The Washington times., 1911-06-14
M'CUhBER OPENS
SENATE ATTACK ON
RECIPROCITY BILL
North Dakotan Calls Meas
ure Hostile to Farm
ing Interests.

Senator McCumber Of North Dakota,
one of the Republican members of
the Finance Committee, opened the
debate on the reciprocity agreement
In the Senate today. McCumber as
sailed the agreement as destructive to
the farming interests of the country
and attacked it, too, on political
grounds.
The North Dakota Senator sees in
the agreement the beginning of the
end of the protective system. He
wanted the Republican party of the
adverse effects Of the ratification of
this agreement He admonished It
that a house divided against itself
could not stand. He told the Repub-
licans that they could win only in one
way, and that was by support of the
doctrine of fair protection for all and
undue protection to none.
First of a Long Series.
McCumber's speech, which was one of
great length, Is the first of long series
from high tariff Republican Senators
and progressive Senators as well, con-
demning the agreement and warning
the Republican party of the effect of
alienation of the farmer vote. That
the debate Will continue for at least
six weeks, is generally expected about
the Senate, and that it will be marked
by feeling and bitterness is indicated
by many symptoms.
McCumber said in part:
Mr.. President, what will be the effect
of this measure upon the future policies
and destinies of the two important po-
Iitical parties in this country? This is
not a Republican measure. 1t is not
protection. 1t is not Dem
SersTS for Tevenme neaS%s onIy. 1t is ' hybrid
which inherits none of the good quail
tiles of the one parent and only the bad
qualities of the other. The Republicans
1T in sentiment and majority will be
against II on final vote. IL can not be
charged to the Republican party ex-
cept to the extent that II is supported
charged to the Democratic party. be-
cause that party, through its represent
stives and after conferences and eau
cuses, have espouSed 1t as their cause.
Its effect upon Republican doctrines
may not be immediate, but II will be
certain. A house divided against itself
pcan not stand. A party one-half OF
whose membership supports a policy
In exact antagonism to its cardinal doc
trines can not long hold its supremacy
"I am not unmindful Of the power
of the press of the country In up
holding any doctrine. For selfish ENDS
|
a false and prejudiced impression and
nearly overthrow the Republican
party at the last election. For selhsh
ends 1t proposes to support the party
agreement is enacted But. Mr.. Presi-
dent, there is a limit even to the
power of the press. 1t is not DIM
cult for it to make right seem wrong
by misstatement of facts and sup
preston of truth. because 1t. is a
weakness Of our human nature that
we seem to get more comfort in hav-
ing some one else denounced than in
more difficult task to make wrong
look right to the man who himself
suffers the wrong. And, Mr.. Prest-
dent. / can see great difficulty In
bringing out that enthusiastic agri-
cultural vote which in all times past
has saved the doubtful States to the
Republican party to support a Re
publican policy of protection when
everything on the agricultural sched-
ule must compete in the open mar
kets of the world and with what is
destined in a few years to become
the greatest agricultural producer in
the world-Canada.
Attacks Democracy.
II am aware, Mr.. President, that
the agricultural vote can not consist
emily turn to the Democratic party,
which has at least mothered this
proposition to destroy every vestige
Of agricultural protection. But I am
certain they will see to 1t that their
representatives stand pledged to right
the wrong inflicted upon them as near
as possible, and If their products are
placed upon the free list a prOtec-
tive policy will lose it's ancient sup
port.
For my part, Mr.. President, I am
Republican and a protectionist. l
shall continue to be a loyal supporter
of that party and of its nominee, be-
cause If we ever get back our protec-
tion on our agricultural products 1t
must be through the Republican
party.
And 1 say to the Republican party
today: There is one platform on
which we can win, both in the cleo
tion of a Republican President and a
Republican Congress. and that plat
form must read: Fair and just pro-
lection to every important American
industry. Excessive and unjust pro-
lection to none"
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