Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1904-08-17

forms of government. it has been
well said, in substance. that there are
but two powers in government, one
the power of the sword, sustained
by the hand that wields it, and the
other the power of the law, sustained
by an enlightened public sentiment.
The difference in these powers is
the difference between republic
such as ours, based on law and a
written constitution, supported by
intelligence, virtue and patriotism
and monarchy--sustained by force
exerted by an individual, uncontrolled
| by laws other than those made or
sanctioned by him; one represents
constitntionalism, the other imperial
ism.
The present tariff law is unjust
in its operation, excessive in many
of it's rates and 80 framed in particu-
lar instances as to exact inordinate
profits from the people.
So well understood has this view
become that many prominent mem.
bers of the Republican party, and at
least two of its State conventions,
have dared to voice the general senti-
ment on that subject. The party
seems, however, to be collectively
able to harmonize only upon plank
that admits that revision may from
time to time be necessary, but it is SO
phrased that it is expected to be salts
factory to those in favor of an increase
of duty, to those who favor reduction
and to those opposed to any change
whatever.
Judged by the record of perfor-'
nance, rather than that of promise,
on the part of that party in the past,
1T would seem as if the outcome, in
the event of its success, would be to
crafty the latter class.
With absolute control of both the
legislative and executive departments
of the government since March 4,
1897, there has been neither a reduc-
tion nor an attempt at reduction in
tariff duties.
1t is not unreasonable to assume,
in the light of that record, that a
future Congress of that party will
not undertake revision of the tariff
downward in the event that it shall
receive an endorsement of its past
course on that subject by the peo-
pie. 1t is fact, and should be
frankly conceded, that should 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 moditica-
tion in the tariff save that to which
the Republican majority in the SEN
ate may consent. While, therefore,
we are unable to give assurances of
relief to the people from such ex-
cessive duties as burden them, it is
due 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 demanded
by the best interests of both manu-
facturer and consumer, and that a
wise and benefcent revision Of the
tariff can be accomplished as soon
as both branches of Congress and
an Executive in favor of it 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 reasonable
period shall intervene between the
date of the enactment of the stat
ute making revision and the date
of it's enforcement, as shall be
deemed sufficient for the industry
or business affected by such revis.
ion to adjust itself to the changes
and new conditions imposed. So
confident am / in the belief that
the demand of the people for re-
form of the tariff is just, that ]
indulge the hope that should a
Democratic House of Representa-