The Minneapolis journal., 1903-03-14

the difference between the cost OF produc-
tion in this country as compared WITH
competing countries, dlfference IN cost
that is attributable wholly to the hlgher
wages paid to our workingmen. differ
ence, however, which is partially compen-
sated for by the superior efficiency OF our
men and the superior character OF our
machinery. Mighty concentrations nave
occurred since the Dingley law was
passed, and 1t Is claimed, and is undouot-
edly partially true, that these concentra-
tions were made in order to introduce
economies into manufacture.
..If these economies have been attained
by the concentration to which nave re-
ferred it is palpable that the general cost
of production has been diminished. All
that we insist upon is that protection shall
not be made the instrument OF unlawful
gain: that it shall not be taken from its
high place and lowered to the selfish plane
Of illegitmate profit. we understand
perfectly that when the subject is taken
rp by congress there will arise differences
Of oninion; but we assume that these diff
ferences will be composed through patr1-
otic effort precisely as they have been
adjusted in the past
.There are men-good republicans, too,
who believe that some things which are
now on the dutiable list should be upon
: 1
adopted articles which comprise more
than one-half In value of all the articles
imported into the United States were
placed upon the free list. There were d1f-
ferences then upon the subject among
republicans, and there Will be differences
STILL but it may be that the changes of
the last six or seven years, the combina-
tions which have In some instances sub
stantially monopolized raw material will
indicate that under the principle Of pro-
lection as it has always been understood,
some things that were then made duti-
able should now be made free. not for the
purpose Of taking away work that 1s now
done within the limits Of the republic,
but for the purpose of adding to the labor
which may be here expended
'"Fhe conclusion is that the platform OF
1902. in so far as direct changes in the
tariff are concerned, does this and moth
ing more, it declares to the republicans
throughout the United States that the re-
puhlicans of Iowa believe that there are
some of the schedules that should be
changed to meet the new conditions and
that congress should undertake the in
vestigatton' of the subject. guided by the
principle of protection, with the same
fearless determination that has always
characterized the work of a republican
body. .-
Reciprocity.
also declares for reciprocity. This is g
subject, concerning which there has al
ways been much ambiguity in expression
and much difference Of real opinion. THE
national platform Of 1896 seems to declare
for reciprocity in all commodities con-
cerning which favorable bargains can be
made. The Dingley tariff law of 1897
made express provision for such reciprocal
treaties. The national platform of 1906
seems, however, to favor reciprocity only
In non competitive commodities. With
out, therefore, impugning the motives o1
any man who differs from me respecting
this very serious subject, 1 believe that
the whole matter Is now open for the
calm and careful considera ton of the re-
publican party. l believe that can favor
reciprocal treaty in competitive things
strictly within republican lines. I con
cede that another may object to reciproc
ity in competitive articles and still b,
within republican lines. For myself, an
profoundly convinced that. as declared il
the national platform Of 1885, protection
gives us the home market, and to reel
procity we must look for our rightfu
share Of foreign markets.
with our brilliant entry in a sovereign
way into the affairs of the world, Whicl
resulted from the Spanish war, our com
mercial relations with other countrie
took on a different phase. Our competi
tors seemed for the first time to realiz
fairly what inroads we were making il
the markets Of other nations, and fron
that time there has been everywhere no
possibly concerted, but simultaneou
movement. to limit and hamper the Unite
States i'll it's dealings abroad This move
ment is not a temporary. but a per1na
nent one, inspired by well grounded fea
tnat the unequaled energy ard capacit
OF the American producer will conquer for
eign markets and hold them as securel
as we have held our own.
NunWonted and extraordinary activity
therefore. has been noticeable everywhere
and these conditions have made reciproc
ity treaties of vastly more conseuuenc
In this country than ever before. If W
are permitted to enter foreign market
with the products of our industry upo
the same terms that are given to com
peting nations. we will be compelled to d
SO under reciprocal trades. and thes
trades will involve not only non -competi
tive. but competitive articles. The Who'll
object of our laws relating to this gen
eral subject. whether they be laws i'm
posing duties upon imports. or whethe
they be treaties affecting the interchang
of business. are. and must be. directed t
accomplish just one purpose-that Is t
increase American production to the high
est possible point and thereby give tn
working men and working women of tn
country the greatest possible amount
work and to employ the greatest pos
sible amount of capital.
"Therefore. when reciprocal treat
can be negotiated which will give us
better market for our productions abroa,
and which. if it does take away from OF
home market. will take away less tina
we acquire I favor such treaty.
"Atrocious Political Crime"
0al treaties under the last Cleveland ac
mnistration was one of the most atrt
cious political crimes ever committed /