Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-11-15

ness took a brisker stride Immediately following the
election indicates the hope and cheer with which the
commercial world looks forward to a Democratic
administration Certain it is however, that until
the work of revising the tariff is well under way
and its general course made clear there will be a
widespread feeling Of suspense The country will be
kept guessing as to just what is going to happen.
BY settling down forthwith to its NEST important
and most interesting task the new Congress can put
an end to this mood of uncertainty and thereby do
much to maintain business poise and assurance.
Should the Democratic Congress not assemble
until its regulaf session in the winter of 1913, it
would be more than a year after the election before
it could take up the vital tariff question; and then
the routine of organization would prevent anything
being done until 1914
For such a delay there is need and no ap-
parent excuse. The people have voted overwhelm-
ingly for tariff reform. They have repeatedly de-
manded such reform, for it was on this issue that
the Democrats majority in the House In the
Congressional elections of 1910 Republican Pres-
dents veto thwarted the peoples wish Determined
to forestall another such disappointment, they have
now turned over the entire control of the Govern
ment to Democracy and they expect prompt and sub
stantial results.
As we have said before, a country that has given
so much in confidence will expect much in perform
ance The partys responsibility is unusually great
because its power is unusually large. With Demo
cratic House, Democratic senate ana a OeInocrdIlc
President there is no for further parley on
the all important issue of intelligent tariff revision.
Americans were never more rational or deliber-
ate than in the recent campaign. 1t has been said
that the Democrats were s10ept into power; it would
be a truer figure to say that they borne into
power by the quiet yet resstless, force of nations
enlightened thought There were divers attempts ID
bestir excitement over minor irrelevant issues.
The Third party leaders turned the red light and
assumed any number of emotional poses. The Re-
publcans sounded their old cry of panic and empty
dinner pals" But the people went soberly think
ing upon the one practical issue as Democracy had
drawn 1.-THE issue of the tariff and thus they
voted with clear heads and settled conviction, for
tariff reporm.
It is the chief duty of the Democratic party to
carry out this cal . yet forceful, mandate.
That can best be done through a Congress flesh
from the people and in season free from excitement
and from distracting issues
Let an extra session of the new Congress be
called shortly after March the fourth next let it get
thoughtfuly down to the business before it, let it
make reassuring start on the work of tariff read
justment and the countrys every interest will be
made more hopeful and secure.
The party will thus fulfill it's highest pledge and
will prove itself worthy of the nations trust.
Business will thus be relieved of that sense of
uncertainty which is bound to be less dis
quieting so long as it continues
The extra session is shortest, the surest and the
sanest way Democracy find to redeem its tariff
promise.