Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1904-08-11

The present tariff law is unjust IN its
operation. excessive in many OF its rates
and so framed IN particular instances as
70 exact inordi,latc profits from the peo-
pie. So we'll understood has this View be-
come that many prominent members oil
the republican party and at least two oil
its state conventions, have dared to voice
The general sentiment on that subject.
That party seems, however. to be coilec-
lively able to harmonizc only upon
plank that admits that revision may from
time 20 time be necessary. but 1t is 50
rhrased that IL is expected to be salts
factory TO those IN favor of an increase oil
the duty 10 those who favor Il reduction
thereof. and to those opposed TO any
change whatever.
Judged by the record Of performance
Of that party in the past. i. would seen.
as II the outcome, in the event OF Its sue
,,ess, would be 10 sratify the latter class
With absolute control of both tn" 1c:is-
lativc and executive departments oil The
government since March a 1891. there has
been neither reduction nor an attempt al
reduction, in tariff duties. II is not un.
reasonable to assume, in the light of that
record that Il future congress of thai
party will not undertake Il revision o!
The tariff down"ard in the event that 1t
shall receive an Endorsement of its past
course on that subject by the people II
is Il fact, and should be frankly conceded.
that though our party be successful In the
coming contest we cannot hope to secure
Il majority in the senate during the next
four years. and hence we shall he unable
to secure any modification in the tariff
save that to which tho republican majority
fore. We are unable to give assurances oi
relief TO the people from such excessive
duties as burden them, ii is due to them
that we state our position to BE-
in favor of a reasonable reduction of the
tariff: that we believe that 1t is demanded
by the best interests of both manufac-
turcr and ~}nsumcr, and that wise and
berciiccnt revision of the tariff can be
accomplished as soon as both branches OF
congress ard an executive in favor of il
are elected. without creating THAT sensc
Of uncertainty and instability that has on
other occasions manifested itself. Thi-
can be achieved by proNi;ling that such
tween the date of the cnactmen; of tic
statute making revision and the date
of its enforcement. as shall be deemed
sufficient for the industry or business aft
to the changes and new conditions inn
posed, So confident I'm ] IN the belief
that the demand OF the people for !; re-
form of the tariff is. just. that ] indulge
the hope that should a democrats house
of Representatives and a democratic OK
ecitivc be chosen by the people even a
and consent to give at least some meas
ure of relief to the people.
The combinations popu!,rly c;,!c4
trusts. which aim TO secure Il monopoly Of
trade in the necessaries of life as We'll as
in those things that are employed upon
the farm. in the factory ana i'm nlanN
otl1tr f1rldS OF industry, have b"cn en-
couraged and stimulated by excessive
tariff duties. These operate 10 furnish Il
substantial market in the necessities of
so,cCalo0 people. by practically excluding
competition. With SO large a market and
highly remuncrative prices continuing
long afte, the line of possible compete
tion would naturally be reached, the temp
tation of all engaged in the same business
10 camhiae so as to prevent competition
~ home and resulting reduction of
prices. has proved irresistible in NUM-
Der of cases.