Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-08-11

it's Operation excessive in many OF lIS
rates and SO framed in particular in
stances as to exact inordinate pronts
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 suD1ect.
That party seems. however, to be COL
lectively able to harmonic only upon
plank that admits that revision may
from time to time be necessary, but
it is SO phrased that it is expected toI
be satisfactory to those in favor OF
an increase of duty, to those who fav-
or a reduction thereof and to those
opposed to any change whatever.
Judged by the record OF perform
ance rather than that of promise, on
the part of that party in the past, IL
would seem as if the outcome, IN the
event of its success would be to graft
fly the latter class. With absolute con-
troll of both the legislative and execu-
tive departments OF the government
since March 4, 1897, there has been
neither reduction nor an attempt at
reduction in tariff duties. 1t is not I'M
reasonable to assume, in the light of
that record that a future congress of
that marty will not undertake a revi-
sion IF fha tariff downward in the
event that II shall receive an endorse
mont ~ tic nost course IN that subject
hv the neon1a II ;s fact and should
he frankly conceded that though our
marty he successfnl in the coming con.
test we cannot hone to secure a ma.
ioritv in the senate during the next
four wears and hence we shall be un-
able to secure any modification in the
tariff save that to which the republi-
can maioritv in the senate NAV CON
sent While therefore we are unable
to give assurances of relief to the peo-
nle from such excessive duties as bur.
den them. it is due to them that we
state our position to be IN favor OF
mat we believe # is demanded nv the
hest interests Of both manufacturers
and consumer and that a wise and
hanaficent revision of the tariff can
be accommodated as soon as both
bronnhes If congress- and an execu.
two In favor If II are elected without
cra.+ine that sense Of uncertainty and
instal,iii+v that has IN other occasions
,nanifasted itself This can he
achieved nv nroviding that such a, rea.
sonab1e ner;pd shall Intervene he.
tween the date of the enactment of
! the statute making a revision and the
date of it's enforcement. as shall be
i deemed sufficient for the industry or
hnsiness affected by such revision to
/ adiust itself to the changes and new
conditions imposed. So confident am
II in the belief that the demand of the
A neonle for a reform of the tariff is
! inst that I indulge the hope that
should a democratic house of repre-
i sentatiyes and a democratic executive
he chosen by the people, even re-
nublican senate may heed the warn
ing and consent to give at least some
measure of relief to the people.
nc 'ruses
.. "The combinations, popularity called
trusts. which aim to secure monopo
: ly of trade in the necessaries of life
5 as we'll as in those things that are en-
I ployed upon the farm, in the factory
! and in many other other fields of in
e dustry, have been encouraged and
/ stimulated by excessive tariff duties
S These operate to furnish substantial
: market in the necessities Of eighty
: millions of people, by practically ex
S Guiding competition. With so large 8
t market and highly remunerative
S prices continuing long after the line
i of possible competition would natural
e ly be reached. the temptation of al
a engaged in the same business to com
i. bine SO as to prevent competition a
: home and resulting reduction O
! prices, has proved irresistible in {
r number of cases. All men must agre,
: that the NET result of enacting law.
that foster such ineouitable conditions
is most unfortunate for the people al
a whole. and it would seem as if al
: ought to agree that the effective rem
, edy would he TO appropriately modif,
u the offending law The growth 4
Il monopoly. of which complaint is Just
z Nv made cannot he laid at the door
e Of the courts Of this country. The dc
y cisions of the sunreme court of th
r, United states the court of anpeals q
n this state and the courts of last re
le sort in MANY other states warrant,th
+ assertion that the common law as de