The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1907-03-07
RIPPERS ARE BUSY
PERSISTENT EFFORTS TO SECURE
TARIFF REVISION.
Massachusetts Congressman Trying 70
Secure Cooperation Of Western
Republicans TO Force Changes
at Extra Session.

The fact that the efforts of the re
visionists" In congress are from time
to time renewed in an active way
toward the securing. If possible, of an
expression of the Republican majority
In caucus favorable TO a special session
of congress In the coming spring TO re-
wise the tariff. lends to the whole sub
ject an Importance which cannot be
overes;imated by the friends of the
protective system. Massachusetts
members have reached out TO the Re-
publican representatives OF the West
and Northwest with a request for a
uniting of forces to secure such eau
Gus.
The requisite number OF signers for
the party caucus, so. has not been Sc
cured. Careful and conservative esti-
mates by men in position 20 know dis
credit the idea that the movers I'm the
enterprise can possibly be successful
But Il is never a wise plan 20 belittle
efforts of those who are constantly at
work. even In a mistaken cause. espe-
cially when they have such short dis
lance 70 go to obtain that for which
they are working.
The fact must not be lost sight OF
that the element in the Republican ma.
jority In the house of representatives
that Is striving to secure consent OF
the administration and OF the Republi-
an majority to a revision OF the tariff
schedules are constantly busy. while
there is a spirit OF indifference among
the loyal friends Of the protective sys.
tem-an Indifference born OF the idea
that the opposition cannot possibly
win in the game they are playing.
Every point gained In a contest OF this
kind. as can easily be shown. counts
In a substantial way in the direction of
undermining the established policy OF
the Republican party and OF the coun-
try. The meaning OF this. briefly
stated. Is this:
Every name added 20 the petition
for caucus OF the Republican major
fly in the house on the tariff question
tends TO encourage additional names.
Fifty is small number 20 OBJ
tain among ESQ members. many OF
whom count too lightly the dangers
which beset tampering With so great
and important a problem.
The very calling OF caucus. no
matter IL its final decision should be-
edverse 10 the plan OF the reyisionists,
might and possibly would be accepted
by President Roosevelt as encourage
ment of the idea OF having a special
session 10 revise the tariff law. lie
has at no time eyinced such sturdy
opposition 10 revision as 10 encourage
the idea that he would hesitate long
20 move in that direction II be found
material announcement In congress
or In the country
Discussion OF the subject OF tariff
revision. encouraged as h is by the
representatives OF two or three Repub-
lican states. might be seized upon by
those who are desirious OF the slight
est possible excuse for making a raid
upon the revenue laws, In the hope not
only OF securing revision. but OF os-
tablishing some scheme Of ~recipro-
city" or dual tariffs which shall trade
OF protection for foreign trade to IA
Frankness compels the statement
that the efforts OF these Republicans
in the house TO secure a party caucns
have not met with material encourage
ment up 10 this time Most Uf the rep
resentatives, even from states where
there Is more OF less numerous ele-
ment of the party favorable TO imme-
a
clined TO defer action at This time.
They argue that a majority OF the
party In the house Is opposed 10 a spe-
cial session. and would vote down a
suggestion for such session n made IN
q caucus. But, with the number nee
essary TO be obtained as signers 70 a
call for a party caucus so small. the
possibility of success Is ever an en-
couragement 20 renewed efforts on the
part OF the aggressive and tireless re-
visionists. II should also be an en-
couragement 10 counter activity on the
part of the real friends of protection
those who believe that conditions In
the country are such as TO warrant
their continuance. Only by constant
vigilance can the protectionists IN con-
gress prevent the carrying out OF the
policy that has support among a hand
ful only of the Republicans. but the
active encouragement OF every free
trader in and out of congress IN the
entire country.
The issue Is too important 10 be neg.
lected for a moment by the friends OF
protection in every state OF the Union.
Labor and Tariff.
Samuel Gompers, president OF the
American Federation OF Lahor recent.