Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-02-19

SHIN. ana the speeches Oh IIeuIN NllN
in their behalf proffering peace and
friendship and encouragement in their
efforts were read at the head Of their
armies and hailed with shouts of en-
thusiasm. They came into the world
as free nations. as il were, under our
aus pieces, hailed, chcered on and en-
cCUragct; by the voice of America.
How much more admirable was our
position then, my friends. than that
which we occupy now, as assisting
Panama in seeding from Colombia Il
position which Congressman Warner
the representative from our adjoining
district, in 4 recent speech, confessed
10 be unWarrante;,' by law. | know
that our action is excused on the
grounds that it was necessary t. Sc
cure the building Of the canal. but
the canal will be an expensive work,
indeed. if it is built at the cost of ma
tiCnal honor.
Tariff Reform Needed.
As to the tariff question. the demo-
cratic party should repudiate the
stand pat policy, which these in con-
trolling power in the republican party
advocate today. and should advocate
tariff reform AM such recipro-
city treaties rs would encourage trade
with foreign countries. There is an
element in the republican party which
advocates this policy. but its adop-
ton can never be brought about I'M
less those who are in control of the
repul lican party are driven from pow
er. This is well shown by the futiIitH
of the efforts Of these who favor this
policy within the ranks of the republi-
can party.
Gov. Cummins. of Iowa, has been
making 4 hopeless fight for recipro-
city. within the ranks of the republi-
can party in his state. and YOU all
know how little heed has been paid
to the advice Of President Mckinley,
in the speech which he delivered in
the city Of Buffalo on the day upon
which he WAS assassinated. That por-
ton of his speech which refers to this
question puts the situation so square
~ that ! feel that ! may be pardoned
for quoting from it. President Me-
kinley sale: (anJ these were almost
the last words which he ever uttered
in public spech). I'VE have vast and
intricate business built up through
years of toll and struggle, i'm which
every part Of the country has it's
stake. which VIII not permit of either
neglect CT Of undue selfishness Nol
narrow scrdid policy will subserve it,
The greatest skill and wisdom on the
part Of the manufacturers and pro-
ducerS viii be required to hold and
increase it. Our Industrial enterpris-
Nh
affect the homes and oc-
cupaticn of the people. and the
wealth If the country. Our capacity |
to produce has developed 80 enor |
and our products have 50 null |
tiplied that the problem If more mar |
kets requires our urgent and immeGi- |
ate attention. Only Il broad and en- |
Ii@htencd policy will keep what we |
have No other policy will get more |
In these times Of marvellous business |
energy and gain. we ought to be look !
ing Ia the future. strengthening the |
weak places in our industrial and com |
mercial systems. that we may be ready |
fer any storm or strain. BY sensible |
trade arrangements. which viii not |
interrupt our home production. we |
shall expand the outlets for our in |
rreasing surplus. \ system which pro-
yides mutual exchange of commodi- !
ties * manifestly essential tn the con
timed AMI healthful growth Of our |
export trade. We must not rePose in 1
fancied security. that we can forever !
sell eyeryth hing. anC buy little or moth !
ing. If such thing were possible, /
il would not be best for us. or for 4
those with whom we deal. We should /
AXE from our customers such of |
their products as we can use. without |