Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1904-09-09
DEMOCRACY AND TARIFF.
Judge Parker's FogGy Expression Con-
corning Vital Topic.

corning vital TOPIC.
Speaking of the tariff, the Democratic
nominee for the presidency has this to
say
while, therefore, we are unable to
give assurance of relief to the people
from such excessive duties as burden
them. it is due to them that we state
our position to be in favor of a reason
able reduction of the tariff; that we be-
lieve it is demanded by the best interests
of both manufacturer and consumer. and
that a wise aud beneicent revision of
the tariff can be accomplished as soon as
both branches of Congress and an exeeu-
tive in favor of ii are elected, without
creating that sense of uncertainty and
instability that has on other occasions
manifested itself.
This can be achieved in providing
that such a reasonable period shall in
tervene between the date of the enact
ment of the statute making a revision
and the date of its enforcement. as shall
be deemed sufficient for the industry or
business affected by such revision to nd-
just itself to the changes and new condi-
tons imposed"
What is quoted above is the utmost
expression, after all time for thought, OF
the man who has been nominated by the
Democratic party for the presidency Of
the United States. What must anybody
think of it? What does il imply in all
respects? 1t is simply distant asser-
ton that something is wrong and could
possibly be righted. were the Democratic
party to again attain TO power 1t is
about the most foggy expression concern
ing the most vital question on things
commercial that could possibly have ema-
mated from anybody anywhere. 1t i'm.
plies simply lack of definite intention
and perspective and comprehension and
desire on the part of the man whom the
Democrats have nominated for chief ex-
ecutive of this country as to what all
legislative enactments may be or ought
to be on a most vital subject. Is II pos
sible that one nominated by one Of the
two great parties has no fixed opinions
on what should be the course of Congress
with what is conceded to be the most inn
portant feature of our future CONNER
cial welfarel This is the extraordinary
attitude of the Democratic nominee.
Under all shifts and changes that may
be necessary in the tariff the Republican
party, which made the tariff which has
done SO much for the welfare of the
United States. is best qualified to be the
judge and adjudicator.
Which party is, certainly, best qualified
to regulate all legislation In the future
with relation to all that makes for trade
and all prosperity. with all that affects
our relations with foreign nations and all
that tends to make poorer or richer the
individual in any field of effort?
What do the Republicans say, and
what is their candidate practically
pledged to do? The party and tne candi-
date are pledged to enact such adaptive
legislation as the needs of the country
may require. While they are in power
they must be the judges Of the character
of this legislation, and it would appear
that, from the prosperous condition of
our trades and industries. they should
continue to be the judges for long time
in the future.
What does the Democratic candidate
promise? He promises an heir to the
throne. He promises a revision of the
tariff, at some time, some way. in the
vague future and revision which may
or may not be necessary at all, and the
country has not forgotten the results of
Democratic tariff revision. Judge Per
ker's allusion to the tariff is worse than
weak. 1t is helplessly droll!