The Savannah morning news., 1904-08-11

imperialism.
An Unjust Tariff.
The present tariff law is unjust in
its operation, excessive in many of its
rates and so framed in particular in
stances as to exact inOrdinate profits
from the people. So well understood
has this view become that many prom
inent members of the Republican par
ty, and at least two of its state con-
ventions, have dared to voice the
general sentiment on that subject.
That party seems, however, to be col
lectively able to harmonic only upon
a plank that admits that revision may
from time to time be necessary, but
it is so phrased that it is expected
to be satisfactory to those in favor of
an increase of duty, to those
who favor a reduction thereof, and
to those opposed to any change what
ever.
Judged by the record of perform
ance, rather than that of promise on
the part of that party in the past, it
would seem as if the outcome, in the
event of it's success would be to graft
fly the latter class. With absolute
control of both the Legislative and
executive departments of the govern
ment since March 4, 1897, there has
been neither reduction nor an attempt
at reduction in tariff duties. 1t is not
unreasonable to assume, in the light
of that record, that a future Congress
of that party will not undertake a
revision of the tariff downward in the
event that it shall receive an indorse-
ment of it's past course on that sub
ject by the people.
An Obstacle to Immediate Tariff Re-
form.
1t is fact and should be
fro ,lylI though
party be successful in the coming
contest we cannot hope to secure
majority in the Senate during the next
four years, and hence we shall be
unable to secure any modification in
the tariff save that to which the Re
publican majority in. the Senate may
consent. While, therefore, we are I'M
able to give assurances 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 reasonable reduction of the
tariff; we believe that it is de-
manded by the best interests of both
manufacturer and consumer, and that
a wise and benefcent revision of the
tariff can be accomplished as soon as
both branches of Congress and an exc
cutive in favor of it are elected, with
out creating that sense of uncertainty
and instability that has on other oc-
casions manifested itself. This can
be achieved by providing that such
a reasonable period shall intervene,
between the date of the enactment of
the statute making a revision and the
date of it's enforcement, as shall be
deemed sufficient for the industry or
business affected by such revision to
adjust itself to the changes and new
conditions imposed. So confident am
l in the belief that the demand of the
fr..V Of he % Wifi fG
that 1 indulge the hope that should
Democratic House of Representatives
and a Democratic executive be chosen
bv the people, even a Republican Sen
ate may heed the warning and consent
TO give at least some measure OF RELIEF
to the people.
The Trusts.
The combinations, popularity called
trusts, which aim to secure monopoly
of trade in the necessaries of life as
well as in those things that are employ
ed upon the farm, in the factory and IN
many other fields of industry, have
been encouraged and stimulated by ex-
cassive tariff duties. These operate TO
furnish a substantial market in the
necessities of eighty millions of people,
bv practically excluding competition.
With so large a market and highly re-
munerative prices continuing long att
would naturally be reached, the temp
tation of all engaged in the same bust
ness to combine so as to prevent COM
petition at home and a resulting re-
auction of prices, has proved irreslsti-
bile in a number OF cases. All men
must agree that the net result of en-
acting laws that foster such inequita-
BILE conditions, is most unfortunate for
the people as a whole, and 1t would
eeem as If all ought to agree that the
effective remedy would be to appro-
priately modify the offending law. The
growth of monopoly, of which COM
plaint is Justly made. cannot be laid
at the doors of the courts Of this coun-
try.
of the United States. the Court of APP
peals of this state and the courts of
last resort i'm many other states, war
rant the assertion that the COM
mon law as developed affords
a complete legal remedy against
monopolies. The fact that they
have multiplied in number and increas-
ed in power has been due, not TO the
failure Of the courts TO apply the law
when properly moved by administra-
tive officials or private individuals, but
to the failure Of officials charged with
the duty of enforcing the law to take
the necessary procedure to procure the
judgments OF the courts III the dDprO-
priate Jurisdiction. coupled with the
fact that the legislative departments
| Of some Of our state governments. as
we'll as Congress IN the manner al
ready referred to, have. by legislation,
! encouraged their propagation. What is
| needed-n addition TO the passage OF
a statute revising the tariff duties to
| a reasonable basis--is not so much
other and different laws as officials
having both the disposition and the
| courage to enforce existing law. While
this is my view OF the scope of the
common law. II Il should be made to
appear that Il is mistaken one, then
I favor such further legislation with
| in constitutional limitations az will
give the people a just and fun meas
/ ure OF protection.
The Philippines.
IL Is difficult TO understand how any
/ citizen OF the United states. much less