The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-02-08

trader" and that the Democratic party
is not II "free-trauc" party. There
never has been" he asserts, "a tariff
!, bill enacted into law by the Democratic
party that has not favored tariff for
revenue us opposed to Il tariff along
free trade line" Mr. Underwood re-
sents vigorously the suggestion that
lie or his party has any sympathy with
any course that Will reduce the wages
of American workmen, and in address
ing himself to, and refuting the pop
| ular" but nsidious argument which
has so often been advanced. that pro-
hibitiro duties protect American labor
--an argument which Ito frankly ad-
| mits has proved "tening''-he demon
, strates that there is not u protected
| industry where the amount of protec-
| ton afforded has not been in excess
! of the difference between the cost OF
| labor at home and abroad.
Then he drives home the nail and
clenches it in thus resuminS:
Il know that his condition would
ne improved by reduction of the tariff
TO competitive basis. II would put
the Industries of the country In such
healthy condition that when hard
times camo tho foreign goods would
suffer while the American workman
held his place. Behind this high pro-
tective wall the American people arc
obliged to purchase alone from the
american manufact urer This expands
conditions and develops business TO
such an extent that when hard times
come there Is no place for retrcnct-
ncnt. no place for surplus production.
ana the home factories have to. shut
down"
Another specious contention of the
high protcctionists-thc prohibitivc
tariff fuglemen-is that-tarim reform
coming down to basis OF tariff for
revenue--would be in the nature of a
Violent wrench that would dcmoralizc
business, Industrial life and financial
conditions. Mr.. Underwood meets this
and overwhelms It's supporters and
propasandists with commitment to
conservatism" and the principle Of
making haste slowly. Having pointed
out'that the inordinate greed for gain
has driven the advocates of protection
UP TO the very limits of a prohtbitive
tariff in spite of the fact that there
Is not an American industry to-day
which is not exporting Its surplus and
compartment lower prices than arc
obtained at home-in the markets of
the world. he admits that these condi-
lions arc "shackles" we cannot strike
of In an hour without serious danger.
But" he adds. I'VE can turn our faces
away from them and gradually and
carefully meot the new conditions that
face us without injury to labor or
capital" And again:
Tho Democratic party does not in
tend to abandon the custom houses. but
1t favors policy of customs duties
Tor revenue purposes oniy-the reduc-
ZION OF tariff taxes to point where
fair competition will bring about
reasonable prices and destroy monopo-
listtc tendencies. Ii holds that no
tariff law Is either warranted or lust
which protects tho profits of the pro-
Queer and destroys honest competition
II have mover been able TO see why
the great manufacturer should have
his profits protected any moro than the
farmer. the grocer, the lawyer; and
whenever we enter the calm of pro-
lection Wa arc in the zone OF protecting
pronts. a tariff bill high enough to
not for revenue. but for the purpose
OF enriching private interest at the
expense of the people and of the gov
ernmcnt."
In conclusion, Mr. Underwood ex-
presses the conviction that the sooner
people OF the United States realize
theae facts. the sooner they Will cast
off the theories OF protection, which
they can do to the bcneNt as well of
The labor as the commerce of the coun-
/ try. So we believe. AS it impresscs US,
and rs Mr.. Underwood, we think, has
rendered absolutely and convinclngly
plain, that the highest duty of the
Democratic lcadcrs-their highest duty
to their party and the nation, their
mission in truths to devote them
selves INCREASINGLY and aegresslvely
to seeing That the American people,
shall realize them. In his views-in
the creed he has enunciated, in The
/ Independent, Mr.. Underwood has fur
nished the campaign material with
! which 10 accomplish that mission.
!
! GERM