Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1903-04-17
FRIDAY EVENING. APRIL II, 1903.

SENATOR MARTIN, whose name is ire
ouentlv mentioned in connection with
tbe craftsmanship of the democratic ma
tional committee, in an interview IN
Washington, yesterday, gave his views
concerning the tariff and the trusts and
the part they will play in the next cam
naicn His ideas arc conservative and
practical and coincide with those re-
Gently expressed by other democratic
leaders. He said
The tariff is the leading topic
If thought in both parties and
will no doubt be the leading issue in
tbe next Presidential campaign. 1t is
oopally manifest that the revision of the
tariff contemplated by the democratic
marty. and to be inserted in its platform
a. an evidence of its intentions and good
faith. will be a conservative one--not
one TO disturb and alarm the substantial
business interests and progress OF the
country. The necessity for revenue not
only compels conservatism in this mat
ter. but the day has passed when radio al
and extreme views in connection with
tariff revision find lodgment in the minds
and thought of the democrats OF the
country The purpose of the republican
party to suppress any attempts at tariff
revision is perfectly clear, and this not
withstanding the fact that there is great
restlessness in the ranks of republicans
in all parts Of the country. This feeling
is acutelv presented in the State of Iowa,
and exists with more or less intensity in
every part of the United States. If the
people do not now see it they will soon
find it to be true. The leading repubii-
cans of the country, from the President
down. are at war with this desire for
tariff reform in their own party, and Will
ultimately suppress it. 1t is perfectly
manifest to republicans and democrats
alike that the Iowa idea and the repub-
licans who are supporting it are to be
whipped into line with the element gene,
rally known as the ''stand patters.
What the Iowa idea element will feel
about this process Of party discipline, l
don't know, but | do believe that the
democrats are going before the country
next year with platform for tariii re-
vision along moderate lines, and one that
will carry no alarm and no great disturb
ance to business. The only hope for
tariff revision is through the democratic
partv. and the most efficient method Of
restraining the alarming growth ofmonop-
olies will be found in a conservative
revision of the tariff at the hands OF the
democratic party, and through its agency
only. In this connection feel that the
recent decision of the federal court in the
Northern Securities case is a blow at the
trusts. or rather at certain of the trusts,
but | do not mind calling attention to
the fact that there are several hundred
trusts in the country, and that the De
partment of Justice has vast discretion
ary power in connection with enforcing
the antitrust laws and in connection
with giving to the country the full bene-
fits of the principles announced in the
Securities case. This vast discretionary
power is not likely to be exercised in
such a manner as will ultimately give
satisfactory relief. The experience OF
the past not only shows this, but al
ready there are limitations that the VIC
tory will not be followed up so as to al
ford relief The trusts will no doubt be
able to conform their policies so as to
check any continued attack from the
Department of Justice, which will con-
tinue in the future, as in the past, to be
more or less in sympathy with the great
money interests that have organized the
trusts of the country.