Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1916-10-31
MY Conception of the Presidency
Bv CHARLES EVANS HUGHES

plan tariff protection along sound, Just and economic
lines. To this endeavor | pledge myself and the men
who to be my colleagues,
In this matter again ditfer absolutely from tnf
policy of the present administration Democratic plat
forms have declared that the government has no
right to levy tariff duties except for income. This
is the fundamental faith of the democratic party
| pledge myself and those who stand with me to
deal with the needs of laboring the country over
whatever their trade or organization upon the pr'nc
pie of giving the largest protection possible TO every
American working man and the largest participation
possible in the prosperity OF our industries with special
favors to none.
Finally it is to be remembered that every European
government is putting itself behind its industries
organizing them encouraging them and suggesting
economies. When the commercial struggle begins
anew the industries of every European country Will go
into the world markets, backed by the effective CO.
operation and intelligent oversight OF their govern
ment
tain strict supervision of business organization. This
can be done effectively and yet leave the government
free encourage legitimate and wholesome business
enterprise. stand for such supervision and control
of business but demand also that business, great and
small land especially the small business) be treated
fairly and justly. Only under such conditions can
business pay living wages or compete with foreign
manufacturers.
In this respect again the present administration
holds policy entirely opposite 1t has viewed bust
ness enterprises with suspicion and has made the
eminent brake to stop the wheels OF legitimate in
dusrial progress 1t has treated the business men OF
this country though they suspicious characters
1t has assumed tnat Capltal ana natural
mics. In four years it has put this country further
the road to class war than has been accomplished
in a generation before The men who stand with me
believe in the honesty of the American working man.
they believe no less in the honesty of the American
business man, and they believe that the common good
is to be found not in class war, but in mutual justice
and fair dealing, not as between capital and labor in
the abstract, but between men and men.
You know the road we have travelled this last
four years. Mr.. Bryan and Mr. Daniels its monu
ments of executive efficiency. Our murdered and for
saken citizens in Mexico reveal conception of Amer
can citizenship plain enough to see but one for
American patriotism to adopt the monument of class
bitterness raised by this administration throws sinister
shadow political horizon; the unjust &C
cusation against business men has left bitter taste
in our national life. If you prefer this path it is
plainly marked And the end OF it is class war.
You ask what road propose to travel? These
are the milestones which mark tan executive re-
sponsibity to the whole nation cabinet chosen from
the abest Americans, foreign policy that stands cour
teousy but firmly for American rights, flag that pro-
tects the American in his lawful rights wherever his
legitimate business may take him, preparation for
trade competition which shall protect all groups of
American workmen, government oversight OF bust
ness which will fearessy eliminate abuses but will
act on the assumption that the average business man
is honest and finally domestic policy which looks
to industrial peace and to sound and permanent pros
perity based upon the development of American trade
and the building up Of American industries
We Americans are in one boat. You cannot strike
blow at one group without injury to all. Common
Justice and fair play will settle difficulties if sus-
pcon and bitterness let alone. These the prn
cipes by which l propose 20 be guided