closing of the mills
Ierstood that the secretary voiced the
views of the administration. Mr.. Shaw
said:
Says He's for Conservatism.
81 have been quoted as opposed to
d revision of the tariff. l have never
opposed readjustment of the tariff.
Whenever congress reaches the con-
elusion that the friends of protection
Trrt to kaV~Vrl rHAVV
modify certain schedules, so as to meet
changed conditions and at the same
time successfully resist the efforts of
tariff law, thus paralyZing business for
L season, 1 am in favor of it. 1 have
expressed some doubt, however, about
the wisdom of instructing by resolu-
lions, or exacting pledges, from candi-
dates for congress, when the effect is
liable to precipitate protracted de-
bate with very uncertain results.
There ought to be some more tangible
reason for such a dangerous expedient
than the existence of a sentiment in
certain localities, now as always, that
demands a reduction of the tariff on
articles there consumed and not pro-
duced, while it stands ready to fight
to a finish any reduction on the things
there produced. l for one must have
a very bitter and relentless enemy be-
fore I will consent to carry yellow
ieNeF germs lnIO my nome Town.
Don't misunderstood me. / am not
comparing the readjustment of
schedule here and there to an epidemic
But do declare there has never been
u revision of the tariff in the interest
hat has not proven as fatal to busi-
less as the plaques of Egypt
81 have never seen the time, since
have given public questions con-
sideration that would not reduce the
rate on quite large number of items,
nor when I would not increase the rate
on other items. 1t is not likely that
any member of either house or con-
gress ever voted for a tariff bill en-
tirely to his liking, nor is it probable
that any president ever signed bill
that he would not have changed in
some particular had it been in his
power. / am willing to concede that
conditions change, and that the old
Morrell bill of the sixties, for instance,
When the country was involved in war,
would not be appropriate for us now,
but l will not admit that the tariff
IS the mother of trusts, nor will con-
eede that a tariff for revenue only will
destroy trusts on any other theory
than that fire in a wheat field will
destroy Canada thistles.
Means Financial Ruin.
Business depression dissipates both
organized and unorganized capital.
Enforced idleness means financial ruin
TO individuals, to business firms, and
to corporations both great and small.
On the contrary, business prosperity
inspires hopefulnesS. 1t encourag ges
the individual to reach out, to expand,
20 buy more land, more houses, more
cattle, to erect more stores, build
more shops and to embark in new
enterprise. 1t leads to the organiza-
ion of corporations. 1t inspires both
dreams of great things and the con-
summation of gigantic enterprises. 1t
leads to the combination of capital
and the organization of labor. Does
anyone suppose that the anthracite
coal miners could be kept together
if there were a million men out of en-
ployment and their families begging
bread? Will anyone contend that they
could be sustained were it not for a
great army of bituminOuS coal miners
who are receiving such compensation
rs enables them to contribute a dollar
I week for the maintenance of their
brethren? The protective tariff is not
the mother of trusts, though it is the
parent of conditions that make it prof
table for capital to combine and con-
genial for labor to organize.
1.-THE Republican party in my state
recently reaffirmed the tariff platform
of 1901. This has caused considerable
comment. 1t has been miSrepresented
not quite as persistently but in the
same Way that the memorable speech
Of President Mckinley at Buffalo, has
been misrepresented, misquoted, mis-
construed and misapplied. This plat
sorrh was unanimously adopted both
years. Its statements are academical-
!y correct. Every man in the United
States, Republican and Democratic
believes in the truth of its utterances
1t declares in favor of such changes
in the tariff from time to time as be-
come advisable through the progress
of ouI industries and their changing
relations to the commerce of the world
rs there any one who is not in favor
Of such changes in the tariff from