The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1905-05-31
TARIFF M SOUTHERN
DEVELOPMENT.
Complimentary Reference to Repre-
sentative Aiken by Mr.. Schwab.

Complimentary Reference to Repre-
sentative Aiken by Mr.. Schwab.
Gustave II. Schwab, one of the best inform
cd men on economic questions in this coun'
try, recently delivered q masterful address
before the Southern Industrial Parliament on
"Foreign Commerce and Ocean Transports
tion."
Though q protecuonist in time past, he
admits the crying necessity for a more gen
eral application Of the doctrine OF reciprocity,
It must be gratifying to those who have
stood consistently for q moderate tariff fol
revenue" to hear one Of such recognized
ability admit that reciprocity, on an extern
sive scale, ia a necessity for reciprocity Is @
subterfuge from the too glaring evils OF pro-
lection. 1t IL the Democratic doctrine dwarf
ed, MANNED and in a new garb, but never
the less an improvement on existing condi-
tlons.
There Is little wonder however, that lead
ing men in the Republican Party beginning
with the President, recognize the necessity
for taking q few brick from the tariff wall
when the retaliatory protective Idea Is gain
ing such strength in England. and when
Germany stands ready at the expiration o.
our present trade agreement 20 strike us from
| her list Of favored nations. This would mean
| millions of loss to this country, but, for
| tunately q very small portion of the loss
would fall on the South. Mr.. Schwab advo
Of IN increasing and expanding trade and toe
without q loss in revenue.
Another feature Of this very interesting
speech was his comprehensive review Of
cond It'll obs In the South. He dwelt at length
on the wonderful resources Of the South, de-
veloped snd undeveloped, and the great fu'
ture that ia before her, now somewhat dor
mant for lack OF intelligent labor. He fa'
vored the introduction OF the better class
| of immig rants, and VIZ may say In passing,
that he commended In the highest terms the
Bill introduced by Representative Aiken
providing for the intelligent distribution OF
the better class. He quoted the bill almost
entirely and also quoted freely from Mr.,
Aiken's speech In support OF the bill
Amongst other paragraphs Of Interest quoted
from bis speech might be mentioned the fol-
lowing interesting figures 1.-THE land area OIL
the South is sS5, SIC, 700 acres. In 1900 the total
farm acreage was 3S7. 69O,426 acres. The total
improved acreage was only lac. lS5 ,59s. This
leaves about 242, 900. 900 acres OF farm lands To
be pu t into profitable cultivation. The I'M
improved farm lands Of the South give 9
greater area for settlement and cultivation
than the total area OF Texas. Louisiana and
Arkansas combined. Over 100, 0O0, 600 acres o.
this and lies east of the Mississippi River
and there ia comparatively a small amour,
Of 1t which is not available for crops Of SOM
kind"
While Mr.. Schwab's speech was very
complim entary to the South, he pointed
clearly and distinctly TO those things which
retard development. In his discussion Of the
tariff he DEPRECATED the s%elfshness of the
manufacturer In resisting necessary general
refoImers because the immediate result
would appear 10 reduce the bounty given
him by the government. He advocates the
larger policy OF developing friendly relations
and open ports for our goods abroad rather
than by an upfriendly and exorbitant tariff
have the doors Of our best customers closed
In retaliation. This from one OF the Oldest
disciples Of protection indicates, in no small
degree, the modification Of public sentiment
..op tariff the question which Is and has been
| the dividing line between Republicanisn
and Democracy.