The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-10-03

wise partition of the loving power be
tween the states and the federal gov
eminent. Except in the exigencieS o1
war the taxing power has been exercis
ed by congress largely in the direction
of the imposition of duties upon i'm
ports. No one expects to change this
arrangement, which has proven so con-
venient to the general government ana
so conducive to the interest of the
| states, whose resort to other sources OF
revenue is left untrammeled. Indirect
| taxation, however convenient, needs
by reason of it's indirectness, to be
watchfully guarded, lest abuses should
| attach themselves unknown by the
| people.
That many of the existing tariff
rates are excessive and enable power
full combinations to extort unjust and
| oppressive tribute from the people can
not be controverted. The tariff is un-
| as enables the manufacturer to sell his
products abroad cheaper than at
home Steel rails are a conspicuous
example in this respect. 1t is admitted
that they are being made for SIS a
ton. A few years ago they were free
~ sold in this country at $17 a ton.
They are now selling at the mills here
for home consumption at $2S ton,
SIS to $22 ton This unjust dis
elimination against our people is made
possible only by a tariff that on this
article is entirely too high.
Inc average price VI d
dred articles, taken principally from
the iron and steel list, is found to be
about 20 per cent higher in this coun-
try than abroad. Relief from these
conditions will only come through the
success of the Democratic party, which
stands for wise, conservative and
gradual change in the tariff laws,
(which will equalize the burdens of tax
alton and make honest competition
possible. But in making such changes
it's purpose will be to legislate with a
due regard for the labor and capital
involved in industrial enterprises.
Trusts.
1t is estimated that there are in the
United States between 200 and 800
combinations of capital and corporate
interests, known as trusts. which have
grown up in the last few years under
Republican rule. Some of them are so
conducted as to be pernicious and
harmful to the general interest. With
the power they are able to exert, they
can lessen competition, control prices
and regulate to their own advantage
the law of supply and demand. Indi-
ViduaI effort is helpless against such
strong rivals, and the natural right of
all persons to barter and trade is I'M
naturally restricted. The effort of
these trusts is to control or monopollze
and these monopolies, when unre-
strained, seem to produce conditions
which bring about strikes and diSor-
ders, and disturb the business affairs
of the country.
Local lf-Government.
Local self-government, that came to
us not as the gift of the national gov
eminent, but as the legitimate out
come of the reserve powers of the
states and of the people, is the very
cornerstone of our political structure,
and the best assurance of liberty regu-
lated by law. 1t can only be main
tanned by strict observance of the limi-
tations of the federal constitution.
The Democratic party has always re-
sisted, and will continue to resist, the
encroachment by it's enemies upon the
fundamental right of the people of the
several states. All power comes from
the people, and whenever this power
is used for selfish interests it is not
only an abuse, but usurpation.
Arbitration.
The declaration in the st. Louis plat
form in favor of arbitration is one that
appeals to my sense of fairness. Nations
and states have employed to advantage
IONS th,n states have INVOKED its aid with
good results and individuals frequently
difference The Hague tribunal, repre-
senting the sentiment of Cancellation, IS
iigent thought on this subject. The prin-
ciples of arbitration are the same,
whether governing the great court of ma
trial life. It's permanent establishment as
a part of the industrial system of the
y.
of all parties to a controversy, would in
sure more friendly relations between en-
the workingman and the employer is
identical. 1t affords a safe and equitable
may arise, and has been called "a rea-
sonable and natural mode OF settling
such disputes The spirit OF arb1tra ton
1t is the arbiter of peace instead of war, |
and makes fer happiness instead 81 sor-
Race Issue.
All lovers of their country must deprc- |
cate the rehabilitation by the Republican |
time when every effort should be made |
to promote rather than retard the pro- |
gress which was being made in the states |
where slavery had existed, toward kind
Her relations between the two races. The |
revival of this issue, with all its attend |
development of the southern states, |
whose people are strnggling manfuliy
ously interferes with the industrial pro-
gress of both races.
Fraud in the Public Service.
Population and fraud in the public SER
oeciaIiy in the postoffice and land depart
nents. reached such proportions that
of the evils praetieed became
followed, but thorough and impartial
Investigation by congress, proposed and
refused by the Republicans at the man
late, it is believed, of the administration.
Congress adjourned earlier tnan at any
ong session for many years for the pur-
pose it is believed, of preventing further
citation of the question and in an effort
20 curtail expenses. /
Civil Service.
Offices are created and filled in pursu
snce of law to carry on the government,
he selfish purpose of any citizen. Many
If the hundred thousand federal office /
holders, servants of all the people, while
lnder salary, are now vigorously, some T.
,overtly and some openly, working and
to the present campaign to
secure the success of the Republican par
" in defiant violation of the civil service
avs rules and regulations. Several
members of the cabinet and other Off