The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-08-26
Where the Standpatter Is Weak.

UNDOUBTEDLY the argument Of the 'standpat-
~ teri that tariff revision has always been at
tended bv business depression is the most effective
weapon he can employ in defense of existing high
schedules. Business people tmid manufacturers
and dealers cautious and the "let well enough
alone' argument reaches great many people
1t is good argument far as it goes, but 1t Is
the argument of the favored beneficiary seeking to
retain advantages to which he is longer entitled
and which Justice to the many he should have been
compelled to yield, in part at least, long ago.
But there is point in connection with this argu-
men which most people overlook and to which atten-
ton is called by Senator Washburn in interview
published in another column today. The conclusion
that tariff revision necessarily serious disturb
ance Of business is drawn from experience where the
tariff has been revised not by its friends but by its
enemies Tariff revision we'll as tariff making be-
longs the friends Of the protective system, and it is
lust as important that the revising be done by the
friends of protection that the tariff be made by
them in the first place; and with revision undertaken
carried thru by the friends of the protective
tenn there why any industry should suffer
the loss any advantages benefits to which it Is
entitled.
Furthermore, it is important that tariff revision be
made by the friends Of protection because experience
has shown that when it's friends neglect their duty and
fail to adjust the schedules changed conditions when
they ought to do they lose the opportunity and the
power is passed to other hands.
That is the Of the present situation, and
is the most serious danger which threatens the
industry of the country todaynot that the tariff may
be revised, but that it may be revised by those who
hostile to protection and will that hostil
ity in law. Probably if they could realize the proxm-
ty of that danger, they could appreciate how much
the menace Of democratic ascendency threatens the
protected industries and their representatives in
gress would talk less gliby about standing patti and
would be more concerned in such revision would
best conserve their interests.
It is true that the tariff question is not vigorously
agitated at present. that there is general exhibit
ton of popular feeling the subject and the proba
bties seem to be that the present campaign may be
fought thru without tariff being forced to the front
the vital issue. But that this be done thru
other presidential campaign there is to be-
Tbo tio otto for tho
dency will make his campaign the tariff issue if it
is not disposed Of by republican congress.
When that time arrives and progress has been made
toward adjustment of the tariff schedules in accord
with present conditions the friends Of protection
will have subjected their system peril which it
scarcely escape, but which might be easily avoided
thru timely and honest regard for the rights of the
many against the privileges Of the few. The next
house may not be elected upon the issues of tariff
FORM Postponement by the president assistance may
be beyond this campaign, but the republicans have
to hope that they pass this issue into the
campaign of 1908 without taking chances sacri-
fcng the control Of the government, which party pru
dence and industrial wisdom will not justify.