The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-06-14
CURTIS MAKES REPLY.
Senator Explains His Position on the
Tariff

Washington. June 14.-Senator
Curtis's attention has been called to
the editorial in the Topeka Capital
criticising his votes on the tariff
schedules. He said he had not seen
the editorial and SO could not discuss
it. But he made this statement as to
his general position on the tariff ques-
ton:
platform. I have believed in revising
the tariff downward when it could be
revised Withiut injuring American in
dustry. holding that only that protec-
ton which was needed should be
given
'T have voted for the insurgents
amendments when I believed them
right and for the amendments of the
committee of finance when I have be-
lieved them right.
perters but have been governed by
what / have thought to be for the best
interest of the people have the honor
to represent.
by those who have opposed the
amendments offered by the finance
committee.
''I believe something has been gain
ed by the men who have voted for
what they though just and fair to all
concerned.
ST voted for free lumber and free
iron ore and a number of other reduc-
tions which I believed to be for the
best interest of the people of the coun-
try. BY my course several reductions
have been secured. The trouble with
those who oppose my stand is that
with their extremeness they have not
given credit for the downward revision
secured in the senate bill and do not
seem to be satisfied unless a senator
is an extremist.
"For instance, credit has not been
given for the 679 reductions made by
the senate committee as compared
with the Dingley law, or for the forty
four reductions so far made on the
floor of the senate by the finance COM
mttee. Nor has credit been given the
men who have been working to bring
these reductions.
my position is in strict accord with
the speeches made in the campaign.
I am a Republican and a protectionist.
and / believe American products
which can defy foreign competition
wages should be placed on the free
list unless the duty is needed for pro-
lection. believe other products
should be given such protection as is
needed to compete with foreign reduc-
tions.
st believe the course I and other
Republicans who occupy the middle
ground are pursuing Will result in
bill which will be satisfactory to the
president and the Republicans of the
of the Republican platform, which
believe means downward revision
wherever possible without injury to
American industry.
"I have cast no vote and will cast
none which will need explanation, but
believe some of my critics will have
explanations to make later. if they
stay in the Republican party"
The senator was asked where he
meant that he would be willing to go
before the people of Kansas and de-
fend his votes.
81 have nothing to Defend" he an
swered. ''It's the other fellows who
will have to do the defending"
The Capital. which has heretofore
supported Senator Curtis in his po-
liticaI fights, appears to be making
every preparation to desert him at
this stage of his career. This course
would indicate that it is not a ques-
ton of the Capital loving Curtis less
but that it loves Stubbs more The
as follows:
"The votes of Senator Curtis on the
tariff bin have been disa ppointing to
Kansas. the senior senator voting
pretty regularly with the Aldrich com
mittee and particularly on the i'm
portant schedules where duties have
not been reduced. but more often have
been advanced. In the earlier lineups
Senator Curtis frequently cast his vote
with the downward revisionists. and
there was hopeful feeling among his
the two Kansas senators would be
found standing shoulder to shoulder
for the kind of revision that this state
expected and has favored.