Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1904-12-07
FAIRBANKSON
THE TARIFF
Before the Home Market Club, the
Vice President-Elect Speaks for
the Republican Party.
NO RADICAL LEGISLATION
Changes Will be Made as Deemed
Necessary But No General Re-
vision 10 Demanded.

Boston, Dec. 1.-Before an audience
OF more than 1000, Vice Presient-elect
Fairbanks spoke on the attitude of the
Republican administration on the tar
IN question at the annual banquet of
the Home Market club. Among the
other guests were Governor j. L. Bates
OF Massachusetts, former Secretary of
the Navy John d. Long, DR.. w, IL.
Montague of Toronto, a privy council
lor of the Dominion of Canada, and
Governorselect Henry Roberts of Con-
nectiout.
The speakers were Senator Fair
banks, Governor Bates, Mr.. Long and
DIR. Montague. Former Congressman
Robert T. Davis of Fall River, Mass,
president Of the club, as toastmaster,
referred to the principle of the pro-
tective tariff, which is fostered by the
Home Market club, saying that the
leading members of the aatimal.house.
of representatives and senate would
confer with the administration on the
subject of tariff.
He added: I'VE are willing to stand
by their judgment as TO the time and
nature of such revision"
kilograms of regret at not being
able to attend vere received from
President Roosevelt End the Massa.
Chusetts senator's
Vice Presidenteleut Fairbanks in
his speech said:
"The expansion of Aur foreign CON-
merce under Republican policies and
Republican administration is .conclu-
sive evidence of the fact that the Re-
publican policies are mot restrictive
as far as our foreign trade Is concern
ed. In 1860 our expOrts of manu-
featuring products to other countries
amounted to only ,$1l2 100000, while
last year they reached the enormous
sum of $452.000.000. We have been.
rapidly increasing our wealth through
our foreign commerce. The balance
the beginning af George Washing
tons first administration to William
McKinley's first term, the net bal
ance in favor Of the United States
was 1888 100000: since the beginning
of President MEKinley's first term
until March, 1904, the net balance in
favor of the United States was up
wards of 0QjOO0,00O. 1t would
seem the part of wisdom to hold fast
TO those measures, and the admins
tration of public Effairs under which
gratifying and unparalleled results
have been accomplished.
while the tariff question is an old
one, 1t is of continual and vital inter-
est. It must not be overthrown or
surrendered either by ignorance or
prejudice 1t musl be maintained by
education by intelligent discussion.
1.-The Republican party has revised
tariff schedules il the past when re-
vision was essential, and 1t will not
hesitate in the future To subject them
to careful scrutiny anh alterst ton SO
that our protective system may be
just in its operation. Whenever
change of schedules is essential in
the public interest the alteration will
be made. 1t will be maile advisedly;
IL Will be made bOt in response to
mere sentiment, but tgreeakly to
sound economic necessity. Any ,other
policy Is obviously unwise ann dis
turbing in its tendency.
THE Republican party adheres to
the doctrine of coBmercitl treaties.
reciprocity which teLds to expanli our
commerce and to develop American
industry and in the interest of Amer
ican labor and American capital. II
holds n reciprocity, which is 'tle
hand mliden of protection but mt
10 that which is but another form pf
free trade and which is hostfl. to the
protective system.
president Mckinley has been quot
ed by the enemies OF protection as
favoring The Democratic system Of
Tecipaocfty. The text Vt his last
great speech gives denial TO such pro
lection. His mtterances were ebxire'
ly free from ambiguity. None could
misunderstood them who did not de
sire to do so. He distinctly favored
sensible trade arrangements which
will not interrupt our home produe,
tion.'
1--WE should take from our Gus
TONER'S he said. such Of our products
as We can use without harm TO our
industries and labor. And he further
declared that IL perchance some OF our
tariffs are no longer needed for rev.
enue, and TO encourage and protect
industries at home, why should they
not be employed to extend and pro
mote our markets abroad
1T will be observed that he kept
well in mind the home market and
protection to our industries and Ia
Dor.
There is In these observations no
suggestion of the abandonment by him
of the great policy for which he lived
and wrought so well. The result OF
the recent national election needs no
Interpretation. II plainly signifies
,nat the people have unabated faith
In the great principles for which the
Republican party has frought so well.
II clearly indicates exceptional con-
iidence in the soundness and consery'
atism of Republican administration.
The power committed 10 us Is to be
used with prudence.
I'VE are to continue to adhere to
and uphold the great policies which
have so well served us In the past
They are not to be undermined or
subverted: they are to be upheld and
'ntained with wisdom and resolu
ton"