Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-04-16
Democrats Preparing
Tariff Revision.
.SENATORMARTINTALKS
THE LEADING TOPIC OF THOUGHT
IN BOTH PARTIES.
Only Hope for Revision Through the
Democratic Party-Swanson Says
New York is for Parker.

That the democrats or the country are
preparing to get together for a platform
next year that will pronounce for MOD
crate and conservative revision OF the
tariff, as already outlined in The Star, IS
manifest from the views of the Leading
men of the party. Everything possible Is
being done to crystallize sentiment in that
direction, and it is said to be proceeding
In satisfactory manner.
Senator Martin of Virginia, who is strong
ly talked of as the possible chairman OF
the democratic national committee next
year. particularly in the event of the nom
ination of Senator German of Maryland,
today gave his views to a Star reporter
on the democratic tendencies so far as
the tariff is concerned. Senator Martin
has not formally committed himself to
the prospective candidacy of Senator Cor
man, but he is known as a personal friend
of the Maryland senator and as having
the confidence of Mr. German
Senator Martins Views.
This is what Mr.. Martin said:
1.-THE tariff is the leading topic of thought
in both parties and will no doubt be the
leading issue in the next presidential cam
paign. II is equally manifest that the re-
vision of the tariff contemplated by the
democratic party, and to be inserted in It's
platform as an evidence of its intentions
and good faith, will be conservative one
not one to disturb and alarm the substan-
tial business interests and progress of the
country. The necessity for revenue not only
compels conservatism in this matter, but
the day has passed when radical and ex-
treme views in connection with tariff re-
vision find lodgment in the minds and
thought of the democrats of the country.
The purpose Of the republican party to sup
press any attempts at tariff revision is per-
fectly clear, and this notwithstanding the
fact that there is great restlessness in the
ranks Of republicans in all parts of the
country. This feeling is acutely 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 1t
they will soon find it to be true. The lead
ing republicans 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 general
ly known as the 'stand-patters.' What the
Iowa idea element will feel about this pro-
cess of party discipline 1 don't know, but
do believe that the democrats are going
before the country next year with plat
form for tariff revision along moderate
lines, and one that will carry no alarm and
no great disturbance to business
Only Hope for Revision.
1.-The only hope for tariff revision is
through the democratic party. and the most
efficient method of restraining the alarming
growth of monopolies will be found in a
conservative revision of the tariff at the
hands of the democratic party, and through
it's agency only.
'In this connection feel that the recent
decision of the federal court in the North
ern Securities case is blow at the trusts,
or rather at certain of the trusts, but l do
not mind calling attention to the fact that
there are several hundred trusts in the
country, and that the Department of JUS
tice has vast discretionary power In con-
nection with enforcing the antitrust laws
and In connection with giving to the coun-
try the full benefits of the principles an
nounced in the Securities case. This vast
discretionary power is not likely to be eXer
cised in such a manner as will ultimately
give satisfactory relief. The experience of
the past not only shows this, but already
there are intimationS that the victory will
not be followed up so as to afford relief.
The trusts will no doubt be able to con-
form their policies so as to check any con-
tinued attack from the Department of JUS
tice, which will continue 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
New York is for Parker.
Representative swanson OF virginia mas
been in the city today. He is on his way
home from New York, where he spoke
| Tuesday night before the Harlem Demo-
cratic Club on Jefferson Mr.. Swanson,
like Senator Martin, is understood to have
a most kindly personal feeling for Senator
German, but his friends today say that he
frankly admitted that New York democrats
are overwhelmingly for Parker. The feel
ing is said to be not confined to Tammany,
the leaders of which are committing them
selves to the Parker boom, but exists in
the regions up the state so long dominated
by David B. Hill. 1t is not known in New
York whether ex-senator Hill will feel
called upon to oppose Judge Parker for the
democratic nomination for the presidency,
but 1t is said that If he should do SO his
| opposition will be overwhelmed The feel
| ing among Tammany and other leaders of
New York is said to be strong that Judge
Parker will receive the unanimous and
earnest support of that state in the next
democratic national convention.