Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1908-07-23
ABOUT THE TARIFF.


mat 1t IS vague, uncertain and insincere.
such criticisms are born of blind preiu-
dice and are not the fruits of sound
Judgment. We take from that plank
in the platform the following declara-
tons:
The Republican party declares un-
questionably for revision of the tariff
by a special session of Congress imme-
dlately following the Inauguration of
the next President.
I'm all tariff legislation the true prin-
clple of protection is best maintained
by the imposition of such duties as will
equal the difference between the cost of
production at home and abroad, together
with a reasonable profit to American
industries.
The aim and purpose of the Repub-
lican policy being not only to preserve.
without excessive duties, that security
against foreign competition to which
American manufacturers, farmers and
producers are entitled, but also to main
tam the high standard of living of the
wage earners of this country, who are
the most direct beneficiaries of the pro-
tective system"
Is there anything vague, uncertain
or deceptive in these plain declarations
and pledges? Is there not a positive
promise and pledge to revise the tariff
at definite, specified time? Has the
Republican party in its past history
ever failed to comply with an important
specific pledge like this?
Then, Is there any uncertainty where
the plank places the party on the ques-
ton of Protection? Or is there any
trouble in determining who the Repub
hcans will protect in any revision of the
taritf-the wage-earners, the manufac-
turers, the farmers and producers? The
Republicans make no secret of the fact
that in any revision they may make. if
entrusted by the people to do SO, the
benefcent principle of protection will
be preserved.
How about the tariff plank in the
Democratic national platform? We
will also quote from it as follows:
I'VE welcome the belated promise of
tariff reform now offered by the Re
publican party in tardy recognition of
the Righteousness of the Democratic
party on this position.
I'VE favor immediate revision of the
tariff by the reduction of import duties.
Articles entering into competition with
rust-controlled products should be
placed upon the free list; and
graduated reductions should be made in
such other schedules as NAV be neces-
sary to restore the tariff to a revenue
basis.''
This Democratic tariff plank contains
an impudent falsehood in the opening
sentence. Where did Mr.. Bryan find in
the Republican platform any belated
promise of tariff reform, or any recog-
milton of the righteousness of the Dem
ocratic position on this question?
The Republican party is for tariff re.
VISION but it is unalterably opposed to
the Democratic policy of tariff reform. |
The Republicans think it is well and
proper to examine and readjust the ex-
listing tariff schedules and to lower the
duties on some articles, but they do not |
recognize the necessity, as claimed by |
the Democrats, of reforming the sched-
ules. Reform from the Democratic
view means destruction of the princi-
pie OF protection on which the present
tariff is based, and upon which any
future tariff law made by the Republi-
cans will be constructed.
In the above quotations from the
Democratic platform is found, first, a
declaration for tariff reform which thew
also try to acredit to the Republicans.
This Is followed by a declaration for
'arif revision, and that succeeded in the
lose by what is truly an avowal for alb
olute free trade.
After falsely stating that the Repub-
leans in their platform have made a .
'elated promise for tariff reform, the s
democrats assail the promise by de- :
laring: 1--WE call attention to the sig
iffcant fact that the promised relief 5
'as postponed until after the coming 2
lection" The contention of the Dem- +