Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-09-22
THE ACCEPTANCE
(Continued from page ID

the administration, pTedlcdeeu uP'ii ''e
s-oundest national prudence, 10 settl-
and remove by treaty. SO far as posi-
hIe those international differences
which might lead to future friction.
We favor the adjustment Of inter-
national disagreements by an appeal
to reason, rather than to arms. A
yreat majority Of the questions which
arise between nations, may. without
compromising the natio,.al honor, be
admitted to arbitratio The Ad-
ministration Of President Mex nj
we'll TO aid in the creatioT 1e-
Hague tribunal and Presid Mt Sc
volt is entitled to great credit for ing
the first to invoke its jurisdiction IN
the settlement OF the Pious Fund
cases.
Crr relations with the world were
meyer better. We have avoided all n
tangling alliances, and in the lant H. re
Of the eminent secretary Of .'a.",
I'VE are without IN ally and without
an enemy
The convention wisely declared In
favor Of "protection which guards and
develops our industries" and that thu
measure of protection should always
at least equal the difference in the
cost Of production at home and
abroad"
This principle was embodied in the
platform Of the convention which first
nominated Abra ham Lincoln, and 1t
has continued to b.. one of the cardinal
doctrines Of the Republican party
during the forty-four years which have
elapsad since then. 1t has been in
corporated into the public law and has
become the foundation Of our in
dustrial system. II has been regarded
by the Republican PARTY as a reason
able and appropriat" exercise of the
Legislative power when imposing duties
upon imports to discriminate In favor
Of American industries. This principle
is dictated by n due regard for our
own enterprise and industry, and is
founded upon the highest considera-
lions Of ua 'Dnal interest.
The Democratic convention which
lately assembled at st. Louis
denounced "protectinn rs a robbery of
the many t" enrich the few" ana
favored n ''rctisinn and gradual re-
duction Of tn" tariff"
1t is by no means a new one. for while
the Republican party has uniformly
adhered to the policy Of protection. the
Democratic party has been consistent
in its opposition. 1t has held to the
doctrine Of IL revenue tariff, and dur
ing all tine years of the contest has
maintained that the protective system
was opposed to good morals. in con-
travention of the constitution and in
violation of sound economics. The
objections which are now urgeC
against it are only IA repetition o
those which have found utterance fo
many years. The difference between
the parties is radical and fundamental
1t involves the principle of protection
and not simply the measure of tn
duties to be laid.
A revision Of duties should be mad
only when conditions have so change,
that the public interest demands thei
alteration, and they should be so re-
viscd as to preserve and not destro
the protective principle.
A revision and reduction by thos
who regard the tariff az a robber
must awaken serious Apprehension
among all whose capital is employe
or who are engaged at labor in the Va
rious enterprises throughout the coui
try. which depend in large measuI
upon the maintenance of the protectiN
system. \ revision of the tariff alon
revenue lines means the increased in
portation of the products of foreig
manufacture which come into con
petition with our domestic production
1t means a loss to the American wac
carners and to American capital. TIL
IL. therefore, not a theoretical ques
ton which is presented t them. but
one Of immediate and "actical me
mcnt. 1t can be settled y them IN
by them only.
History abundantly shows t.i h
greatest industrial development ~ III
country has occurred during the rio
when the protective tariff has Doe
maintained and that during this tim
labor has received its largest reward
and capital has been most profita bl
en- aged.
The development of the countr'- dlI
ing the last fOrty-l"ur years Is a on
plctc vindication of the virtue an
efficacy of Il protective system. 1,
benefits have been diffused throug
all sections Of the country and anon
all our people. 1t has enlarged OF
home market until it has become tt
greatest in the world. This We shou
not unnecessarily surrender. "
have believed it to he wise nations
policy to preserve the America
market for American producers and {
secure to our workinGmen an increase
wage scale.
In 1860 the value Of our exports an
manufactures was s40.345. 500. Twent
years later it was s102, S56.015 and la.
year $452. 445629. The pretension
its opponents that the protective tart
is inconsistent with the extension
our foreign commerce is thus denis
by actual results. In considering II
effect of the respective tariff polici'
Of the Republican and Democratic pa
tics. we are fortunately able to COZ
suit past experience. What reven,
tariff will accomplish we know, for "
have hitherto seen how 1t has arreste
industrial development and en-
barrassed ,erprise to the injury I
both labor nd capital. Neither e.
Capcs its blchting effects.
Commerci; reciprocity with foreis
countries &c. nSistent with the prime