Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1914-05-29

GAS the tariff is to figure ia the con
test for control of the next Congress
letter written by Me. Lincoln in
October 1859, in reply to request
for his tariff views, possesses inter
est. 1t is brief, and 10 it he say
81 have not thought much upon
the subject recently, but my general
impression Is that the necessity OF
protective tariff will, ere long, force
its opponents to take IT up, and then
its old friends can join and establish
it on more firm and durable lasis.
@We, the old wings, have been en-
tirely beaten on this tariff question,
and we, shall not be able to re.es-
tablish the policy until lbe absence
of it shall have demonstrated the
necessity for it, 10 the minds of men
heretofore opposed TO it."
The protcctionist were not asntire
Iy beaten on the tariff question" two
years ago. In fact, they were in the
majority, but lost the issue through
a division in their ranks or other
matters. Both republicans and bull
moosers declared for a protective
tariff. In the larger sense, therefore,
the Underwood law, is in its spirit,
tendency and logical result minori-
ty tariff expression. The mandate
that produced it was issued at a poll
ing which represented strength OF
over one million two hundred .hou-
sand votes in favor Of protection.
The law is PROBABLY too new
for an all around safe expression as
to its real character. But it has
demonstrated two things which give
Is opponents cause for attacking it
now and urging an early revision.
a 1t has not, as promised, reduce
the cost # living, and (2) it is not
producing revenue sufficient for the
support If the government.
1t is fact, too that business is de-
pressed, wnen it was promised that
revision would stimulate busines..
In somu lines pro iuction is halted.
There are many unemp'oye men
complaining Of their condition. They
want work, but it is not 20 be had.
And SO the protectionists believe
that only a short "absence of proter-
tion." under law which, incidentally
mildly protective in spots, is rooted in
hostility to protection has ademou-
strated the necessity for it." and they
are moving to restore the policy.
But the first thing is union. What
will be the use of talking protection
and denouncing the spirit and tendency
of the Underwood law, unless the adj
vocates of revision on straightout pro-
lection lines work together. As the
law was enacted by minority power, it
can be sustained by minority power.
In other words, if the republicans and
bull moosers indulge in another cut
throat shindy this year they will agaiu
be responsible for democratic success.
There are number of states where
the tariff should be a most interesting
issue this year. Throughout New
England; in New York, New Jersey
and Pennsylvania; Illinois, Indiana
and Ohio, and in several of the north
western states, protection is strong,
and if properly presented should be
good for many seatsin the next House.
But another campaign like that Of 1912,
with the friends of protection dividing
their strength under the influence Of
other issues and contentious, will re-
suit as that campaign did, in disaster
to protection and other issues which
republicans and bull moosers hold In
common. Wash. Star.