Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-12-13
President Taft is happier in his unofficial mes
sages in the form of addresses than in his formal
communications to congress
PROMPT TARIFF REVISION,
DEMOCRACY'S OTTAL DUTY

DEMOCRACY'S CITAL DUTY
The sooner the Democrats perform the work of
tariff revision. to which they pledged, the bet
ter win it be both for the party and the country.
The people are entitled to prompt relief from unjust
tariff burdens: and likewise manufacturers are en-
titled to due notice in order that they may adjust
their interests in accordance with schedules.
The business world has heartily welcomed Mr..
wilson's announcement that he viii call the next
Congress into extra session not later than April
the fifteenth to deal with tariff matters. Much will
thereby be gained both in time and in public
hdence It is necessary. however, to wait until
April, or until the new administration takes
charge Of affairs. to begin the all important task
OF tarin revision. Before any particular bill is
brought to a vote. a great mass of preliminary de-
tail must be threshed out; such work can and
should be done in large part before the present
congress adiourns.
This is the apparent purpose of the Democratic
members of the Ways and Means committee. They
are said 10 have agreed that January shall be de-
voted to hearings on the tariff schedule by schedule
and, in this connection, to have arranged a tenta-
tive program of dates, beginning the first week of
the new year. Interests affected by tariff changes
viii be given ample opportunity to submit their
views and claims; at the same time hearings
that have frequently consumed tedious months in
che past will be compressed into reasonable period.
Such a program, if consistently carried out, will
make definite action of the tariff possible during the
early months of the Democratic administration; and
that as have said. is greatly TO be wished both in
behalf Of the party and the pubcs welfare. All pre-
liminariess relating to the divers aspects of tariff
schedules should be dealt with thoroughly
possible by the Congress now in session so that
when the new Congress convenes the way toward
expeditions action win be clear
Mr. Underwood has expressed the opinion that,
with unanimity of purpose the Democrats will be
able to put through their tariff program with such
CELEBRITY that a bill be adopted and signed by
the President not later than next July If this is
done and there seems to be reason why it should
not be- the country's common interests will be
auckened and assured. Every one knows that the
tariff is going TO revised But until the work of
revision is actually performed, industry win be mark
ing time and business will move in an atmosphere
Of eager questioning
The Democrats win assume control of the gov
eminent undek an emphatic commission from the
people to revise the tariff downward. If there is
one matter above all others on which the rank and
dle Of thinking Americans united it is that
the tariff should be readiusted with view to the
common rights Of business and of the people. The
Democrats therefore, have no need or excuse for
hesitation or delay in fulfilling their pledge. They
should proceed with thoughtfulness and foresight
be sure, but none the less with promptness.
Their mission is not one of violence or disturb
ance but one OF constructive labor Legitimate bust
ness interests far from fearing such tariff revis
ion as may rightly be expected under the incoming
administration. are awaiting it with confidence and
cheer. Their only ground for complaint would arise
should the work Of revision be delayed and their
period of waiting for definite assurance as just
what will happen be needlessly prolonged.
II is therefore TO the interest of everyone con-
cerned that the Democrats in the present Congress
begin as speedily as possible to open the way for
the larger and more specific endeavors of the new
Congress The moIds for future legislation should
be prepared At the extra session. the tariff meas
ures should be shaped without delay. The precise
time when the schedules to go into effect
should be agreed upon and announced as early as
possible thus afording all the interests involved
ample notice of what they may expect,
such course viii relieve the Democratic admin
will relieve the business world of any feeling of
mass of the people many hardships and injustces
which they suffer.
More substantial credit than this, the Democratic
party could not earn.
While its representatives in the House and the
Senate are fresh from the people, while its leaders
and its rank and file united in purpose and are
keenly mindful Of the great trust committed to
them let the vital work of tariff revision be under
taken and pressed to a wOrkmsnly finish.
II Is thus that the country viii be assured of its
wisdom in having placed its faith in Democratic
policies and Democratic leadership. 1t is thus that
the fruit of those policies will rpen and be garnered