The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1913-04-22

1T
terest was taken in the demand for tariff revi
sion and that the less than one quarter of any
of total voting population who demand such
action ought reasonably to be satisfied If action
be deferred until reached in the ordinary course
OF orderly procedure
The only avowod purpose Of the extra
sion is to revise the tariff That the tariff needs
revision may be freely admitted but that sure
ly can wait until the regular session. The coun-
try is at least not suffering under our present
tariff. 1t may be too high in some Of its items,
but that will always be the case. 1t may be
too low in some particulars but such conditions
will always exist. Under it as 1t now Is We :
prospecting nightly. All admit the year just
closed was the golden year of the Nations pro-
gress and prosperity We have ample revenue.
There is no deficit. Business Is sound. There
is no panic. There is sudden emergency call
ing for action; occasion justifying the ex-
ercise of the extraordinary" powers of the COVE
eminent. =
The President in his letter of acceptance
said that as the business of the country had been
built up protective tariff schedules "its foun-
dations must not be too radically or too sudden.
ly disturbed" Later during the campaign re-
said
These changes not be brought abou.
suddenly. We can not arbitrarily turn right
about face and pull our policy up by its roots
and cast 1t aside while we plant another In
virgin soil. great industrial system has
been built up in this country under the foster.
age of the government behind a wall of un.
productive taxes. This change must be
brought about first here, and then there, and
then there again. We must move from step
to step with much prudence resolution.
These words were fair Words they were
wise words; they words of moderation and
wisdom. 1t will scarcely be contended that the"
not honestly spoken. 1t can hardly be
believed they uttered for campaign pu-
poses only; that they only intended to III
lay alarm; to win confidence, to secure votes
and that the real purpose something exact
ly opposite And yet that is exactly the
proach the persons who have induced the Presi
dent to call this etra session bring upon him.
His words before the election promised modera
ton, deberation consideration. His act will
belle all this and will do the very things he prom
ised not to do.
One wonders if history is again to repeat
itself. Grover Cleveland in his letter of accept
said:
We will not destroy any industry; We VIII
remodel the tariff; we will give lower duties;
We will the burdens of the people; and we
will give freer material.
And yet when President he became the earn
est advocate not of freer but of free raw ma
terals, denounced the ilson-Gorman law as
party perfdy and party dishonor," and refused
to sign it, not because it WIS too radical but be a
cause it was not radical enough. Nevertheless.
as it was, Senator Hoar declared in Congress
that the experiment of radical tariff revision
made under the Cleveland administration cost
the people of this country more in dollars and
cents than the entire cost of the Civil War
What may be expected at the coming extra
session in the present state of mind of the dom
inant leaders may be determined by the words .
of Mr. Underwood leader of the majority, who
is reported as saying recently, THE bills already {
passed by the House indicate the line of revision .
that will be followed" These bills put on the
free list nearly $4,000, 100000 of products now on
the dutiabe list. They greatly reduce the duty
on S9000,000,000 more OF our products. Ana
these bills left many of the schedules untouchel
which it is now proposed shall be revised.
Yet Mr. Wilson declares that they do Lot
want to disturb the industry OF the country; we
are here not to destroy" And yet with such an
announced program of radical, revolutionary re-
vision he yields to the pressure OF politicians,
The Springfield Republican refers to the past
tariff activities of the present House as more
of a study in political Jockeyng than In taiih
making" Political success seemed 80 desirable
the end to be attained appeared to justify Hl-
most any means to secure it. But the hour OF
responsibility will end the pleasant pastime OF
jockeying and the stage play which both di'
verified and deceived, must cease when IN the
cold clear light of open day by the handling o!
elemental forces begins.
The coming administration holds in its hands
four years of our country's history 1t may
write on its pages much good or much evil. To
an extent that Is not realized the policies OF an
administration affect the happiness of the peo.
pie 1t is sometimes, lightly said that 1t makes
little difference which party succeeds or who is
elected but that is a mistaken idea. In some
manner every administration touches every cIt'
zen-the humblest rs well as the highest 1t
reaches every hearthstone; 1t is felt in remotest
regions. In the success of the coming admin
istration every patriotic American citizen must
be interested For its success every one not