Arizona republican., 1916-01-14
Arizona Republicans Editorial Page

candidate it would support should stand. Such commission urged by the progressive party four years ago. At that time there other de- rnand for such commission Both the republicans and the democrats believed that the should always be regarded party matter. If the tariff should be taken out of politics there would be little traditional distinction betweem the two parties. there would be issue which the of would readily recognize ssue there would be removed of the stage properties with which the masses, republicans and democrats have been en- tertained and fooled for two generations.
 It the progressive view that the great bulk of the people concerned benefited harmed alike by any tariff law: that those who might be specially benefited by any tariff schedule very few in comparison with the number who would be consequently harmed by the same schedule. It was also realized by the prosressives that long as the tariff was kept party measure there could never be any tariff changes reforms within any administration, whether for four years or eight years; there could be essential reform within the ascendancy of any party. though it might tinue for a quarter of a century A tariff system once adopted party measure would be changeabe in any important particular by that party. for the change would be an admission of a party mistake. Yet. within year within a shorter time, there might be such changes in bus- ness ana trade conditions that there ought to be a change of certain schedules Under the Mckinley law (republican) the Wilson law (democratic), the Dingey law (republcan), and the present Under wood law. each left unchanged for four years some industries became restricted and others unjustly assisted
 When party into powel as We have seen, it's first business is to sweep aside m it's entirety the existing tariff law. whether good or d had Ina ri, anGt to assist in the work change. Those who are not called force their way in and cajoe or brow beat ways and means and finance committees into framing schedules for their benefit Influence is brought to bear on members and senators. Mem bers and senators in behalf their constituents make unholy alliances. The small interests and the masses never considered the making up of tariff schedules.
 Since the progressive party urged change in the system of tariff legislation. the National Der of Commerce has taken the up and framed bill providing for a permanent tariff com mission and has referred the subject to PA com. ercal and agricultural organizations throughout the country; 715 have endorsed it. voting against it.
 We have had tariff commissions but their work was only instructive and advisory it may have been even helpful but it always confined within a period a months and the commits contemplated. in permanent tariff commission that it shall act continuously and time to time present as occasion and conditions require. schedules for re- vision. Of the pressing now for such commission the National Chamber Commerce says:
 There never was time when tariff commission was more essential for the welfare The European war has already led to many important changes in international trade. l. will however have its greatest economic effects after ceased Then the great industrial and commercial competi- tors of the United States will of necessity upon new schemes of taxation tariff policies of their own and new plans for commercial expansion in foreign markets. It is unbelievable that midst of foreign legislation of such paramount importance these the United States, toe should not enact wlegislation. Whatever the nature of such legislation it can safely be based only upon known facts of industry and trade These facts can be determined only by commission which is of the kind in question ard which created immediately and set to work