The Washington herald., 1906-12-04
How Much Longer?


William Mckinley and Nelson DinEley,
now numbered among the saints of pro-
lection, did more toward strengthening
that cause in the United States than has
been done by any half dozen or more liv-
ing American statesmen. With resolute
purpose and answering devotion to the
upbuilding Of American industries and
developing them evenly and equitably, to
the end that no interest should prosper at
the cost of another. but that all should
share equally in the stimulating effects Of
an economic system, bottcmed upon sound
principles of free and enlightened govern
ment, they devoted the best years Of their
life.
Each died still fighting valiantIy for the
multiplication of our industries and the
enlargement Of our markets. Both real
lied, and unhesitatingly so proclaimed
their conviction, that the time was come
when in order to maintain the unimpaired
usefulness of the protective tariff conces-
sions would have to be made to the grow
ing demands of other great productive ma
tons for closer commercial relations with
the United States, no less than for the
maintenance in their pristine strength OF
the productive energies Of this nation.
They foresaw with prophetic vision that
unless the party of protection took the
lead In the movement for uberalizing the
operations Of the high protective system,
or readily adapting it to the changing
needs Of the worlds commerce, and of i'm
parting TO it an elasticity which that form
OF bourbonism now called "standpatism"
fatuously declaims against, not only the
party but the system would be exposed to
the periIs of defeat and decentralization.
Mr.. Dingley made provision in the stat
ute which bears his name for reciprocal
trade arrangements. which, If frankly en-
tered into by The government, which has
been under the control OF his party ever
since the last tariff law was enacted.
would have averted the menace to the
worlds trade, and particularly that of the
United States, contained in Germany's ag-
gressive and Tetaliatory tariff policy.
Perhaps a quotation from the last speech
delivered by William Mckinley viii not be
wholly uninteresting at this time At Buff
falo, September 5. 1901, Mr.. Mckinley said:
"Our capacity to produce has developed 80 enor.
mously. and our products have so multiplied that
the problem Of more markets requires our urgent
and immediate attention . By sensible trade
arrangements. which will not interrupt our home
production shall extend the outlet for our in
creasng surplus, A system which provides mu-
tual exchange Of commodities Is manifcstly es-
sentisl to the continued and healthful growth Of
CIR export trade We must not Tepose in fancicd
security that forever sell everything and byJy
little or nothing. If such a thing were possible It
would not be best for rs or for those with whom
We deal Reciprocity is the natural out
growth Of our wonderful industrial Development
der the domestic policy now firmly established
The period Of etclusiveness is past The ox-
pansion Of our trade and commerce is the pressing
problem. Commercial wars are unprohtaole. a
policy Of good viii and friendly trade relations will
prevent reprisals. Reciprocity treaties are in har
mony with The spirit Of the times measures Of re-
taliation are not If. perchance some Of our tariffs
are no longer needed for revenue CT 70 encourage
or protect our industries al home why should they
not be employed to extend and promote cur mar
kets abroadg"
These brave words were uttered by Nc
KinIey more than five years ago. They