The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-09-26
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demands and should receive Immediate

~S%A-&~-&-S-S->-~-o-e-N e- demands and should receive immediate attention.
 The two leading parties have always differed as to the principle of customs taxation. Our party has always advanced the theory that the object Is the raising of revenue for support of the govern ment whatever other results may incl dentally flow therefrom. The republican party on the other hand contends that customs duties should be levied primarily for protection, so-called, with revenue as the subordinate purpose, thus using the power of taxation to build up the busi- ness and property of the few at the ex- pense of the many.
 This difference of principle still sub slsts, but our party appreciates that the long-continued policy of the country, as manifested in it's statutes, makes 1t nec- essary that tariff reform should be pru- dently and sagaciously undertaken, on scientific principles, to the end that there should not be an immediate revolution in existing conditions
 In the words of our platform we de- mand "a revision and a gradual reduc- tlon of the tariff by the friends of the masses, and for the common veal. and not by the friends of it's abuse, It's ex- tortions and diserminations."
 Tn my response to your committee [ pointed out the method under which a gradual reduction of customs duties may be accomplished without disturbing busi- ness conditions. I desire again to ex- press the opinion that this method should be followed
 It IS true that the republicans, who do not admit in their platform that the Ding ley tariff needs the slightest alteration, likely n TO in Federal senate throughout the next pres- idential term, and could, therefore, if they chose, block every attempt at leg islatlve relief. But it should be remem- pered that the republican party includes many reyisionists, and I believe it will shrink from defying the popular will ex- pressed unmistakably ana peremptorily at the ballot box
 The people demand reform of existing conditions. Since the last democratic administration the cost of living has grievously increased. Those having fixed incomes have suffered keenly; those liv- ing on wages, if there has been any in- crease, know that such increase has not kept pace with the advance in the cost of living, including rent and the necessaries Of life. Many today are out of work unable to secure any wages at all To alleviate these conditions, in so far as is in our power. should be our earnest en- deavor.
 TRUST REMEDIES.
 l pointed out in my earlier response the Ter edy, which in my Judgment, can effec- tually be applied against monopoies. and the assurance was then given that if existing laws, including both statute and common law proved inadequate contrary to my expectations l favor such further nf1 xxifh in tons, as will best promote and safeguard the interests of all the people.
 Whether there is any common law which can be applied and enforced by the federal courts, cannot be determined by the President or by a candidate for the presidency
 The determination of this question was left by the people in framing the con stitution, to the Judiciary and not to the executive. The supreme court of the United States has recently considered this question, and, in the case of the Western Union Telegraph company vs the Call Publishing company, to be found in the 1Slst volume of the United States supreme court reports at page 92. it de- eided that common law principles could be applied by United States courts in cases involving interstate commerce. in the absence of United States statutes specifically covering the case. Such is the law of the land
 RECIPROCITY.
 In my address to the notification com mittee l said that tariff reform lis de- manded by the best interests of hoth manufacturer and consumer" With equal truth 1t can be said that the ben efits of reciprocal trade treaties would enure to both. That the consumer would be helped is unquestionable That the manufacturer would receive great benefit by extending his markets abroad hardly needs demonstration. His productive ca- pacity has outgrown the home market. The very term nome market" has changed in its significance. Once, from the manufacturers point of view, it meant expansions; today the marvellous growth of our manufacturing industries has far exceeded the consumptive ca- pacity of our domestic markets, and the term home market implies contraction, rather than expansion IT we would run our mills to their full capacity, thus giv- ing steady employment to our workmen and securing to them and to the manufac- turer the profits accruing from increased production, other markets must be found. Furthermore, when our manufacturers are dependent on raw materials in whole or part imported, it is vital to the ex- tension of their markets abroad that they secure their materials on the most favorable terms
 Our martyred President, William Me Kinley, appreciated this situation. He pointed out in his last address to the people that we must make sensible trade arrangements if i've shall extend the outlets of our increasing surplus" He said "a system which provides a mutual exchange of commodities Is manifestly essential to the conunued and healthful growth of our export trade. The period of exclusiveness is past. The ex- pansion of our trade and commerce is the pressing problem. Commercial wars are unproftable. A policy of good will and friendly relations will prevent re-