Bisbee daily review., 1904-08-11


 
 the hand that yields it. and the other the power of the law. sustained by enlightened public sentiment The difference in these powers is the dif- ference between the republic-such as ours. based on law and a written con- stitution supported by intelligence, virtue and patriotism-and a mon- archy, sustained by force exerted by an individual, uncontrolled by laws other than those made or sanctioned by him; one represents constitution alism, the other imperialism.
 The present tariff law Is unjust in its operation. excessive in many of it's rath and so framed in particular in- stances as to exact inordinate profits from the people
 So we'll understood has this view become that many prominent mem bers of the republican party and at least two of its state conventions have dared to voice the general sentiment on that subject. That party seems however. to be collectively able to harmonize only upon a plank that ad- mits that revision may from time to time be necessary. but 1t is so phrased that 1t 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 whatever. Judged by the re- cord of performance. 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 its suc- cess would be to gratify the latter class. With absolute control of both the legislative and executive depart ments of the government since March 4. 1897, there has been neither re- duction nor an attempt at reduction in tariff duties. It is not unreason- able 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 endorsement of its past course on that subject by the people. It is a fact and should be frankly conceded. that should our party be successful in the coming contest we cannot hope to secure a majority in the Senate during the next four years. and hence we shall be unable to secure any modification in the tariff laws save that to which the republican majority in the Senate may consent. While, therefore we are unable to give assurances of re- lief to the people from such excessive duties as burden them, it is due to them that we should state our policy to be in favor of a reasonable reduc- tion of the tariff: that we believe that 1t is demanded by the best interests of both manufacturer and consumer. and that a wise and benefcient re- duction can be accomplished as soon as both branches Of congress and an executive in favor of it are elected, without creating that sense of uncer- tainty and instability that has on other occasions manifested itself. This can be achieved by providing that such z. seasonable period shall intervene, tetween the date of the enactment of the statute. making a revision and the date of it's enforce ment. as shall be deemed sufficient For the industry or business affected by such revision to adjust itself to the changes and new conditions inn posed. So confident am I in the be- lief that the demand of the people for a reform of the tariff is just that indulge in the hope that should democratic house of representatives and a democratic executive be chosen by the people, even a republican ssn- ate may heed the warning and con- sent to give at least some measure of relief to the people.
 The combinations, popularly called trusts, which aim to secure a monop- oly of trade in the necessaries of life as we'll as in those of things that are employed upoR the farm, in the fac tory and in many other fields of in dustry. have been encouraged and stimulated by excessive tariff duties These operate to furnish a substan- tial market in the necessities of eighty million of people by practically ex- cluding competition. With so large a market and highly remunerative prices continuing long after the line of possible competition would natur- ally be reached the temptation of all engaged in the same business to com bine so as to prevent competition at home and a reduction of prices. has proved irristible in a number of cases. All men must agree that the net re- suit of enacting law that foster such conditions is most unfor- tunate for the people as a whole and it would seem as if all ought to agree that the effective remedy would be to appropriately modify the offending law. The growth of monopoly, of which complaint is justly made, can not justly be laid at the doors of the courts of this country. The decis- ions of the Supreme Court of the Un- ited States, the Court of Appeals of this state and the court of last re- sort in many other states, warrant. the assertion that the common law as developed affords a complete legal against monopolies. The fact that they have multiplied in number and increased in power has been due not to the failure of the courts to ap- | ply the law with property moved by officials or private in dividuals, but to the failure of of- ficials charged with the duty of en-