The Minneapolis journal., 1902-10-04
THE EI0WAIDEAH HERE
:ki .
Representative Republicans Who
Favor Reduction Of Tariffs -
That Shelter Trusts. -
Notifications Needed-Views Of
Eugene Hay, w. S. Dwinnell
and w: D. Washburn, Jr.

IHe iowa 1deay WnlCn was 6&ain gwen
wide publicity in Senator Dolliyer's recent
Chicago speech before the National league
Of Republican Clubs has taken root In Min
nesota, judging from the expressions of
representative republicans. Even those
who do not .concede that the tariff has
actually been responsible for the trusts
agree that the time has come when there
should be a general modification of the
tariff rates which in any wise tend to
shelter the trusts.
Eugene Hay thinks that the remedy for
the trust evil must be found by combining
corporations "to that field OF activity in
which they serve the interests of the peo-
ple.' He would be willing to renalize the
trusts by removing the tariff from all
trust made articles, 49,
W. s.. Dwinnell says that If the day
should ever come when the productive
energies Of the American people are i'm
potent In the presence Of monopoly, legis
latlon which continues to enrich the pres
ent "cospiracy Of greed and avarice"
should be repealed.
w. D. Washburn, Jr, believes that the
present tariff has much to do with con-
dition portentious of trouble to the west
at the first crop failure or financial strin
gency. He believes tariff reduction
would be efficacious ''in connection with
those trusts whose enormous phofits are
dependent on monopoly reared on the
foundation of crushed competition
The opinion of the gentlemen inter-
viewed are as follows:
Mr.. Hays Views.
'Either I misunderstood the meaning Of
the Iowa republican platform, or there has
been misunderstanding the part Of
some republicans who have criticized it. !
do not understand that the Iowa republi-
cans have adopted the democratic absurd
ity that the tariff has created or fostered
the trusts. For my part, I do not believe
that the one has anything to do with the
other; yet I will agree with the Iowa idea
if, If in any case the trusts use the tariff
as a shelter In a speech delivered In
this city on the second day Of July last,
I gave full expression to my views ON this
subject. In that speech, / said, The read
ness with which many people accept: the
mere assertion that the tariff is respon-
sible for the trusts. Is to me inexplica-
BILE There is a vast difference between
limiting competition and destroying it.
The tariff confines competition to domes-
tic rivals, but the foreigner may enter
the competition by paying for the privi-
lege. II the amount he Must pay for this
privilege is regulated by the principle I
have heretofore stated in the discussion
of the tariff, the market will always be af-
fected by the law Of supply and demand.
Earnestly however as believe in a pro-
tective tariff, look upon the encroach-
ment Of the trusts as so menacing aid
dangerous that would be willing to pen
| alize them by removing the tariff from all
trust-made articles, If this could be. done
without paralyzing business or affectins
the wages Of labor. This might render g
little more difficult the formation of ei-
gantic combinations, but + would expect
| that with other conditions unchanged II
| would only extend the territory over which
the octopus would stretch it's arms. In
seeking remedy for this great evil let us
| not be confused The trust results from
| the misuse and abuse of the corporation
| idea. The remedy, therefore, must be
found in" some proper way confinfng cor.
! porations to that field of activity in which
they serve the interests OF the people, :.
II would not, however, agree with Sen.
ator Dolliver that the foundation of the
protective policy Is not to be found in the
difference in the wage scale Of Europe
and America. Whether this is the foun
dation or not, it is to my mind the iustf.
fication for the protective tariff; and when
Eanalyzed, I think it will be found thai
there is no other foundation for the pro-
| tective policy to rest upon, as every COM
modify Is given its value by the labor that
| is bestowed upon It, With this as the
! foundation policy Of our, protective sys-
| tenn, + believe the United States has
reached that point where our. home mar
ket, has been protected until our indus
| tries have grown to be international, and
| in seeking; for them the markets of the
| world, wise statesmanship will use, oul
| tariff laws In n1aking such commercial
agreements with other nations as would
broaden and extend our commerce. 5s !.
LAS to the trusts, there seems to be
q wide difference between Mr.. Dolliver
| who believes they will fall to pieces o1
| their own weight, and their champions
who believe they are but part OF an evo-
luton in the commercial world and a pro.
| gressive step In the advancement Of CIV
| ilization. For my part ! believe they