The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1909-03-02
Louis Republic.]

commerce. finance, industry. transpor-
tatlon and agriculture are interdepend-
ent Prosperity originates on the
farm, but happy reflection among tle
agencies OF activity is necessary to
foster progress.
Judging by incontestible statistics,
II must be concluded that agriculture
ana hnance are, fundamentally. in the
pest shape. The elements of prosper
Ivy exist. and, to an extent. are assert
I'VE On the other hand. equally reli-
sDie exhibits show that the state of in
dustry and transportation is not fiatter-
ing, while trade is good in some lines
ana bad in others. The desirable cor
relaIfVe influence is not apparent, and,
! therefore, progression is not manifest
1 Comparative depression persists be-
cause the large buying power is min
imized. Capital has been secured for
faiiroad and other construction enter
prizes. but actual work is postponed
on account or incertitude regarding
prices OF materials and supplies Mil
Ions of dollars, ready for investment
and promising work for industries and
employees, are idle and they will not be
put to use until doubt as to prices is
enacted.
Progress is synonym for develop
rnent. Without development there is
no demand on manufacture and indust
ry. The situation is not constructive.
There is inactivity in factory mine
and forest and chiefly because cevelop-
mental capital and energy are quies-
cent
The troubl, is tariff agitation. Bus.
mess interests must have some surety
concerning the tariff 1t is not impli-
ed either that the tariff schedules must
be changed or must not be changed
Doubt as to whether there Will be
!, changes, or not. is the cause of the
stagnation If tae developmental fac
, tors get trustworthy assurances as to
the determination of the tariff prob
lem, their greatest concern will be
eradicated. and they will buy and
build.
An idea on this matter may b had
from the orders issued by managers of
the steel corporations. Price wars are
declared and wage reductions are or
dered, and it is presumed that tariff
, protected steel industries are en-
i deavoring to give the people an object
, lesson of the consequences of reduced
tariffs. 1t may well be hoped that
nothing will be done to decrease
wages, as high wages are conducive
to greater prosperity, and there ap-
, pears to be no warrant for cuts of this
kind Perhaps prices cannot be re
: duced, as a result of tariff modifca-
tons without causing decreases in
wages; however, it would appear that
: increased production would be capa-
, bic of maintaining both profits and
/: higl wages.
The Eastern opinion seems to be
that steel industries would be affected
1 adversely by tariff reductions. The
Western opinion is that tariff changes
i would help the steel industries by aug
: mentfng the output So much capita
/ is ready for investment in all kinds oil
g construction work as to warrant the
inference that, with lower prices, the
/ production would be increased to such
/ an extent as to increase the outfits
0 The steel corporations must forsee i'm
e mense production, for they have beer
= charging their plants.
t The vital point, however, is, so fan
t a general business is concerned. the
:, adjustment of the tariff problem il
d one way or another. Conclusive in
formation is what tae country wishes
y Some branches OF manufacture ane
e commerce desire tariff notifications
y while others prefer to have existins
Il schedules stand But the final desire
S of all is stable adjustment, so as tt
e establish firm basis for development
l. al plans and operations.
e The tariff problem has become SC
important that the business interest!
= should insist on it's Determination witt
u the utmost expediency. 1t is useless
8 70 speculate on the quantity, quality
n variety and value of the spring ant
u autumn crops. The amount of idl.
l. capital is not of immediate interest
Agriculture and finance are strong ant
q healthy. Manufacture and industr,
L are still deblitated. Developments
l. work is suspended. 1t is the earl,
u settlement of the tariff problem that il
It imperative.