Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1918-03-14

pcoPIe.
unprecedented degree. In order that the
burdens of this war may be carried by
several generations just as its benefits
viii be enjoyed by them, a portion OF
our revenues are being raised by the
issuance of bonds. In addition, one of
the most rigorous taxation measures.
according to tax authorities. that has
ever been passed by any nation, is to be
found in the war revenue bill. Incomes
and excess profits have been heavily
taxed. Some simple corporations under
the bill are paying ten times as much in
taxes as is raised for the whole SOW
ereign state. of Wisconsin. AS the prog
ress of this war makes heavier demands
upon the nation still greater exactions
VIII be made. Wealth must bear its
full share of this burden. If the need
arise the man of means must sacrifice
his fortune as absolutely as the soldier
gives his life.
Excessive profits must not be per-
mitted. Patriotism and proflteering do
not mix. The government has been en-
deavoring by every means within its
power to prevent the exploitation of the
public. For the year last passed have
commission in making exhaustive
studies of the cost of practically all
basic materials of American industry
[ know what effort has been made to
the government or extortion in dealing
with the consumer. From my own
knowledge / can testify to- the fact
that in the fixing of prices most careful
should not be visited unfairly upon the
prices which labor was paid.
From my personal participation in
the conferences of the war Industries
sentatives of labor, of the government
and Of great industries deliberated over
the best way and best means of limit
ing prices so they would bear the proper
relations to costs, and secure the maxi
mum of production at this time Of world
scarcity. But for the action of the gov
eminent the price Of coal would be
treble what it is today. The price of pig
iron is fixed at $33 ton. Conditions
of supply and demand would have I'M
four times that existing but for the &C
ton of the government.
u. S. Guards WOrkingman's Interests.
THE railroads are today operated
under government management and con-
troll and the efficiencieS which will be
shown will undoubtedly justify-the wis
dom of such course. The interests of
the laboring man are being carefully
safeguarded by the government so that
years will not be lost in the stress of
war. All farseeing men demand that
the conditions surrounding the labOrer
shall be just and fair not only to win
justice.
mo man can take issue with the gov
eminent of the United. States as it is
now constituted over this Self-evident
by all classes equally and in increasing
measure until "a victorious peace shall
come.
Nov will you pardon a few per-
sonal illusions. For five years |
have been engaged in government work
in Washington. All my energies during
that time have been devoted to the
preservation of industrial democracy in
commerce free for the small business of
the country SO that the small Ford
might have the same right of way as
the big Packard on the roads, so that
crushed or harmed by those who
through power of money and selfish
greed seek to control and monopolize
the market.
terest. With other members of the fed
eral trade commission l have had the
qualification of hearing small business
men say that their business would have
their life work tragedy if it had not
been for our activity. It has been a
great privilege to be engaged in such
work and with the confidence of one of
the greatest men in the world. the pres
ident Of the United States.
1T has been professional gratifica--
ton to be able to assist committees of
the United States senate and house in
the preparation Of laws that made to-
ward the amelioration of the working
condition of the laboring man. the pro-
lection of the small business man, and
the furtherance Of American industry
in foreign fields. There has also been a
great satisfaction in the war work we
have been engaged in.
Studied Labor Situations.
For months last past with my con-
freres on the commission we have been
scientifically and intensively Investigate
ing for the purpose of protecting the
public interests, conditions affecting
prices of foodstuffs and the prices of the
basic materials which the people and
privilege to sit in conference with rep
resentatives of labor like Samuel Com
pers and Hugh Franey and great repre-
sentatives of industry like Messrs. Cof-
sentatlves of the government work out
plans and systems that would most eff
fectlvely aid the government in this
great crisis and in the prosecution of
the war. To participate in the second
line of defense in the protection of do
mestic conditions in this great crisis of
civilization afforded splendid opportunity
for service.
to offer myself as a candidate for the
senate in this crisis in the history of
our state. Wisconsin is my home. 1t
is very dear to me- What I am l owe
much to it. My body was nourished
by products of it's soil. My mind is
the result of the training which came
from it's schools and it's great uniVer-
sity. The good name of my state is like
the good name of my home-vitally close
to my life.
"It is a matter of pride to me that the
leaders of my party weeks ago offered
to the majority political party of this
state, a plan of fusion which would
insure the return to the senate of some
man who would certainly sustain his
country in all things. 1t was a sorrow
to me to find that this offer was re-
jected.
Will Place State Back of Nation.
There remained nothing else then
to do, but to make party nominations.
My party organized and many of the
strong men of this state, who for many
years have been leaders in the party,
urged upon me that 1 become a candi-
date for the nomination of the Demo-
cratic party, because by practical unan-
unity of opinion among the leaders of
the party it was felt, /, because of my
association with the administration,
could make the issue clear. This call
was supplemented by the request of a
committee of representative nonpartisan
business men.
Under such circumstances I was glad
chairman of the federal trade commits
sion to devote my whole time and en-
ergy to this end.
no CHI no tod 70 ~