Oxford Democrat., 1916-08-22

Charles E. Hughes, replying to criti
cisms that be was not constructive in
his policies, declared that he stood for
protective tariff, for a budget system,
the elimination of the pork barrel, the
end of waste and extravagance and the
appointment to public service of men
qualified for Office.
"Is that not constructiye?" Mr..
Hughes asked. 81 believe that they are
the fundamentals OF constructive policies
which this nation is facing today"
Mr.. Hughes discussed the Democratic
slogan of prosperity.
1--WE cannot afford in this country"
he said, "to assume that our prosperity
will take care of itself. Who is so fool
ish as to believe and to be deceived By q
prosperity maintained by the European
war? Our opponents assume to ascribe
to themselves the benefits that have sc-
crued from that great contest. Their
statements will not stand the test of
careful analysis. For example, they
point to the trade in munitions OF war
and say that that is but slight in COM
parison with the trade Of the other in
dustries OF the country. The manufac-
ture and sale Of munitions has connected
with 1t considerable development of pros
perity as part of the sale and mere
manufacture of munitions itself.
"When you look upon Europe We find
millions Of men in the trenches, con-
suming wealth. Do you suppose you
can withdraw from the length and
breadth of Europe millions of men from
productive enterprises and not feel the
advantages of it in this countryP
"Our opponents point to the develop
ment of exports. Do they not under
stand that there is a tremendous loss in
production which America is making
good-thst that Is true in almost every
industry and every part Of our countryS
at Is obvious that when you take the
manhood of Europe and put it into the
war, the manhood Of America, devoted
to peaceful pursuits, will have opportu-
nifty in trade which otherwise would be
denied. The test will come when the
war Is over.
"Do you want to know what is likely
to be the result of that test? If you do,
consider the conditions in this country
inst before the outbreak of the war. We
had then the new tariff; we had then the
new freedom; we had then the present
administration; and we had then men
walking the streets unemployed in every
city of the country.
"The result was patent TO every OBJ
server-that this country could not 60
on and be prosperous under the policies
of this administration. II this admins
tration is saved from the condemnation
which it deserves for its economic poll
cies, il Is saved by the European war and
deceived electorate.
sour opponents even point to the ex-
tent of our gold deposits In this country
as though that did not mean that when
this war ends there will be a terrific
economic struggle by European nations
TO draw our gold ia exchange for their
products. 1t is absolutely patent that
the hope of American enterprise in the
near future rests with the party that is
devoted to the principles Of protecting
American Industries.
81 defy our opponents to 90 through
the country in this campaign and state
what they have stated in previous cam
paigns about the tariff. They don't dare
knows, that the safety of this nation is
which the Republican party stands.
81 do not believe that the American
business man Is rogue; / do not be-
lieve that the American business man Is
unworthy of coufidence; do not believe
in trying to derids Americas success
and the men in America who are sue
cessful. II that were so, God save the
commonwealth.
"But We have need of surgery. When
we have need of surgery let the knife be
skillfully applied by . skillful surgeon.
The American people cannot live on
surgery.
"They tell me sometimes that am not
constructive. / believe in the applica-
tion of the old Republican principles. Is
that not constructive? Elect me and q
Republican Congress and you will fiud
that they believe In protecting American
industries"
He reiterated his declaratio for q
national budget system
81 do not know anything in the line OF
constructive work in this country that is
more needed than that" he said. "It is
fundamental. But / tell You you cannot
do IL II you are running the departments
expediency or to reward political work
ers with Offices that they are not quail
fed to fill."
He said be considered the elimination
of the "pork barrel" q constructive pol
Icy.
I'VE have poured too much American
money into streams few inches deep
and have nothing to show for It," he
said. "How are you going to correct ii?
You will never do 20 unless the executive
takes bis political life In his hands and
opposes. IL that coustructive?'
The nominee repeated bis views con-
cerning the appointment to public Office
only Of men qualified to all Office, and
pledged himself to select the best quail |
fed men for Office should be be elected. |
"Is that not constructive" he asked. |
81 regard IL so-fundamentally So"
"Then where will the Underwood |
tariff leave us?" he asked. "Then what
will become Of the prosperity which 10 |
clearly boast at presentr'