The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1918-03-16
FREE TRADE-WHAT?

work of the organization, in which he says:
sit is our belief that in the settlement to be
at the close of the war, the adjustment
of the economic relations between nations must
constitute an important factor. We hold that
freedom Of trade relations will be an important
influence in securing and in maintaining peace
among the nations. Probably no one doubts
that economic relations will have an important
place on the readjustment program. That
freedom of trade relations will be an important
influence in securing and maintaining peace, IS
the belief pretty generally held, notwithstand-
ing the proposal for the establishment of an
economic boycott against Germany. President
Wilson has spoken for this freedom, at the same
time leaving it to be inferred that Germany
will not be permitted to share its benefits I'M
less she gives nnmistakable evidence of her
purpose to become and to remain a peaceful
nation.
But while the president was not thinking OF
free trade when he talked of economic freedom,
1T seems that Mr.. Putnam has it in mind. Con-
Itinuing his letter he says: The Free Trade
League in emphasizing the relations between
of trade and the worlds peace wants
to do what is practicable to modify, in advance
of the settlement that is to follow the wal, the
protective policy of the United States, a policy
which itself dates back to the necessities OF
war" It is too early to forecast the reshaping
of tariff policies. That changes will be made
lis certain, but it is altogether improbable that,
$50 far as this country is concerned, they Will
be toward a smaller measure OF protection.
Even in England there are indications OF a
change in sentiment respecting free trade, and
some observers believe they have discovered
jlanings toward protection in that country.
Fortunately, we have IN the tariff commls-
- - L.J,- o~,,patar4 IN crothor nv aaf 1nfOrma A.
ton bearing on all phases of the tariff question.
The commission has shown a disposition to CO.
operate with manufacturers in getting at facts
concerning industries established or developed
since the beginning of the wal, and its reports
will be valuable and important. That they
will encourage freedom of trade is not more
certain than that the United States is thinking
of abandoning the policy of protection.
Now at last the Rev. William Sunday has
taken a position of which most people, lnclud-
ing his former critics, will approve. He IN
tends, he says, to go to France and ask Gen
eral Pershing for a rifle with which "to take
a crack at the weasel faced kaiser with the
shrunken arm" Mr.. Sunday is an athlete
presumably equal to all the strenuosities OF
trench life, and his Americanism is ardent and
intense. It seems more probable, however,
that his services will be utilized to better advan-
tage in the sshuts'' behind the lines where his
Iurid rhetoric of imprecation against the 'Pots.
dam gang" as Mr.. Taft appropriately calls
them, will be highly appreciated.
Japan's threat to land on Russian soil shocks
Germany, according to a despatch from The
Hague. This is nothing to the shock which
Germany Will get if Japan ever lands on her.
The time is certainly out of joint. Here is
George Creel, director of the federal bureau
of publicity, who now wants to publish some
real news and the army won't let him.
None should take exception to Trotsky's
esignation as bolshevik foreign minister unless
it means that he intends to make this country
his home again.
1t seems definitely established that the Ger
mans knew where our troops were at the front,
thus relieving George Creel OF troublesome
doubt.
Another yellow peril! Shipment OF SIX mil
! hon eggs from China is announced