The San Francisco call., 1904-09-26
EXECUTIVE POWER.

The magnitude Of the country and its di-
versity Of interests and population would en-
executive unmindful of constitutional limita-
tions and fired with the lust Of power, to go
far in the usurpation of authority and the
aggrandizement Of personal power before the
situation could be fully appreciated or the peo-
PIE Be aroused
The Issue OF imperialism which has been
thrust upon the country involves a decision
whether the laws of the land the rule of
individual caprice shall govern. The principle
Of imperialism may give rise to brilliant start
ling, dashing results, but the principle of
democracy holds in check the brilliant execu-
tive and subjects him to the sober, conserva-
tive control Of the people.
The people Of the United States stand at
the parting Of the ways. Shall follow the
footsteps of our fathers along the paths Of peace
prosperity and contentment, guided by the
everything spirit Of the constitution which they
framed for US, OF shall We go along other and
untried paths. hitherto Stunned by all, follow
ing blindly new ideals which, though appeal
ing with brilliancy to the ina gination and am
bition. may a viii O. the wisp leading
US into difficulties from which it may be i'm
possible to eXtricate ourselves without lasting
tons
Tariff reform is one Of the cardinal prin-
ciples OF the Democratic faith and the neces-
s3ty f. l. was never greater than at the pres
ea- tine- It should be undertaken at once
in the interest Of all our people.
The Dingley tariff is excessive in many OF
its rates and. as to them at least unjustly
and oppressively burdens the people It secures
to domestic manufacturers singly or in COM
prices at home and prices far above the level
or sales made regularly by them abroad with
prcht. thus giving bounty to foreigners Il
the expense OF our own people Its unjust
taxation burdens the people generally forcing
them II pay excessive prices for fool fuel,
clothing and other necessaries OF life. 1t
levies duties on many articles not normally
imported in any considerable amount which
are made extensively at home for which the
most extreme prOtectionist would hardly JUS
tify protective taxes and which in large
amounts are exported. Such duties have been
rrffT 4sv,,-- -
the formation Of huge Industrial combinations
which, secure from foreign competition are
enabled 10 stihe domestic competition and
practically to monopolize the home market
1t contains many duties imposed for the ex-
press purpose only. was openly avowed of
furnishing basis for reduction by means of
reciprocal trade treaties. which the RepubIi-
can administration implied or at least prom
ised to negotiate. Having on this promise,
spurred on by protected interests. defeated the
treaties negotiated by the executive now
these same interests cling to the benefit of
they should have. and to which they have no
neral right
TARIFF REFORM.
Even now the argument most frequently
urged in behalf OF the Dingley tariff. and
against tariff reform generally. is the neces-
or these industries, after hundred years of
lusty growth. are looming up industrial
tariff invites combination and monopoly and
gives justification to the expression that the
larlu is the mother Of trusts.
For the above mentioned reasons among
many others. the people demand reform Of
these abuses and such reform demands and
should receive immediate attention
The two leading parties have always DIFF
lered as TO the principles Of customs taxation
Our party has always advanced the theory that
the object is the raising OF revenue for sup
port Of the government whatever other re-
suits may incidentally flow therefrom The
that customs duties should be levied
for protection. so-called. with revenue az The
subordinate purpose. thus using the power Of
taxation TO build up the business and propertv
Of the few at the expense OF the many
This difference of principle still slhsists
but our party appreciates that the lon1-coY1,
tinued policy of the country. as nanifesfeS q,
its statutes, makes it necessary that tariff 70
form should be prudently and sagaciousIy un-
on scientific principles to the end
that there should not be an Immediate rev
olution IN existing conditions
In the words of our platform. we demand "a
revision and a gradual reduction OF the tariff
By the friends Of the masses. and for the COM
mon veal and not by the friends of its
abuses, it's axtortIons and determinations
In my response to your committee I pointed
out the method under which a gradual reduc-
ton OF customs duties may be accomplished
without disturbing business conditions. l de-
sire again to express the opinion that this
method should be followed.
IT is true that the Republicans. who do not
admit in their platform that the Dingley tariff
needs the slightest alteration. likely to
retain a majority Of the Federal Senate
throughout the next Presidential term, and
could, therefore, II they choose. block every
attempt at legislative relief. But it should be
that the Republican party includes
many revisionists. and 1 believe that it will
shrink from defying the popular will ex-
pressed Enthusiastically and peremptorily at the
ballot box.
The people demand reform of existing condi-
tions. Since the last Democratic administra-
ton the cost Of living has grievously increas-
ed. Those having fixed incomes have suffered
keenly: those living wages, If there has
been any increase know that such increase
has not kept pace with the advance in the
ri VT nd
saries Of life. Many to-day are out of work,
unable to secure any wages at all. To alle-
fiate these conditions, in far as in our power,
should be our earnest endeavor.
In my addrnss 70 the r,nfffca finr1 cnrnnnitfaa