The morning journal-courier., 1908-12-03
VAN CLEANE AND THE TARIFF.

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 VAN CLEANE AND THE TARIFF.
 The serious elargc has been made by James W, Van Cleave, president of the National Association of Mauufac- jurors, that the congressional commit tee on ways and means that Is now holding hearings in Washington upon the tariff question, has had no real intention from the first of offering anything other than a bogus revision of the tariff to congress when next 1t meets. It would be a mcmcntoUs evll did this committee go about the important problem of tariff revision without the intention of accomplish ing anything of real reform If that were the ease, it would reflect not only upon tho committee and the congress from waich 1t has derived its status but also upon the republican admin istrations of MT Roosevelt and Mr. Taft, both of whom arc pledged 10 bring about a substantial and credit able tariff reform
 It Is curious that MT. Van Cloave should take this stand in view of the fact that in the campaign there were no more ardent supporters of the Taft ticket and the republican national platform than ne and his association If Mr. Van Clcavc has reason to be- lieye the republican party has no in- tention of bringing about real tariff reform before ts committee has ucarcoly taken tip the matter. why was 1t, then, that he So assduously urged its support? He bases his belief upon the fact that he heard the com mittcc did not send ont sufficient not ice of its hearings to the manufactur- CTS of the country 'I am told" says he, that only about 100 of the 2l0,- 900 heads of factories in the country received notice to appear before the committee Tn most cases tho notice whicn they received was too short to allow them to present carefully pre- pared statements,
 Is 1t fair 10 suppose that tho com mIttce would have had to send a spe- cial and individual invitation to every man interested In tariff reform any where in the country, asking him to please appear at the hearings in or der to make everything appear per fectly above board to Mr Van Cleayc It was far from state secret that these hearings were to be held. The fact was proclaimed long in advance in every paper in the land If tho manufacturers with whom the tarifi means most, have not had the interest l to appear at the tariff hearings with. out a special invitation, they have lit. tie right to kick about things being l bogus,
 Then, again what MT Van Cleayc who sets himself up as such an an. thorty on this general subject. say would have far greater weigat if h, himself showed a little more willing ness to share his Knowledge with thc committee He has had a special in vitaton to appear before the commit tee, and thus he has no excuse, bu still he has shown no willingness tD do so, and Chairman Payne has open ly expressed his determination to rc quest authority from congress to sub pocna him and others, who have bce1 harshly criticlzlng the committee. an, thus make them appear 10 tell waa they know.
 Mr. Payne has asked the country not to prellidgo the work his commit tee has in hand and his request l. worthy of consideration by every fair minded man. The task of reforming the tariff is not a pleasing ono at best All cannot be satisfied. The commit tee can only do It's best Let tlc fu ture hn indgod whom thn lime comes.