Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-03-24

factors or to attempt to belittle their
importance. But dismissing them for
this occasion without disparagement.
We will all agree, | think. that there
are certain problems. certain public
matters SO great in their present sig
nificance, so tremendous in their pos
sibilities. that in our contemplation OF
them all others sink into comparative
obscurity and that these problems,
these matters. few in number as they
are. will be the burning issues in this
campaign. They touch in some degree
the life and interests of every individ-
ual, they are liza BILE to affect our whole
social structure, and in times like these
with all the world at war, he may not
be altogether an alarmist who sees our
National existence imperiled by their
complexity and weight.
THE tariff, preparedness for war.
and preparedness for industrial and
commercial safety and well-being when
the war shall cease-these promise to
be the real, the vital issues that are
to arouse the voters Of the country to
political activity and decision. The
stand that the Republican party takes
oPcii tHSSC Is uTIil. utflIillt
and wholly consistent with its tradi-
tional beliefs. If we are Republicans.
we believe in a protective tariff with
all this phrase implies. This is not
the time or place to discuss this eco
nomic. issue in detail, there is no need
of it. We know our position. our op-
ponents know it. and we simply assert
that so far as this particular principle
is concerned. we are prepared to de-
bate 1t. to contend for it, and if we
win to make it the law Of the land
We favor to be sure the establish
ment of permanent commission that
shall study the tariff question from a
scientific and practical point of view
in relation to its bearing and effect
upon National and International con-
ditions; but to provide adequate pro
lection to American labor and Ameri-
can capital must be it's first duty, and
if the responsibility of government
rests in our hands, the conclusions and
recommendations of that commission
will he reviewed and passed upon by
men heartily in accord with the eco
noric principles of the Republican
party. We do rot believe in free trade,
We do not believe in tariff for reve-
nue. only" Those who hold opposite
views are no less patriotic, no less sin
ceTe. hut We assert that sound pros
perity can be secured and maintained
best under the provisions of a protec-.
tive tariff and if success comes to us
on this issue, We should not ieoEardiZa
the opportunity to demonstrate the
wisdom Of our policy by allowing the
principle Of craftsmanship to dominate
the selection of that important body.
Preparedness.
1T seems Il pity, a wicked thing. that
Q people desiring honorable peace
above all else should be forced to con-
slider the expediency of preparing for
war: but however much this situation
may he deplored. it is one that a Que
! regard for self-interest, if not self
/ preservation, compels us to face and
TO face in full consciousness Of its
gravity and meaning The issue of pre-
, paredness is here. and it is not Of our
own making. Mere than this bare
! statement. little cen be said to console
our conscience or TO lessen our regrets.
! Standing in the twentieth century of
! the Chrjstian Era under the shadows
i of almost universal war, thoughtful
men may well ask themselves if civ
/ .lization. if religion itself, has not
! failed: but even reflections like these
! should not weaken our determination
! to find our real duty, or cause us to
shrink from taking the action such
! duty imposes upon US. 1t is the truth
/ any question received more anxious
! study than this. for every sober-mind-
/ cd man realizes the dangers that con-
! front us as a nation. whatever course
we finally adopt Politics may and
! proba bly, will enter into this discussion
! but we may well bear in mind that
! under our form Of government. the
! free and even unbridled expression Of
| political differences exposes and ex-
| plains as nothing else can do, every
| phase and feature of the issues that
really stir the life and conscience Of
| the nation. and he fails to read our
history right and is faint-hearted in
| deed. who fears to put to the test in
the turmoil of partisan politics any
question ir which the honor. the dig
nifty and the unity Of this republic may
! be at stake.
| "'rne arguments against prepared
ness are presented to the public mind
with power and persistency that re
| fleets nothing hut credit upon the sin
cerity and motives Of the men and
women enlisted in that cause The
| fear that the policy of militarism once
| entered upon will continue even after
; the conditions that made it necessary
have passed away. is. it seems to me,
unworthy of a self-governing people.
and all other contentious apparently
rest upon the belief that at the close
of this contest the warning nations will
be physically and financially exhaust
! ed. and the world so righteously APP
palled at the wreckage brought to
, sight that humanity and brotherly love
| will be the ruling passions of man
| kind, and we will then behold the
! dawn Of universal and permanent
peace We listen with respect to these
arguments, but they cannot withstand
the cold logic of the facts that are
being marshalled against them, and
the sober sense Of the country demands
| preparedness that shall insure our
safety until these splendid hopes of a
| world uide peaca take practica1 form