The Wallace miner. [volume] (Wallace, Idaho) 1907-current, 1915-09-23
FREE TRADE MUST GO.

The failure of the Underwood tariff
bill has become so painfully apparent
that leading democrats who have per-
sistently preached the doctrine of free
trade have been forced to take notice
of the deplorable condition of the
unit since the Underwood tariff
law went into effect and they now
realize that radical changes in that
law must be made to raise revenue to
take the place Of that now raised by
the outrageous war tax and at the
same time provide a measure of pro-
democratic party hopes to appeal with
any degree Of confidence to the people
in the next campaign. If the condi-
ton has become so desperate that the
leaders of democracy have been forced
to change front on this question which
marks the fundamental difference be-
tween the republican and democratic
parties, it must be evident to observ-
ant and open-minded citizens that the
operation of his nefarious law would
have produced a condition little short
of appalling had not the European
wal created a demand for American
products which has offset to a limited
extent the disastrous effects Of free
trade.
thought think that a mere modifca-
tion of a few of the schedules of the
Underwood law will satisfy the people,
they will find that their estimate of
the prevailing sentiment throughout
the country is more at fault than it
was when the present law was enact
ed. Then in the face of a majority of
nearly two million in favor of pro-
lection, the administration forced
through this measure designed to
whet the wits of American producers
through competition with foreigners.
We need not dwell upon the failure OF
this schoolroom theory, for it is writ
ten in language that those who run
may read in all parts of the country.
Another view Of the tariff question is
now looming up large on the political
horizon, and one that is even now en-
gaging the attention of democrats who
are sufficiently broad and patriotic to
adjust their political convictions to
meet the requirements of changed
conditions. In conversation with one
of these this week he pointed out the
condition that would confront Ameri-
can producers and wage earners at
the close of the European war. and
while he had always been a consistent
democrat and a firm supporter Of
democratic policies of government, he
a convinced that the situation would
be such that a protective tariff would
be absolutely necessary TO save the
country from industrial ruin. Ac-
cording to his view, and 1t is one that
must appeal to every thoughtful citi-
zen, the countries of Europe would
emerge from the war bankrupt, their
industries destroyed and the people
pauperized. But destroyed industries
must be reestablished, and the vast
armies now on the battle line must be
transformed into an industrial army of
peace. They must work for the low
est wages and the products Of their
labor must find a market. The coun-
tries of Europe can not provide 1t, for
with the exception of a few nations
Of relatively minor Importance, all
have suffered the devastation of war
and all Will be sellers n very limit
ed buyers. Under these circumstances
what will happen If the present free
trade law is still in operation?
Foreign made goods, always a men,
ace to American manufacturers and
workingmen. win simply deluge this
country at prices far below those ever
offered before. Foreign-bor citizens,