Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1908-08-12

Inc Observation-Disclosures WIN nave yhtf ~
years contributed 10 the Republica,
campaign funds, and who IN, return
have framed the tari6 scRJ6nfes, ha'
been, sufiicient 70. prevent tarifi re
forms. As the present campaign ap
preached. both the President and
Mr.. Taft declared ID sfsvof 81 tsrlt
revision, but set the date Of revisioI
after the election But the preeurs
brought to bear By the protected IN,
terest has been great enough 70 pre-
vent any attempt at tarn fefotm be;
fore the election; ana :tfie redhction
promised after the election is 50
hedged about with qualifying phrases
that no one can estimate With .ac-
curacy the sum total or tafiff re-
form to be expected in case 6f Re-
publican success. II the past can
be taken as guide, the Republican
party will be obligated by campaign
contributions from the benenciarles
OF protection, as TO make that party
powerless to bring to the country apy
material relief from. the present tar
I'M burdens.
Why No Antitrust Legislation? {?
A few years ago the Republican.
leaders in the house OF representa-.
tives were coerced by public opinion
into the support OF an antitrust law
which had the endorsement Of the
President. but the senate refused
even TO consider the measure, and
since that time no effort has been
made by the dominant party to Sc.
cure remedial legislation upon this
subject.
Why No legislation
For ten years the interstate COM
merce commission has been asking
for an. enlargement OF its powers,
that II might prevent rebates and
determinations. but Republican
senate and Republican house OF
Representatives we're unmoved by its
entreaties. In 1900 the Republican
national convention was urged to en-
dorse the demand for railway legis-
latIon. but It's platform was silent on
the subject Even in 1904, the con-
yentlon gave no pledge TO remedy
these abuses. when the President
finally asked for legislation. he drew
his inspiration from three Demo.
cratic national platforms and he re-
celved more cordial support from the
Democrats than from the Republi'
cans. The Republicans In the senate
defeated several amend
ments offered by Senator La Toilette
and supported by the Democrats -
amendments embodying legislation
asked by the Interstate commerce
One OF the amendments
the aqcertalnment OF the
value OF railroads. This amendment
was ont only defeated by the senate
but II was overwhelmingly rejected
BY the recent Republican national |
ana the Republican can
ildate has sought 10 rescue his party
rom the disastrous results OF this
,ct by expressing himself. In a quail
led way In favor OF ascertainlng the
'alue OF the railroads.
)vcr-Issue of Stocks and Bonds.
Mr. Taft complains OF the over-is,
Iue OF stocks and bonds of railroads
for the unlawful enrichlng OF d.
'ectors and for the purpose OF con-
the control OF the rail-
Dads under one management" and
he complaint Is well founded. But,
With a President 10 point out the
VII, and Republican congress 10
orreet Il. we md nothing done for
he protection OF the public, Why
fy honorable opponent has. by his
relieved me OF the neces-
ity Of furnishing proof; he admits
he condition and he cannot avoid
he logical conclusion that must be
rawn from the admission. There Is
20 doubt whatever that large ma
ority OF the voters OF the Republican
arty recognise the deplorahle sit
alton which Mr.. Taft describes;
hey recogrize that the masses have
ad but little influence upon legis-
.tfon or upon the administration OF
he government. but they are be
laning 20 understand the cause, For
generation the Republican party
as drawn les campaign funds from
he berehelarles ot special legisla-
on. Privileges have been pledged
nd granted In return FOR money con-
'lbuted 10 debauch elections. What
IN be expected when ofneial author
y Is turned over 10 the representa-
yes OF those who furnish the sinews
war and then reimburse them
lives out OF the pockets OF the tax