Goldsboro weekly argus. [volume] (Goldsboro, N.C.) 1885-1909, 1908-08-13

jill CAC AOuoO VI AOPAO oOASd-
tives and occupied most of the Fed
eral judgeships. Four years ago the
Republican platform bOastfully de-
clared that since 186O-with the ex-
ception of two years-the Republican
party had been in control of part or of
all the branches of the Federal gov
eminent; that for two years only was
the Democratic party in a position to
either enact or repeal a law. Having
drawn the salaries; having enjoyed
the honors; having secured the pres
tige, let the Republican party accept
the responsibility! ~.-~x;sr--.tz
Republican Party Responsible.
Why were these known abuses
permitted to develop? Why have they
not beer corrected? If existing laws
are sufficient, why have they not been
enforced? All of the executive ma
chinery of the Federal government is
in the hands of the Republican party.
Are new laws necessary? Why have
they not been enacted? With a Re-
publican president to recommend,
with a Republican senate and house
to carry out his recommendations,
why does the Republican candidate
plead for further time in which to do
what should have bee done long ago?
Can Mr.. Taft promise to be more siren
uous in the prosecution of wrong
doors than the present executive? Can
he ask for a larger majority in the
senate than his party now has? Does
he need more Republicans in the
house of representatives or a speaker
with more unlimited authority?
Why No Tariff Reform?
The presidents close friends have
been promising for several years that
he would attack the ~iniquities of the
tariff. We have had intimation that
Mr.. Taft was FESTIVE under the de-
mands of the highly protected indus
tries. And yet the influence of the
manufacturers, who have for twenty
five years contributed to the Republi-
can campaign fund, and who in return
have framed the tariff schedules, has
been sufficient to prevent tariff re-
form. AS the present campaign ap-
preached, both the PRESIDENT n Mr..
Taft declared in favor of tariff evils
ion, but set the date of revision after
the election. But the pressure brought
to bear by the protected interests has
been great enough to prevent any at
tempt at tariff reform before the. cleo
ton; and the reduction promised after
the election is SO hedged about with
qualifying phrases, hat no n can es-
innate with accuracy the sum total of
tariff reform to be expected in case of
Republican success IF the past can be
taken as a guide, the Republican
party will be SO obligated by cam
paign contributions from the benef-
Charles of protection, as to make that
party power1ess to bring to the coun
try any material relief from the pres
ent tariff 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- secure remedial leg
IsEatien upon this subject
Why No Railroad Eeghsfation7
For ten years the Interstate Com
merce Commission has been asking
for an enlargement of it's powers, that
it might prevent rebates nj discrim-
nations, but a Republicans senate and
a Republican house of representatives
were unmoved by its ~entreaties. In
1900 the Republican national conven-
ton was urged to endorse the demand
for railway legislation, but its plat
form was silent on the subject. Even
in 1904, the convention gave no
pledge to remedy these abuses. When
the president finally asked for legisla-
ton he drew his inspiration from
three Democratic national platforms
and he received more cordial support
from the Democrats thar from the Re
publicans. The Republicans in the
senate deliberately defeated several
amendments offered by Snator LaFol-
1ette and supported by the Democrats
amendments ~embodying legislation
asked by the Interstate Commerce
Commission. One of these amend.
ments authorized the ascertainment
of the value of railroads. This amend
ment was not only defeated by the
senate, but it was overwhelmingly re
jected by the recent Republican ma
tiona1 convention, and the Republican
candidate has sought to rescue hi:
party from the disastrosu results o
, this act by expressing himself, in
; qualified way, in favor of ascertain
ing the value of the railroads.
Over-Issue of Stocks and Bonds.
Mr.. Taft complains of the over-issu,
, of stocks and bonds of railroads, ssfo
. the unlawful e%nriching of director
. and for the purpose of c%oncentratin;
the control of the railroads under on