The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1904-08-26

should be changed as often as existing
conditions, whether growing out of the
formation of trusts or otherwise, rem.
der the further continuance of the pres
ent duty on any article unnecessary OF
harmful or inconsistent with the true
measure of protection as defined by Pres
ident Roosevelt in our platform. When
such conditions arise then such duties
are outside the principles on which the
republican doctrine of protection stands
Fidelity to and maintenance of existing
schedules are not necessarily part of
republican doctrine.
Fourth. 1 believe that the time refer
red to in out national platform has come
when conditions have so changed that
the public interest demands the altera-
ton of certain rates of duty, not upward
but downward.
1 further stated that 1 favored the re-
moval of the tariff on lumber and re-
duction of present duties on certain COM
modities sold for export to the markets
they are protected against for less than
they are sold for in the home market, on
the ground that such duties are unneces-
sary and harmful and inconsistent with
the true principles of protection.
| submit that my declarations as to
the measure of protection and my advo-
cacy. of REIMBURSEMENT of certain rates
of duty by republican congress and a
republican president are strictly in har
mony with the declarations of our plat
form. Clearly as to lumber and the other
commodities referred to in my announce
ment, conditions have so changed
, through combinations and trusts that
the public interest demands the re-
moval or reduction of the protective
duties now imposed to 'guard and de-
velop" them.
1 finally submit on this showing that
there is no basis either for the claim
that l am not in harmony with the re-
publican national platform, or for any
other charge made against my position
in your reply to my announcement.
l contend that the measure of protec-
ton l have advocated is sufficient to
guard and develop every American indus
try that is honestly conducted and is
content with reasonable profits. 1t is
the measure advocated by President
Roosevelt in his letter of acceptance as
well as in all of his speeches and mes
sages relating to this subject. 1t is
measure that would substitute for rates
of duty intended to develop infant in
dustries such protection as is needed I'M
der present conditions by industries that
are highly developed. 1t is adapted to
present day needs and recognizes, in the
words of President Roosevelt, "the prime
Importance" "where the industrial con-
ditions SO frequently change as with us
must of necessity be the case," Of adapt
ing our economic policy to the changed
conditions"
l have given adherence to the
general declarations of the ma
tional platform and have present
ed my views upon the only two ques-
tons in the tariff plank of that platform
left oTen for determination by the elect
ors. Although our platform declares that
the re-adjustment of tariff rates is ''the
great question" and submits it to re-
publican congress and republican pres
ide9t. and although you are member of
congress and candidate for re election,
your reply contains not one word with
reference to your views on this question
or the other equally important question
as to the proper maximum measure Of
protection. Your general statement that
you 'stand squareiy on the national
platform" and that this platform "in
all its important declarations expresses
your views to dot" gives no intima-
tion as to how you stand on either ques-
ton.
We are both candidates of the same
party for the same office. Neither YOU
nor | should arrogate to himself the right
to determine for others what is the true
Republican doctrine under the platform.
But it is proper that your views as well
as mine as to the specific issues should
be expressly stated. In order, therefore,
that the voters may be able to determine
for themselves which of us, as you ex-
press it, is most Gin harmony with the
national platform ask you to publish
answers to the following questions:>
One. Would you favor tariff built
on the line of the difference in labor cost
here and abroad?
Two. Do you believe that the 59th
congress should take up the question of
tariff revision?
Three. When the tariff is revised, do
you believe that the revision should be
on an ascending instead of descending
scale?
Four. Do you still maintain that "re-
vision Upwards can always be under
taken safely?"
: Five. Do. you know that a combina-
ton exists whose purpose is to exact
enormous profits on the price of lumber?
If SO, or if such is the fact, do you favor