The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1911-05-04
GOOD FOR LEVER
Genes Oai Flat Fooled for The Farmers
Free List in a Speech.
LUMBER WAS INCLUDED


ber, (which Reverses His Vote in
the Etouse FOR q Duty on 1t.
Two South Carolina Congressman
spoke In the House debate on the
free list bill Tuesday. They were
Messrs. Byrnes and Lever, in the
order named. Both spoke with good
effect, and received generous ap-
plause when they made telling
points, as they often did.
It was MT. Byrnes' maiden effort
as member, and his colleagues con-
graduated him warmly upon its sue
cess. Mr. Byrnes twitted the Repub-
licans for their flop from support OF
Canadian reciprocity to opposition
to the farmers free list" and
recated sectional arguments.
Mr.. Lever spoke at length upon
accomplishments Of the Democratic
party already in this session, and
upon the free list bill now under
consideration. He began by vigor-
ously controverting the idea that the
party was wanting in constructive
ability, initiative or cohesiveEess.
He charged that it was a time-worn
argument of the. Republicans, to
frightea from the support Of the Dem
ocratic party, the over-sensitive bus
mess element.
Mr.. Lever said "the action. Of the
majority of the Hothe, during this
short session, must be a cause for
unutterable chagrin and disappoint-
ment 10 those who expect in the
future to rely upon it. We have
done business in business way;
we have shown both our power, OF
initiative and our capacity for con-
structive work of the highest order
and sincerity and unity Of thought
most gratifying to all atriotic citi-
zens VINO desire correction of the
abuses which have grown up, under
Republican administration"
He reviewed briefly the work so
far accomplished, pointing out first,
the reform in the rules, which, as he
argues, has restored the House of
Repres entatives to the plane intend
ed !. for it by the Constitution, this
being done through the selection OF
a com mittee on committees to as
sign members to committees, rather
than to allow that authority to con-
tinue with the Speaker, who abuses
it. !,
Secondly, the election of Senator'S
by direct vote of the people, which
will make the Senate body respon-
sive to the people and prevent the
recurrence Of the scandals connect
ed with election to it.
Thirdly, he pointed out and COM
mended the action of the party In
passing the Corrupt Practice Act, in
tended! to purify election and 30
prevent the use OF money for the de-
bauchery of our citizenship-a prac-
tice which has become stigma upon
the honor of our country"
Fourth, the passage Of the Cana
dian reciprocity treaty he lauded as
the result of Democratic legislation
and In line with the Democratic pol
icy. He argues, that it is a long step
in the right direction.
He pointed out strongly that these
substantial legislative reforms "have
been accomplished without the neces-
sity Of the application Of the gag
rule. 10 we'll known AMI reiiei upon
under the old regime, when Cannon
ism was in control. 1t means that
the rights of te individual member
of the House have besn restored to
him."
Finally he took up the free list
bill, and argued that it intima.es an
economic revolution, and means an
attack upon a system under which
trusts. combines, and monopolies
have grown strong alr23s. oeyt nd the
power of the Government to con-
troll. 1t is a measure to give relief
from the burdens of high protection
to a large class of ou: people aad
that, too, without regard to section
al lines" It is not free trade
measure nor a step in that direction.
"The Democratic party has never
stood for free trade"
The bill is built mp in accordance
Il ~,
the Walker report Of 1S46. This
free list seeks not only for 'impera-
tive reasons to relieve the tariff tax
payers of the country Of some OF
their burdens, but at the same time
carries into effect the righteous prinn-
ciple that these burdens shall dis
cr;minate neither for nor againSt