Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1920-08-13
HARDING To MAKE
TARIFF AN ISSUE
Tells California Fruit Growers He
Favors Protection Against
"Demoralized Europe"

| Marion, Ohio Aug 13 That he would
make the Republican policy Of n pro-
tectlvc tariff one Of the issues in the cam
paign was indicated by Senator Harding
Yesterday.
American markets cannot be svs-
tematicailv surrendered TO foreign pro-
ducers, however kindly we may feel
toward our allies, he telegraphed in reply
TO message from State Senator Frank II.
Flint of California, who wrote that fruit
producers of that State looked to the Re-
publican candidate for relief from condi-
tions resulting from foreign competition.
There had been no evidence at Harding
headquarters that the senator was con-
sidering the tariff situation at this time
His only reference TO it in his speech OF
acceptance was when he reafEirmed his
belief in a protective policy, confident
that we will be calling for its saving
AmericanIsm again.
Aside from offering hope to a section OF
the country which incurred heavy losses III
last year fruit crop, Senator HardIngs
telegram Is interpreted as cheering news To
old-line Republicans, to whom the pro-
tective tariff always has been a favorite
issue.
Hitherto his efforts have been exerted
largely TO accomplish the return 10 the
Republican party of former Progresslves,
delaying defining his new association of
nations possibly until the campaign
wakes warmer.
II is also thought that the Harding mes
sage to California may be effective i'll an
tlcIpatlng and counteractlpg Governor
Coxs projected tour to the Pacific coast
Senator Harding's telegram to State
Senator Flint read:
Your telegram describing the depressed
condition of the California lemon in
dustTy suggests several things | feel an
especial concern for the California fruit
industries because they have given to the
country a splendid Illustration of the
managed cooperation.
California; fruits could not have |
gained the great market and repute they |
have but for the working of the big CO. |
operative marketing associations, on which |
production, distribution, transportation |
and financial organization have all been !
co-ordlnated to give service to both pro- I
ducer and consumer at the least possible T
cost. Therefore, 1t IS especially necessary
that the great industry should not be I
permitted to suffer because of maladjust-
ment of tariff rates
This is a complete illustration of the |
impossbility of sacrificing our own
American people for the benefit of other
Siciian lemons, owing TO
demoralized after-war conditions, dis
torted rates of exchange and extraordinary
pressure to get business, can compete in
markets with the home product,
and gain the business
But American markets cannot be
Systematically surrendered to foreign
producers, however kindly we may feel
toward our allies, and the conditions that
your industry faces are precisely those
that many others do now, or will later con-
front unless proper protection is given, in
view of the extraordinary conditions in the
world.
THE Republican method of giving first
attention to American interests rather
than to those of other continents will in
sure against disater TO industries situated
as rs this one. To such IA policy | gladly
subscribe
The message from State Senator Flint.
which inspired the Harding telegram,
read:
Southern California lemon growers.
severely from initiation of low
Larrf, Siclian lemons. Prices far below
actual cost of production and ST. rs below
.en-year average. California perishabie
ruit industry facing inadequate proteo-
non against demoralzed Europe. Com
petition made more aggravating by In
'reasing freight rates and by fact that
ome European governments grant sub
ldy to their industries likely to affect well
are OF American producers.
Fifteen thousand California fruit grow
RS look to the Republican Presidential
candidate for hope of relief from threaten
ng state of affairs"
Senator Harding is reconsidering his
Ieclsion. not to forsake his front porch
'eiore the first of October, and probably
VII deliver an important agricultural
adress at one OF the v@rious rmers
tate conventions In the Middle West
ext month.