The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1904-08-11

should be enforced by every official and
supported by every citizen. The es-
sence Of good government lies IN strict
observance of constitutional limita-
tions, enforcement Of law and order
and rugged opposition to all eneroaeh-
ment upon the sovereignty of the peo-
Pile.
The foregoing suggestions but em-
phasize the distinction which exists
between our own and many other forms
OF government, 1t has been we'll said.
In substance. that there are but two
powers in government, one the power
OF the sword. sustained by the hand
that wields. and the other the power
Of the law, sustained by an enllght-
ened public sentiment, The difference
in these powers is the difference in the
repuhlic--such as powers. based on
law and written constitution. sup
ported by intelligence and patriotism
and monarchy. sustained by force
exerted by an individual uncontrolled
by laws other than those made or sane
toned by him. One represents con-
stltutlonalism. the other imperialism
The Tariff Question.
The present Gariff law is unjust In
its operation. excessive in many OF its
rates, and so framed in particular In
stances as to exact inordlnate profits
from the people. So well understood
has this view become that many prom
inent members OF the republican par
ty, and at least two of its state con-
ventions, have dared to voice the gem
eral sentiment on that subject. That
party seems. however, TO be collective
ly able to harmonize only upon a plank
that admits that revision may from
time to time be necessary. but II is
so phrased that Ii is expected to be sat
isfactory to those in favor of an In
crease. TO those who favor reduce
tion 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
IL the outcome. In the event OF Its sue
cess, would be to crafty the latter
class. With absolute control of both
the legislative and executive depart
ments of the government since March
4, 1897. there has been neither re-
duction 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
win not undertake revision of the
tariff downward in the event that II
shall receive an Endorsement OF its past
course on that subject by the people.
1t is fact, and should be frankly
conceded. that though our party be
successful In the coming contest, we
cannot hope to elect majority in the
senate during the next four years, and
hence We shall be unable to secure any
modification in the tariff save to which
the republican majority in the senate
may consent. While, therefore, we are
unable to give assurances OF relief TO
the people from such excessive duties
as burden them, 1t is due to them that
we state our position to be in
favor Of a reasonable reduction Of the
tariff; that we believe that 1t is de-
manded by the best interests OF both
manufacturer and consumer, and that
wise and benefcent revision OF the
tariff can be accomplished as soon as
both branches Of congress and en- ex-
ecutiye in favor Of II are elected,
without creating that sense Of un-
certainty and instability that has on
other occasions manifested itself. This
can be achieved by providing that such
reasonable period shall intervene be-
tween the date of the enactment Of the
statute and 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
] m the belief that the demand of the
people for the reform of the tariff Is
just that / indulge in the hope that.
should a democratic house of repre-
sentatives and democratic executive
be chosen by the people, even re-
publican senate may heed the warn
Ing and consent to give at least some
measure of relief to the people.
The Tariff Breeds Trusts.
The combinations, popularity called
trusts, which aim to secure monop-
oily Of trade in the necessaries of life.
as well as In those things that are en-
pioyed upon the farm, in the factory
and In many other fields Of Industry.