Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1909-08-06
TAFT ISSUES STATEMENT.
President Say. Tariff Bill Is Sincere
Effort nj Revision


last n38ht gave out a statement en-
bodying his views Of the new tariff act,
which he designates officially as the
"Payne bill" in accordance with past
custom of giving first recognition to the
framer of the measure in the house OF
representatives.
The president declares that while the
bill is not perfect by any means, nor a
complete compliance with the promises
made as strictly interpreted sit is
nevertheless sincere effort on the part
of the party to make a downward re-
vision and to comply with the prom
lses of the PLATFORM
The statement in full follows:
Il have signed the Payne tariff bill
because believe 1t to be the result OF
sincere effort on the part of the re-
publican party to make a downward re-
vision, and to comply with the promises
Of the platform as they have been gen.
orally understood, and as interpreted
them in the campaign before election.
This is not a perfect tariff BILL or a
complete compliance with the promises
made strictly interpreted, but fulfill
ment free from criticism in respect to &
subject matter involving many sched-
ules and thousands Of articles could not
be- expected. It suffices that except
with regard to whisky, liquors and
wines and with regard to silks, and as
to some high classes Of cottons-all Of
which may be treated as luxuries and
proper subjects of a revenue tariff
there have been very few increases in
rates.
There have been a great number
Of real decreases in rates, and they
constitute a sufficient amount to justi-
fy the statement that this bill is a sub
stantial downward revision, and a re-
duction of excessive rates.
"This Is not a free trade bill It
was not intended to be. The republican
party did not promise to makeia free
trade bill. 1t promised to make the
rates protective but to reduce them
when they exceeded the difference be-
tween the cost of production abroad
and here, making allowance for the
greater normal profit on active invest
ments here. believe that while thts
excess has not been reduced in num-
ber Of cases, in q great majority the
rates are such as are necessary to pro-
tect American industries, but are low
enough in case Of a normal increase of
demand and raising Of prices, to permit
the possibility OF the importation of the
foreign article and thus to prevent exc
cessive prices.
'+The power granted to the executive
under the maximum and minimum
clause may be exercised to secure the
removal OF obstacles which have been
interposed by foreign governments in
the way of undue and unfair dicrimina-
tion against American merchandise and
products.
'4The Philippine tariff section have
struggled to secure for ten years past,
and 1t gratifies me, exceedingly by my
signature to give it the effect Of law.
am sure 1t will greatly increase the
trade between the two countries, and
It will do much to build up the Philip
pines in a healthful prosperity
eThe administration clause Of the
bill and the customs court are ad-
mirably adapted to insure a more uni
form and q more speedy final construc-
tion of the meaning of the law.
The authority of the president to
use agents to assist him in the ap-
plication of the maximum and mini
mum sections of the statute, and to en-
able officials to administer the law.
gives wide latitude for the acquisis
tion, under circumstances favorable to
the truth, OF information in respect to
the price and cost Of production OF
Goods q home and abroad. which will