New-York tribune., 1908-03-11

~il, Of the people is supreme and that the
creatures of the state shall not dominate its
government.
But the people are too intelligent not to rec
oSnize the vast importance of the development
Of our railroad enterprises. of providing oetter-
ments and improved facilities. and the neces-
sftv OF raising the necessary money TO attain
these objects They are not unInindful of our
dependence upon these artificial highways OF
commerce ard are most anxious that their EN-
cheney shall be increased TO meet. the lncreas-
ing demands OF trade.
That grievances may be settled, unfair dis-
ordinations avoided, reasonable and impair
tial service secured. without committing on the
other hand the egregious blunder OF s'ils
needed enterprise. il is essential that the lac,s
should be understood that complaints snouio
he rescued from frutless agitation and ina.
through proper machinery opportunity shouid
he afforded ascertain the truth and to nete
out Justice according TO the facts. The concerns
Of these great businesses are too closely reiaied
TO the welfare OF the people in their thousana--
fold activities TO permit them to become the
subject of arbitrary action. And while we are
insstent upon regulation and the supremacy OF
the will OF the people must demand win
equal vigor that there shall be an opportunity
for fair hearing and just determination rms
is the policy underlying the establishment or
The Interstate Commerce Commission. 1t is the
policy in pursuance of which legislation has re-
Gently been enacted in the State OF New York
II we have machinery adequate to insure
rrorser investigation and suitable publicity. ana
thus make provision for the ascertalnins OF the
facts without fear favor, we may be confident
that the powers of regulation upon whose eN-
ercise in their interest the people intent will
be used wisely and in a manner which VIII pro-
mote confidence and facilitate legitimate enter
prise
IGNORANCE BREEDS DISTRUST-
Ignorance and suspicion breed distrust and
cannot supply remedies. And wherever. in lieu
of attempting arbitrarily 10 deal with matters
which are Intricate ana require analysis, we can
make provision for suitable study and authori-
tsive report, add TO The security or busi-
ness by insuring intelligent governmental ac-
ions I a rm believer
nlent Of the people. We cannot expect TO be al
together free from foolish propaganda and alb
surd ragaries. But they will be rendered HARM
less if the facts TO which they are applied are
generally understood
il is considered important 1 believe 10y the
majority Of our citizens that we should have
a revision OF the tariff Ii should be accom-
llished fairly, promptly, without iog-rolling, nos
in any sense as a matter for political maneu-
wiring but in the interest of the American peo-
pie 5 a whole. We shall adhere to the policy
of protecting American industry. We not
prepared surrender scale of wages or TO
permit standards of living TO be reduced
TO those which prevail in other countries. Upon
. complete and just examination of the facts
any needed readjustment may be had to the end
that the schedules may harmonic with the
principle underlying the protective policy and
The reasonable necessities OF American prouuc-
Tion compared with production abroad
In none OF these matters can We afford to
shirk our full duty-our duty of dealing with
the facts as they exist. Any other course
threatens the interests of industry because these
interests are dependent upon the maintenance
In all efforts TO make progress We
must endeavor define the evil and prescribe
II: and must be just as jealous TO avoid
disturbing honest enterprise as we are anxious
10 stamp out dishonest practices UnJustly dis
eliminating rates, rebates, preferential allow
snces. improper privileges obtained through
governmental favoritism unfair practices IN
competition, dishonest financiering the betrayal
Of tiducia-r trust. and every means employed
TO gain advantages which talent, skill. economy
in organization and honorable enterprise DO not
suffice to give are the proper rsubjects OF attack,
and legitimate business viii not suffer but
rather gain from the vigor Of the pursuit
AMERICANS WANT GOOD GOVERNMENT
There will be no going back. The American
r,eoule are intent on the proper administration
of public Office, the recognition of the suprem-
acv of public rights. the discharge OF public
obligations and the elimination Of the abuses or
ruhlfc privilege. They also desire 10 encourage
thrift and to reward industry; TO make every
man secure in what he has honestly acquired;
10 give every incentive TO honorable Vfort
The resources of country must be deVel-
oped. our means OF interconrnunicafion must
rnert our steel highways and opportunities for
profitable work must increase with the growth
of our population
onr peopie are energetic and resourceful
They are neither inert debased, nor corrupt
-r,,ay are intelligent and honest Humanity in
America is at its best. 1t has never attained "a
higher level either Of morality or OF achieve
rnent in any nation. Roguery exists, but IL is
not rvpical The great American public has q
Keen mind and a sensitive conscience. which has
lately been ouickened. Reason and patience.
Investigation and study, constant 1nslStence upon
-ai,. ornorttnty for all and partiaiity for none.
true democratic sympathy ana genuine desire
-ha, the success of each may mean the advan-
-apa of al and the inculcation of the patriotism
of peace ana devotion to the maintenance of our