New-York tribune., 1904-10-03
IMPERIALISM.

'Thess and many other unwarranted things
that belong more Co an empire than a republic
have occurred under the present administration.
and brought deep concern and alarm 70 thought
fuI and patriotic minds. They must be regarded
as the first fruits of Imperialism and show how
taSt we are drifting toward abSOluJlSm and cen
traliZed power. The effect of the in1perialistic
tendency of the Republican party upon our for
eiSn affairs is IN opposition 10 the teachings OF
the founders of the republic. and impressed
was WaShiuStOu with the importance OF keep
ing aIoof from the affairs of other nations that
i'm his farewell address he warned his country
men especially against foreign eutangling allt-
ances. Imperialism is hurtfUl and abhorrent I'm
free government and subversjve of free institu-
tiOns. The policy Of imperialisnl-if it can be
said TO have pOlcy-iS always dangerous
liberty. Its powers are first exercised in far of
territory and ON conquered people, but once
adopted for acquired and distant possessions il
becomes sooner or later, the rule of the home
government. Liberty and free government have
always been secured at the cost Of great sacri-
fees. but history teaches US that both can be
easily lost without the knowledge OF the people,
TARIFF.
Our federal Constitution has appropriated to
the exclusive use of the general government the
power of Indirect taxation. covered by the popu-
lar dcSignat tion of tariff duties.'' In excluding
the States from this domain of taxation there IS
implied and wise partition of the taxing
power between the States and the federal gov
ernment Except in the eNtSencies of war. the
taxing power has been exercised by Congress
largely in the direction of the imposition OF
Cuties unon imports. No one expects TO change
this arrangement, which has proven so con-
vcnient to the general government and so con-
ducive to the interests of the St>-es. whose re-
sort 10 other sources Of revenue IS left untram-
melled. Indirect taxation. however convenient,
needs. by reason of its indirectness to be watch
fully guarded. lest abuses should attach them
selves unknown by the people.
That many of the existing tariff rates are ex-
ceSsive and enable powerful combinations to
eNtoTt unjust and oppressive tribute from the
people cannot be COntrOyerted The tariff is
Undoubtedly TOO hisn upon such articles as en-
able the manufacturer 10 sell his products
abroad cheaper than at home Steel rails are
conspicuous example in this respect 1t is adj
nitted that tney are being made for S1I ton
a few years ago they were freely sold in this
country az Sll a ton. They are now selling at
the mills here for home consumption at SIS
a ton. and for the foreign market at from SIS
TO So a ton This unjust discrimination against
our people is made possible only by tariff that
this article is entirely too hiEh.
The average selling price of a hundred ar
tcleS, taken principally from the iron and steel
list, is found TO ne about 70 per cent higher On
this country than abroad. Relief from these
conditions viii only come through the success OF
the Democratic party. which stands for wise.
conservative and gradual change in the tariff
laws. which will equalize the burden OF taxation
and rlake honest competition possible but m
making such changes its purpose win be 10
legislate with due regard for the labor and
capital involved in industrial enterprises.
TRUSTS
1t is estimated that there are in the United
States between two and three hundred cOnrbina-
tions of capital and corporate interests known
as trusts, which have growa up in the last
few years under Republican rule. Some or
them are SO conducted 10 be perniciOus and
harmful TO the general interest Win 4ba
power they are able 10 exert they can lessen
competition. control prices and regulate to their
own adVentoga che law Of supply and demand
individual EFFORT Is helpless against such strong
rivals and the natural right of all persons 20
barter and trade is umaturaly restricted. The
effort these trusts is to control or mOnopoilze
and these mOnOpOlies. when unrestrained seem