Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-01-26
Some Democrats See the Light.

Some Democrats See the Light.
Considerable speculation has been
raised by a resolution recently offered
by Senator James Hamilton Lewis re-
questing the Federal Trade Commission
to report whether it can. without in
convenience or embarrassment assume
the duties Of tariff board as provid-
ed in the terms Of that certain tariff
board authorization Of Congress of the
period 1909-10 and contained in appro-
priation bills of the Congress of 1910
H."
The tariff board referred to is the
one appointed by William Howard Taft
when he was President. It was
strangied to death by a Democratic
f1libuster during the closing days of
the last Republican Congress. when a
further appropriation to sustain the
board was blocked.
resolution was submitted at the insti-
cation Of President Wilson, and it
raises several questions:
First, if tariff board is desirable
now, why was the tariff board appoint
ed by President Taft killed March 4,
1911, at time when the Democrats
were about to come into power pledg-
ed to make a scientific revision down.
ward of the tariff? That board was
as non partisan as it will ever be pos
sible to make one.
Second, what is the necessity of the
President Wilson at indianapolis, Jan
uary Z, 1915. wherein he announced that
he had put one over Congress and had
lodged the powers of tariff commits
sion in the hands of the Federal Trade
Commission? This statement was lat
er adhered to in a letter from Mr. Will
son to Ex-Governor Cox of Ohio.
Third, assuming that the Federal
Trade Commission does not find its
duties SO onerous as to preclude this
further extension of authority, will
such steps be taken to place tariff in
vestigations in the hands Of that COM
mission as will put an end to the ques-
ton Of the jurisdiction while the Dem
ocrats are in power?
Fourth, will this disposition Of the
matter be satisfactory to those advo-
Gates of permanent, non-partisan
tariff commission" like Hon. George
W. Perkins, H. H. Crosse. and others,
who have been so actively engaged in
keeping the subject before the public :?
Remembering the action taken by the
Federal Trade Commission in pigeon
holing the report on the cost Of the
production Of beet sugar, made by en-
ployees of the Federal Trade Commits
sion. because its publication would
have disproved Democratic contentious
the answer to this question should be
in the negative.
Fifth. is this to be regarded as
slap at Secretary Redfeld, delivered by
President Wilson over the shoulder of
Senator Lewis? There h9s been per-
sistent rumor in Washington's official
circles that Secretary Redfield was lin
Dutch" with the President At one
time his resignation was expected any
day. His eternal buzzing and humming
have ruffled the presidential calm. Bus
mess interests which Mr.. Wilson is
now so DESTROYS to propitiate, have
lusted for the Redfieldian gore. Sew
eral reports which Mr.. Redfield has
recently rendered have contained as
sertions betraying the most intense
longing on his part to have the duties
of a tariff commission confided to his
care. But his abuse and criticism of
manufacturers engaged in certain in
dustries invested have irritated fair
minded business men and detracted
from the value of the reports.
The answer Of the Federal Trade
Commission to the Lewis resolution,
End the action of Congress thereon
will be awaited with interest. 1t may
mean that a quietus is to be placed on
Mr. Redfield.