The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1906-05-11
Frank Eddy and Mr.. McCIeary
to Meet at Blue Earth.
TO DISCUSS TARIFF REVISION
Editor Frank EIIickson Arranges a
Talk Fest Between the Two Dur.
ing the County Fair.

The Post is the secretary of the coun-
tv fair association and as such for some
time past, has been trying to bring
about meeting of Congressman Me.
Cleary and "foeman worthy of his
steel' at the fair next fall Mr.. Eddy,
for eight years the congressman from
the seventh congressional district of this
state. not only believes in revision
the matter to express himself intelli-
gently, writes the following letter which
is self-eXplanatory:
Sank Center, Mimi, May ,, 1906
Frank f. Ellckson, Secretary of the
Fairbault County Agricultural Society,
Blue Earth, MINI. My Dear MIR. FL
lickson: Replying to your letter OF
Nav 2. In some unaccountable way the
impression seems to have got abroad
that / shave it in for Congressman Me-
Clearv." | wish to state that such Is
by no means the case. For him per-
sonally and for his ability | have the
highest regard. Candor compels me to
state however. that | do not think he
comes any nearer representing the great
republican majority of this great repub-
lican state, or the republican majority
i'm his district OH the subject of tariff
revision or reciprocity than do OF
representing the views of the people OF
South Africa in the British parliament
He is kept in congress from his district
net on account of his views OH this sub
icct, but in spite of them.
Nv views on these subjects are well
known. / believe that there should be
al. immediate revision of the tariff so
as to conform to the following condi-
tons:
The tariff on all trust controlled prod
ucts should be abolished or so reduc-
ed as to permit competition from out
side countries.
Lumber, fish, print paper and paper
pulp should be put on the free list.
The tariff on all commodities sold
cheaper abroad than at home should be
reduced at least to the extent OF the
cheaper foreign and dearer home price
The tariff OH luxuries, such as silks.
diamonds. fine cloths, champaignes and
similar articles should be maintained
and no exemptions should be made for
personal use.
That protective tariff should be main
tanned on all products not controlled by
trusts equal to the difference in the eos;
of productions at home and abroad.
That reciprocity is fundamental
principle of republicanism.
That reciprocity is mutually of
concessions between nations and not Il
mutually of bluffing.
That some protective tariffs should
be reduced or removed and whenever
this condition exists Vt is wise to secure
eign countries for such removal
That whenever reciprocity is worth
more to the country as whole than Il
tariff the tariff should be sacrificed for
the sake of reciprocity.
am willing to affirm these propo-
sitons at your county fair against
any party that desires to oppose them
whether it be Congressman McCleary OF
any other party. | am willing to main
tain them in joint discussion, on the
platform or through the press against
any and all corners at Blue Earth OF
any other place in the United States.
only impose two or three conditions
That | be given reasonable notifica-
ton so | can arrange any other engage
ments
That my expenses to and from the
place of discussion be paid.
That / be allowed half the time.
Everything else | am willing to leave
to the other party.
But, AIR. Ellickson, you need not make
much of an effort to bring about such
a discussion. No candidate for office
will dare to controvert the above prop
ositions-before election. After election
many of the candidates will endeavor
to make the propositions | have set forth
nugatory either by a mastery inactiv-
ity, or by open opposition, for reasons
that | will explain if any discussion of
the character, you propose ever comes
off.
| do not wish this letter to be consid
cred as "A challenge to any body. do not
claim to be debater. | have no wish
to mix up in congressional matters OF
the second district, but without boastine
permit NE tc say, that l have decided