The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1910-11-25
DEMOCRATS AS OBSTRUC-
TIONTSTS.
(Globe. Democrat.)

will urge larger powers for the
Tariff Board which the Republicans
created in 1909. This is known
not only from what he said last
summer but from seme recent re-
marks which he has made to Re-
publican leaders. But one of the
Democrats purposes after entering
power is said to be the withdrawal
of all appropriations for that body,
so that it will die from suspended
animation. This would be in &C
cordance with the position which
thev took toward the board when
first urged by the president. Cham
pioned by Payne in the House and
by Aldrich in the Senate the pro-
posed body of tariff experts had a
hard fight to establish itself. Almost
to a man the Republicans favored
it. But the Democrats oppose it.
It is even limited that, in the coming
short session of Congress, they will
work against the continuance of the
small appropriation which was made
for the support of the board bv the
last session. Mr.. Tai will ask for
a larger appropriation, and also for
a larger scope of operation. He
will have the support of regulars
and insurgents in his own party, as
he had when the board was created.
AS the Republicans are still in con-
troll, the proposition will be enacted,
Notwithstanding the obstacles which
the Democrats may raise against it.
1t is we'll for the country to be
warned beforehand, however, of the
fate which t. Democrats intend, in
the Congress of 1911 IS, to hand
out to the commission Of tariff
experts.
Here is a characteristic instance
of Democratic Inconsistency. While
that party has pretended to want
tariff revision, it opposes the Re-
publican plan to render the revision
when it comes. And this
is the only plan in which scientific
revision can be had. 1t must be
RENE m bered that the Republican
Tariff Board usurps no power OF
Congress. 1t is an advisory and not
a legislative body. 1t gathers in
formation as to the conditions at
ONE and abroad, which Congress
has neither the time nor the patience
TO collect, and makes report which
will bring that information b-fore
Congress and the country, together
with its recommendations in the
way OF legislation. 1t does not
shape the tariff. That work, as
before, remains in the hands OF
Congress, but it presents facts,
which were necessarily lacking at
the time all the tariff revlsiohs
have taken place, except
that IF 1883. The Republican
tariff act OF that year was based
upon the information gathered by
the Tariff Commission of 1882,
which was recommended by Presl-
dent Arthur, ana created by a
Congress. In the pres
ent instance the Republican purpose
IS to make The Tariff Board a per
body, composed of experts,
Who refuse 10 be iuhueaced by
political or sectional considerations.
Every Republican In the present
Congress favors the retention of
hat body, and ev ry one of them,
,r almost every one Of them, wants
is powers to be enlarged, as the
president urges. But the Democrats
ire determined to kill the board if
hey can, and as it cannot continue
{ financial support be denied it,
md as this support is dependent
lpon the consent of both branches
If Congress, the outlook for it after
he Republicans lose the House
lext March is not bright.
AS tariff revision is the leading
measure on the Democratic program
lfter it enters into control Of the