The Washington times., 1902-08-20
FavorS a Readjustment
But Not a General
Revision.
1T WOULD HURT BUSINESS
Secretary of the Treasury Admits That
There Are Changes Needed - Would
Like to See Them If Free Trade As
saults Can Be Warded Off.

ury, who attended school here when
boy, spoke TO his old friends and neigh
bors yesterday afternoon.
He devoted his speech largely to the
question of tariff reform. stating that
contrary to statements in the newspa-
pers he is not opposed to a measure of
reform. His speech was regarded as in
measure indicating the attitude of the
Administration on the question. He as
the trusts.
Mr.. Shaw said in part:
Il have been quoted as opposed to re-
vision of the tariff. have never opposed
readjustment of the tariff. Whenever
Congress reaches the conclusion that
the friends of protection are strong
enough to modify conservatively certain
schedules, so as TO meet changed condi-
tions and at the same time successfully
resist the efforts of the opposition TO
revise the entire tariff law. thus paralyz-
ing business for season, | am in favor
of 1t.
Il have expressed some doubt, how
ever, about the wisdom of instructing by
resolutions, or exacting pledges from
candidates for Congress, when the effect
is liable to, precipitate a protracted de-
bate with very uncertain results. There
ought TO be some more tangible reason
for such dangerous expedient than the
existence of sentiment in certain local
ities, now as always, that demands
reduction of the tariff on articles there
consumed and not produced, while it
stands ready to fight to a finish any re-
duction on the things it produces. for
one must have a very bitter and relent-
less enemy before l viii consent TO car
ry yellow fes er germs into my home
town.
Fatal to Business
Don't misunderstood me; | am not
comparing the readjustment of sched-
ule here and there to an epidemic. But
! do declare there has never been a re-
vision of the tariff in the interest of
free trade, or for revenue only. that has
not proven as fatal to business as the
plaques of Egypt.
Il have never seen the time, since
have given public questions considera-
tion. that / would no. reduce the rate
on quite a large number of items. nor
when / would not increase the rate on
other items. 1t is not likely that any
member of either House of Congress
ever voted for a tariff bill entirely to
his liking. nor is it probable that any
President ever signed a bill that he
would not have changed in some par
ticular had it been in his power
Il am willing to concede that con-
ditions change, and that the old Morrill,
bill of the sixties, for instance, when
the country was involved in war, would
not be appropriate for MS now, but
will not admit that the tariff is the
mother of trusts. nor will | concede
that any trust owes its existence TO
the protective principle. Neither will
concede that tariff for revenue only
VIII destroy trusts on any other theory
than that fire in a wheat field will
destroy Canada thisLles.
Prosperity and Hopefulness.
Business depression dissipates both
organized and unorganized capital. Eli
forced idleness means financial ruin to
individuals. to business firms, and to
corporations beth great and small On
the contrary, business prosperity in
spires hopefuness. 1t encourages the
individual to reach out. to expand, to
buy more land. more houses. more cat
tie, 20 erect more stores. build more
shor and to embark in new enter
prises.
1T leads to the organization of cor
porations. II inspires both dreams OF
greatest things and the consummation
combination of capital and the organi-
zation OF labor. Organized capital dis !
sipates and labor unions perish with the |
approach of hard times. whatever the |
cause. Does anyone suppose that the /
anthracite coal miners could be kept |
together If there were a million men out ]
of employment and their families beg
giDg bread? VIII anyone contend that /
they could be sustained were il not for |
a great army of bituminous coal miners |
who are receiving such compensation as
enables them TO contribute a dollar
week for the maintenance Of their
brethren
THE protective tariff is not the
mother of trusts. though It is the parent /
of conditions that makes It profitable |
for capital 10 combine and congenial for
labor to organize.
RedlIlIIneQ HldI1Olm.
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 he memorable speech OF
President Mckinley at Buffalo has been
misrepresented. misquoted, miscon-
strued and misapplied.
This platform was unanimously
adopted both years. Its statements are
academically correct. Every man in the
United States. Republican and Democrat.
believes in the truth of its utterances.
II declares: In favor OF such changes
In the tariff from time to time as be-
come advisable through the progress of
our industries and their changing rela-
tions to the commerce of the world.
Is there anyone who is not in favor
of such changes in the tariff from time
to time as are adyisable%
Il am willing the jury shall be polled
on that proposition. So say we all. II
also declares in favor OF any modifica-
tion o! tariff schedules that may be re-
quired TO prevent their affording shell
ter to monopoly And, again. we all
say Aye, sir to the proposition.
There may be quite a radical differ
ence OF opinion as TO the truth of the i'm
pI{ dy,,fs ssio that the nrnt tariff ,