Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-08-10

fence against the laws OF God and
l man. and all others engaged in the con-
spiracy with them, should, after due
trial and conviction. have had melted
out TO them the most rigid punishment
known TO the law. This crime. added
perhaps TO others. led 10 the formation
of a committee OF citizens that. with
the support of the military authority.
deports from the state, without trial,
persons suspected of belonging to the
organization of which the perpetrators
| of the dynamite outTages were sup
posed TO be members. In both cases
the reign of law gave way to the reign
of force. These illustrations present
some evidence of the failure of the gov
eminent to protect the citizen and his
property, which not only justifies the
action of your convention in this re
gard, but made it its duty to call atten-
| ton to the fact that constitutional
guarantees are violated whenever any
citizen is denied the right to labor, to
acquire and to enjoy property. or TO re-
side where his interests or inclina-
ton may determine; and the fulfill
ment of the assurance to rcbuke and
punish all dcnials of these rights,
whether brought about by individuals
or government agencies. should be en-
forced by every official and supported
by every citizen. The essence of
good government lies in strict obsery-
ance of constitutional limitations, en-
forcement of law and order and rugged
opposition to all cncroachments upon
the sovereignty of the people.
The foregoing suggestions but en-
phasiZe the distinction which exists
between our own and many other
forms of government. II has been well
said. in substance. that there are but
two powers in government. one the
bower of the sword, sustained by the
hand that yields it. and the other is
the power of the law. sustained by an
enlightened public sentiment. The diff
ference in these powers is the diff
ference between a 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 constitutional
ism, the other Imperialism.
Tariff Law Unjust.
The present tariff law is unjust in
It's operation, excessive in many of its
rates and so framed in particular in
stances as TO exact inOrdinate profits
from the people. So well understood
has this view become that many promi-
nent members of the republican party.
and at least two of its state cOnven-
lions. have dared to voice the general
sentiment on that subject. That party
seems, however, to be collectively able
10 harmonic only upon plank that
admits that revision may from time
to time be necessary, but it is so phraS-
ed that il is expected to be satiSfac-
tory to those in favor of an increase
Of duty, to those who favor reduc-
ton thereof, and to those opposed to
any change whatever.
Judged by the record of perform
ance, 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 success would be to graft
~ the latter class. With absolute con-
troll of both the Legislative and execu-
tive departments of the government
since March 4jh. 1897. there has been
neither reduction nor an attempt at re
Iuction in tariff duties. 1t is not I'M
reasonable to assume. in the light Of
he record, that a future congress of
hat party will not undertake a revis
ION of the tariff downward in the event
hat it shall receive an endorsement of
is past course on that subject by the
people. 1t is a fact that should be
frankly conceded that though 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 tar
iff save that to which the republican
majority in the senate may consent
While. therefore, we are unable to give
'ssuranCc of relief TO the people from
such excessive duties as burden them.
t is due to them that we state
our position to be in favor OF reason
able reduction in the tariff; that we
believe that ii is demanded by the best
interests of both manufacturer and
consumer. and that a wise and benefi-
cent revision of the tariff can be &C
IF congress and an executive in favor
of ii are elected. without creating that
sense of uncertainty and inability that
has on other occasions manifested itself.
This can be achieved by providing that
such reasonable period shall intervene
between the date of the enactment OF
the statute making revision and tho
date of its enforcement as shall be
deemed sufficient for the industry or
business affected by such revision to
adjust itself to- the changes and new
conditions imposed. So confident am I
in the belief that the demand of the
people for reform of the tariff is just
that | indulge the hope that should
a democratic house of representatives
and a democratic executive be chosen
by the people. even d republican sen
ate may heed the warning and consent
to give at least some measure Of relief
10 the people.