Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1904-08-19

trolled by laws other than those made or
sanctioned by him One represents con-
stitutionaiism. the other imperialism
The present tariff law is unjust In its
operation. excessive In many OF its rates
and so framed in particular instances as
TO exact inordinate profits from the peo-
pie. SO well understood hao this view be-
come that many prominent members 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 col
lectively able to harmonize only upon n
plank that admits that revision may from
time To time be necessary. but it is so
phrased that II is expected to be salts
factory 90 those I'm favor OF an increase
OF duty. TO those who favor a reduction
thereof and TO those opposed to any
change whatever.
Judged by the record OF performance
rather than that OF promise on the part
OF that party In the past. II would seem as
II the outcome In the event of its success
would be TO crafty the latter class. With
absolute control Of both the legisiativ
and executive departments of the govern
ment since March 4. 1897. there has been
neither reduction nor an attempt at re-
duction I'm tarlff duties. IL Is not unrea-
sonable to assume In the light OF that rec
ord that future congress of that party
will not undertake revision of the tariff
downward I'm the event that it shall re-
that subject by the people. II Is a fact
and should be frankly conceded that
should our party be successful In the COM
Ing contest we cannot hope TO secure a
-FOUR years. and hence we shall be unable
to secure any modification In the tariff
save that to which the Republican ma
Jority In the senate may consent, While
therefore we are unable to give assur-
ences OF relief TO the people from such
ofr~rSA ls l.
to them that we should state our position
to be In favor OF a reasonable reduction of
the tariff. that we believe that IT is de-
manded by the best interests OF both man.
ufacturer and consumer and that n wise
and benehcent revision of the tariff can
be accomplished as soon as both branches
of congress and an executive I'm favor
of IL are elected without creating that
sense OF uncertainty and Instability that
has on other occasions manifested itself.
This can be achieved by providing that
such n reasonable period shall intervene
between the date OF the enactment of the
statute making revision and the date OF
its enforcement as shall be deemed eufii-
cient for the industry or business affect
ed by such revision to adjust itself 10 the
changes and new conditions imposed. SO
confident am I'm the belief that the de-
mand OF the people for a reform OF the
tariff Is just that indulge the hope that
should Democratic house OF representa-
sen by the people even a Republican SEN
ate may heed the warning and consent to
give at least some measure OF relief 20 the
people.
The combinations. popularity called
trusts, which aim to secure n monopoly
or trade In tho necessarics OF life as well
as In those things that are employed upon
the farm. I'm the factory and in many 9TH
er fields of industry have been encour-
aged and stimulated by excessive tariff
duties. These operate TO furnish n sub
stantial market in the necessities OF
excluding competition With so large a
market and highly renunerative prices
long after the line OF possible
would naturally be reached
the temptation OF all engaged In the same
business TO combine so rs TO prevent COM
petition at home and resulting reduc-
ton or prices has proved Irresistible In n
number OF cases. All men must agree
that tho net result OF cnacting laws that
foster such inequitabie conditions 81 most
unfortunate for the people as n whole,
and IL would seem as IL all ought to agree
that the effective remedy would be TO ap-
modify the offending law The
growth OF monopoly. OF which complaint
Is Justly made, cannot be laid at the
doors OF the courts OF this country The
decisions OF the supreme court of the
United States, the court OF appeals OF
this state and the courts OF last resort
Ia mnny other states warrant the asser-
ton that the common law as developed
anords n complete legal remedy against
The fact that they have null
tpiied In number and increased in power
has been due not to the failure OF the
courts TO apply the law when properly
moved by administrative officials or pri-
vate individuals, hut TO the failure of on
cials charged with the duty OF enforcing
the law 90 take the necessary procedure
10 procure the Judgments OF the courts IN
the appropriate jurisdiction. coupled with
the fact that the legislative departments
on some or our state. governments well
as congress In the manner already re-
ferred TO have by legislation encouraged
their propagation. What is needed IN
addition TO the passage OF n statute reyfs-
Ing the tsrif duties 10 a reasonable basis.
Is not so much other and different laws
as officials having both the disposition
ana the courage TO enforce existing law
While this is my view OF the scope bf the
common law. IL ft should be made 10 an
pear that IL Is o mistaken one then I ia
vor suoh FURTHER legislation within con-
sututionai limitations as will give the
people just and fun measure OF protec-
ton.
It is difficult 70 understand how anv
citizen or the United States. much less
descendant OF Revolutionary stock, can
loierate the thought OF permanently deny
ing the right OF self government to the
Filipinos. Can we hope to tnstiu into TIA
minds OF our descendants reverence and
aevoion FOR government by the people
Wniie denying ultimately that right 20 the
inhabitants OF distant Countries whoae
territory we have acquired either by pur-
cnaso or by forcef Can we cay 20 the
Ffipinos. 'Your lives. your liberty and
your property may be taken from Won
without due process OF law for all time.
ture OF Magma charta which has become
Incorporated. in substance and effect. into
me constitution OF every state as well as
INTO the fourteenth amendment to the
constitution of the United states7 Can
We hope for the respect Of the civilized
world while proudly guaranteeing TO ev-
,ry citizen OF the United States that no
aw shall be made or enforced which shall
lbridge the privileges or immunities or
'itizens OF the United States or deny TO
my person the equal protection OF the
avs and at the same time not only deny
similar rights 10 the inhabitants OF the
but take away from them
he right OF trial by jury and place their
ives and the disposition OF their property
n the keeping OF those whom we send to
hem 20 be their governors7 We shall
certainly rue It as q nation II we mike |
my such attempt Viewing the question
wen from the standpoint OF national
'eihShness. there iD no prospect that the |
wenty millions OF dollars expended in |
he purchase Of tho islands and the six |
hundred and ffty millions said 10 have |
'een since disbursed win ever come back |
o us. The accident OF war brought the |
knto our possession, and we |
ire not at liberty to disregard the reepons
hbility which thus came TO us. but that |
responsibility will be best subserved by |
preparing the islanders as rapidly as pos |
tble fo- self government and giving to |
hem the assurances that 10 will come as |
oon as they are reasonably prepared for |
{. There need be no fear that the as |
ertion so often made of late that we have |
low become a world power viii then be |
without support. Ours is q world power [
md as such II must be maintained, but |
ieny that II is at oil recently that the |
United States has attained that eminence |
our country became a world power over q |
'entnry ago. when. having thrown of for
ign domination. the people established q |
rec government, the source OF whose au- /
hority sprung and was continuously to |
'roceed from the viii OF the people them |
'eives. II grew as world power as its |
turdy citizens. to whose natural increase |
we're added immigrants from the old |
World seeking to obtain here the liberty |
md prosperity denied them IN their own |
countries, spread over the face ef the |
and, reduced the prairies and forests 70 |
built cities. constructed high |
Ways and railroads. till now~a nation |