The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1910-10-25
PROGRESSIVE BY HIS ACTS

(Elyria Democrat)
! During the present campaign much
is being said about progressive poll
cies in national affairs; much is be-
ing promised by the Republican can
didates who have proclaimed them
selves progressives.
These progressive policies, as ex-
plotted, contemplate an honest revi-
sion of the tariff downward, in COM
pliance with the demands of the peo-
pie, change in the House rules gov
erning the order and conduct of that
body, the enactment of just income
tax law, of wise conservative legisla-
ton, of just laws for corporation reg
uJation, etc.
The so-called progressives in the
Republican party are now making
most strenuous promises as to their
future conduct in these matters If
they get a chance to participate in
legislation.
We want the people of this dis
trict to turn to the record which
our Congressman, VIM. G, Sharp left
on the pages of legislation, as an in
dication of what his sentiments are
towards those things which are now
being called progressive by the Re-
publicans. He, by actual votes in the
House at the last session, was able to
show the people where he stands on
these important questions. No elec-
ton promises, these, but bonafide
votes for those very things which the
best progressive spirit in politics is
advocating today
In the organization of the sixty
first Congress, on the election OF
Speaker, Mr.. Sharp voted for Champ
Clark and against Speaker Cannon.
Upon the tariff question, which was
the only subject of legislation during
the special session of Congress Mr..
Sharp voted against the Payne bill
and in favor of every amendment
which was allowed to be voted upon
under the rules for revision down
ward, including such amendments pro-
viding free lumber, etc. In concluding
an able speech upon this bill, he said
Let me express the hope Mr.. Chair
man, that this House may so amend
the defects in this bill as to get the
credit for so doing before the country.
Let us recognize the fact in time that,
though the government Is very much
in the need of revenue, due in no
small measure to past extravagances,
yet there are better ways in which to
provide this revenue, than by taxing,
the necessaries of life. Since 1t Is no
longer denied that the consumer pays
the tax, let us so frame the provisions
of this bill that no unjust proportion
of the burden of that tax shall rest
upon his shoulders"
Mr. Sharp voted for the constitu-
tional amendment favoring an income
tax, expressing his belief upon the
floor of the House, that it would not
only be a satisfactory revenue pro-
ducer to the government but would
more justly apportion the burden of
that tax shall rest upon the shoulders
of many of those who now escape It,.
During q memorable contest in the
House for change in the rules gov
erning the same, making ineligible the
Speaker as member threof, Mr..
Sharp voted in the affirmative on all
ho1 III N
+, the resolution. He publicly expressed
mis- opinion at the time that he be-
leved such power vested in the Speak
=, er was incompatible with just and
, ties.
OF the measures affecting the poll
>. cy of conserving the natural resources
4, he voted in their favor, and also fol
establishing a postal savings bank
=, which has been so successfully triet
= In most foreign governments.
The above measures cover the mos
important ones legislated upon by the
= sixty-hrst Congress and we believe
that our Congressman votes correct
ly represent the sentiment of yer,
- large majority of the electors of thi
. district,
misrepresentation as to his votes
or quoting of isolated paragraphs o
his speech as indicative of its Who'll,
tenor, will not avail anything in dis
- credting his work. Not only We're hi
:. votes right upon all the importan
:. questions, but he brought to bear II
v the dicharge of his duties, an abilit!
y which even his political opponent
:. ooncede to be of high order and il
" doing so reflected credit upon his con
. stituents.
y, In the way of securing recognl
= tion for his district, none of his pred
~ ncaasors have ever accom- nlishod NOR