The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1916-08-26

ganizations were most severely taxed What
ground is there for expecting better cond{r
tons when the unhealthy stimulus Of the war
has spent its force and our industries and
workingrnen exposed to the Competition Of
an energized Europe7
MUST HAVE PROTECTIVE POLIC1Es.v
at is plain that we must have protective,
upbuilding policies. 1t is idle to look for re-
lief to the Democratic party, which as late as
1912 declared in its platform that it was =
fundamental principle of the Democratic party
that the Federal Government under the Con-
stitution had right power to impose or
collect tariff duties except for the purpose Of
revenue We told in its present platform
that there have been 'momentous chanRes' in
the past two years, and hence, Regulating its
former attitude, the Democratic party now
declares for 'nonpartisan tariff commission,
But have the 'momentous changes incident to
the European changed the Constitution Of
the United States ? Is it proposed to use
tariff commission to frame tariff for revenue
only? Is the opposing party ready TO confess
that for generations II has misread the Con-
stitution? Is that party now prepared to ac-
eept the protective prnciple2 Rather so lar
as the tariff is concerned. it would appear to
be without principle. Witness its action in
connection with the sugar duties, its reafHr-
nation of the doctrine of a revenue tariff. its
dyestuffs proposal and its formulation in lieu
of protective duties of 'anti-dumping' pro-
vision, the terms of which are sufficient TO
show its ineffective characteri
THE Republican party stands for the prin-
ciple of protection. We must apply that prin-
ciple fairly, without abuses, in as scientific
manner as possible. and Congress should be
aided by the Investigations of an expert body.
We stand for the safeguarding of our economic
Independence, for the development Of Ameri-
can industry. for the maintenance or American
standards of living. We propose that in the
competitive struggle that is about to come the
American workingman shall not suffer.
SEES AN ECONOMIC STRUGGLE AHEAD.
THE Republican party IL not a sectional
party. 1t thinks and plans nationally. Its
policies are for the promotion of the prosper
ity of every part of the country South. East,
North and West. 1t is not simply question
OF wise adjustment of the tariff in accord
ance with sound principle, but there is also
the need in other respects for stable conditions
for commercial and industrial progress. If we
are to NEE effectively the conditions which
will arise after the is over we must put
house in order. Let it be understood that
the public right is to be maintained without
fear or favor But let show that we can
do this without impairing the essential agen-
ries of progress. There is no forward move
ment endeavor to promote socia, ;istT p
which in the last analysis does not rest ar ~
the condition that there shall be ID stable bA
for honest enterprise. This subject has sevet
important phases to which at this time a
alude only briefly. We should place Z
transportation system sure footing
should be able wisely to adjust our regulate
powers so that the fundamental object of pi
tectinR the public interest can be fully secur
without uncertainties or conflicts and withd q
hampering the development and expansion of
transportation facilities This rational end
may be accomplished without the sacrifice of
my interest that is essentially local. or with
out weakening public control. Our present
system is crude and inadequate. Moreover, in
the severe economic struggle that is before us,
and in seeking, as should, to promote our
productive industries and to expand our com
merce-notably our foreign commerce--we
shall require the most efficient organization,
quite as efficient that found in any nation
abroad There must be no unnecessary wastes
and no sshitrsry distractions. We have de-
termned to cut out. root and branch, mono.
polistic practices, but we can do this without
fobbling enterprise narrowing the scope lof
legitimate achievement Again, we must build
VI our merchant marine. 1t will not aid TO
put the Government into competition with
private owners. That. it seems to me. is a
counsel of folly. surer way of destroying
the promise of our foreign trade could hardly
b. devised 1t has well been asked-Does the
Government intend to operate at profit or DIT
loss? We need the encouragement and
protection of the Government for our shi,
ping industry, but it cannot afford to have the
Government a competitor.