The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1908-02-28
OPPOSED TOREFORM
MEN URGING TARIFF COMMISSION
SHOW THEIR HANDS.
National Grange Evidently Is Being
Mhrepresented in the Matter
Standpa,ters at Work to
Block Any Changes.

Block Any Changes.
Representatives Of the National AS
ISOLATION Of Manufacturers, the Ma
tional Grange and numerous other ma
tional and local associations called on
President Roosevelt few days ago
10 urge him TO recommend the passage
of the Beverage bill TO create a tariff
commission President Van Cleaye Of
the Manufacturers association de-
clared. I'VE are urging the appoint
ment OF a tariff commission, not as re-
yisionists. but as stanch protectionists.
II is my own belief and that of the
National Association of Manufacturers
and the large number Of organizations
which indorse the immediate appoint
ment OF a commission that such a com
mission is absolutely necessary in
order 10 protect the business interests
OF the country from the harmful eff
fects Of a continued partisan agitation
for tariff revision during the cam
paisn.'
II such is the purpose of these as
sociations. IL would seem they are OPP
posed 10 real tariff revision and are
pushing the commission plan on pur-
pose 20 prevent tariff reform, or at all
events TO postpone it. The National
Grange. which al its last annual meet
ing declared in fator Of tariff reform.
is evidently being misrepresented by
its officials when they join in this at
tempt 10 postpone reform. and the
great majority Of the members OF the
subordinate oranges throughout the
country should call them 10 account
and insist on the tariff reform program
adopted az the last meeting OF the
National Grange. That We believe
that the general welfare Of the country
demands an exhaustive and thorough
tariff revision. and that the tariff pc
removed from every article that is
continuously being sold in foreign
markets cheaper than at home
Resolved. That we urge upon the
members Of the oranges throughout
the United States TO take speedy &C
ton and use every influence at their
command to secure the carrying out
Of the sentiments OF these resolu-
tons
There wac no mention there OF a
procrastinating commission. but rather
for an immediate exhaustive and
thorough tariff revision"
The National Boot and Shoe Manu-
facturers' association was also repre-
sented AMONGST those who called upon
the president. and that they did not
represent the largest manufacturer
of boots and shoes in the United
States any more than the grange Of
icials represented the demands of the
members Of the National Grange is
equally apparent. For in a letter from
Mr H Z. Miles. one Of the board Of
directors 81 the National Association
cf Manufacturers. 70 Gov. W. l..
Douglas OF Brockton. Mass. he said;
Il write 70 ask that there be present
a representative OF the shoe interest
and as a matter OF politics. ! suggest
that he be not known particularly as a
Democrat IL is a business PROPOSE
ton and no room for party considera-
ton OF any kind At the same time
YOU know how some smart politician
might play upon the fact IL there Were
Democratic leaders among US"
But Gov Douglas, although the
products Of his factories are protected
by the tariff. is an arcent tariff re
former. and he replied through his
secretary that Il am quite sure the
governor Is not in favor OF the ap-
pointment az tariff commission. He
very much prefers the immediate re
vision of the tariff and the elimination
Q. at least some Of the schedules that
are admittedly farcicaL | inclose you
the governors latest interview In
New York World of the 10th instant
which will thoroughly explain his po-
sition in the matter, ana under sepa'
rate cover | mail YOU copy OF his
addresses and call your special attea'
ton TO his address 10 the president al
Washington while acting as chairman
Of the committee OF the National As.
ISOLATION Of Boot and Shoe Manufao
turers"
All this shows how the question Of a
tariff commission is being fostered by
the standpatters. with the evident in
tent OF postponing tariff revision in
definitely, or. al least TO a more con
venient season
From the experience Of what former
tariff commissions accomplished and
the years consumed In deliberations
another commission could and probably
would play into the hands of the stand
patters who now control congress