The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1904-04-12
1t will be somewhat difficult to get

1t will be somewhat difficult to get
an issue out of the tariff.
There is considerable talk about high
and low protective tariff schedules
but this does not involve a principle
and cannot be made an issue. No one
can write a formula that will distin-
guish between high protection and low
protection Two years ago, when we
were having an annual surplus, our
Democratic friends said it was be-
cause the tariff was too high. Now we
have a monthly deficit, and they say
this also is because the tariff is too
high. Two years ago they said that If
the tariff were lowered the revenues
would be decreased. Now they say
that If the tariff were lowered the rev.
enues would be increased.
The only other possible issue that
can be carved from the tariff is the
proposition that our present protective
policy shelters trusts and monopolies.
Our political opponents have rung the
changes on this SO long and recon-
mended the removal of duties from
trust made goods until the trusts are
destroyed with such continued vene-
mence that a reaff1rmation of their po-
Sition can scarcely be made the para
mount, though 1t may become prom
inent, issue in the next campaign.
The American people by this time
ought to understand that any tariff
policy that will destroy a monopoly
will forbid the creation of a competitor
for the monopoly and will deprive la
Dor of much profitable employment.
1t must not be forgotten that in 1908
the Democratic party in Massachusetts
declared in favor of reciprocity with
Canada, and several Democratic con-
gressmen have recently made speeches
in support of that proposition. This
will probably be an issue in the next
campaign. The Dingley tariff act au-
thorized the negotiation of reciprocity
treaties, and President Mckinley ap-
pointed Hon. John A. Kasson of my
own state special commissioner to con-
duct negotiations He signed numer-
Gus conventions, all of which were sub
mitted to the senate for ratification.
Not one was ratified and because of a
prevailing impression that the grand
old statesman and diplomat had sur
rendered more than he had acquired
In addition, joint high commission
was created in 1898 consisting origi-
nally of five representatives of this
government and five from Great Brit
ain, most of whom resided in Canada.
Subsequently the commission was in
creased to six representatives of each
government To this commission was
submitted the subject Of reciprocal
trade relations between the United
States and Canada. This country was
represented by Senator Fairbanks Of
Indiana as chairman; Mr.. Dingley Of
Maine, the author Of the Dingley tariff
act. whose place is now filed by Mr..
Payne, chairman of the committee on
ways and means; Mr.. John Foster,
who negotiated all the reciprocity
treaties under the Mckinley act, and
John A. Kasson, special commissioner
under the Dingley act.
No agreement has yet been consum.
mated. And why? Simply because of
the Canadian attitude on the subject.
She asks free trade in natural prod
ucts and offers little in return. If we
will permit the Canadian farmer to
ship his dairy products, his poultry
products. his pork, his potatoes and
his hay across the lakes and the st.
Lawrence river and down the Atlantic
seacoast to supply our artisans without
the imposition of tariff duties. then
Canada will generously consent that
the farmers of the United States ship
their butter eggs, hay and potatoes
into Canada.
The point l wish to emphasize is
this: If such men as Senator Fair
banks, Mr. Dingley, Mr.. Foster and
Mr.. Kasson would not consent to the
only terms obtainable. it raises very
strong presumption that Canada de-
clined to make reciprocal reciprocity
arrangements. The joint high commits
sion is still In existence and it lis Saonad