Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-05-23


rules and orders, which will enable it
to deal to the fullest extent possible,
within constitutional limits, with in
terstate transportation in all it's phases.
This is a just policy. The power Of
Congress to fix rates for interstate
transportation so as to prevent i'm
proper determinations and to compel
carriage upon reasonable terms Is un-
doubted. The sole question is how, and
under what circumstances, it shall be
exercised.
1.-The Sherman antitrust act should
be clarified and made more explicit.
The law may be made stronger and
more effective by being made more
uncertain meaning. do not aid, but
rather embarrass the prosecution of
those who are guilty of pernicious
practices. Combinations and practices
which menace the freedom of inter-
state commerce, should be condemned
in precise terms. At the same time
provision may well be made for joint
agreements. under proper circum-
stances. as to railroad rates, which
should be subject to the approval of
the interstate commerce commission.
Believes in Protective Tariff.
Il believe in a protective tariff. 1t
is an established policy. Our opponents
would not undertake to present to the
voters Of the country the issue of free
trade.
"A protective tariff is essential to
the interests of our wage-earners, in
that it makes possible the payment of
wages on the scale to which we are
accustomed in this country and thus
maintains our American standards of
living. Hence the difference in the cost
of production here and abroad is the
fundamental considerations
But l do not believe in making this
policy a cover for exorbitant rates or
for obtaining special privileges from
the government which are not based
fare. I believe that the tariff should
be revised. And in order to effect what
ever readjustment may be necessary to
make the tariff schedules consistent
with the principles underlying the pro-
tectfve policy, l favor the appointment
of an expert commission, so that the
facts may be ascertained without delay
and that Congress may dispose of the
matter in the fairest possible manner.
Would Safeguard Labor.
so far as the matter is within the
power of Congress, the interests of
labor should be safeguarded and the
conditions of labor improved. I am in
favor of the enactment of law aptly
expressed. to apply exclusively to in
terstate commerce, which would en-
body the principles Of the employers
liability bill recently declared uncon-
Stitutional because too broad. I also
approve the laws which have been en-
acted with regard to safety appliances
and hours of labor in railroad service
The matter of railroad accidents de-
serves special investigation, and every
effort should be made to obtain ade-
quate information which will lead to
appropriate measures for the protection
of life and limb.
direct relation to labor. proper con-
ditions with regard to hours. wages.
safety and compensation for accidents
should be provided.
With regard to the Filipinos. we are
placed under the most sacred obliga-
tions. In justice to them and in JUS
tice to ourselves, we must omit no eff
fort to prepare them for self-govern-
ment. When they are able to govern
themselves and are in position to
maintain their independence the Amer
lean people will not deny them the boon
which we ourselves have so highly
priced. In the meantime. the work of
the education and training must pro-
coed. and everything that can be done
consistently with the interests of our
own people must be done to promote
their prosperity.
We are devoted to the interests of
peace and we cherish no policy of ag-
gression. The maintenance of our ideals
is our Surest protection. 1t is our con-
slant aim to live in friendship with all
nations and to realize the aims of a
free government secure from the inter
ruptions of strife and the wastes of
war. 1t is entirely consistent with these
aims. and it is our duty. to make ade-
quate provision for our defense and to
maintain the efficiency of our army and
navy. And this l favor.
Views on Party Organization.
Again dealing with the question of
party organization, Gov. Hughes, at a
banquet in Albany February 81, 1907,
said:
Organization is essential to success