Evening star., 1921-12-06

delivered at the port Of entry as the
basis Of levying duty. 1t Is no radical
departure. in view of varying condi-
tions and the disordered state Of
money values. to provide for Ameri-
can valuation, but there cannot be
ignored the danger of such valua-
tion, brought to the level Of our own
production costs, making our tariffs
prohibitive. 1t might do SO in many
instances where imports ought to be
encouraged. believe Congress ought
well consider the desirability Of the
only promising alternative, namely,
a provision authorizing proclaimed
American valuation, under prescribed
conditions. on any given list Of ar
ticles imported
TariR Adjustment Necessary.
In this proposed flexibility, au-
thorizing increases to meet condi-
tions so likely to change, there
should also be provision for de-
creases. A rate may be just today
and entirely out of proportion six
months from today. If our tariffs
are to be made equitable. and not
necessarily burden our imports
and hinder our trade abroad. fire.
quent adjustment will be necessary
for years to come. Knowing the
impossibility of modification by
act of Congress for any one or a
score of lines without involving a
long array of schedules, l think
we shall go a long ways toward
stabilization If there is recognition
Of the Tariff Commissions fitness to
recommend urgent changes by
proclamation.
1 am sure about public opinion
favoring the early determination
of our tariff policy. There have
been reassuring signs of a busi-
ness revival from the deep slump
which all the world has been ex-
periercing, Our unemployment,
which gave us deep concern only
a few weeks ago, has grown en-
encouraginsly less. and new assur-
ances and renewed confidence will
attend the congressional declara-
ton that American industry will
be held secure.
Much has been said about the
making it impossible for our debt
ors to discharge their obligations
to us. This is a contention not
now pressing for decision. If We
must choose between a people in
idleness pressing for the payment
of Indebtedness. or people re-
suming the normal ways Of en-
ployment and carrying the credit.
let US choose the latter. Sometimes
we appraise largest the human i'll
most vivid in our minds. We have
been giving. and are giving now.
of our influence and appeals to
minimize the likelihood Of war and
throw off the crushing burdens Of
armament. It is all very earnest.
with a national soul impelling.
But a people unemployed, and
gaunt with hunger. face a situa-
ton quite as disheartening as war.
and our greater obligation today
is to do the governments part
toward resuming productivity and
promoting fortunate and remunera-
tive employment.
Asks Relief for Farmer.
Something more than tariff pro-
lection is required by American
agriculture. To the farmer has
come the earlier and the heavier
burdens of readjustment There
is actual depression in our agri-
cultural industry, while agricul-
tural prosperity is absolutely es-
sential to the general prosperity
of the country.
Congress has sought very ear
nestly to provide relief. 1t has
promptly given such temporary
relief as has been possible. but the
call is insistent for the permanent
solution. 1t is inevitable that
large crops lower the prices and
short crops advance them. No
legislation can cure that funda-
mental law. But there must be
some economic solution for the
excessive variation in returns for
agricultural production.
1t Is rather shocking to be told.
and to have the statement strong
" supported, that 100000 bales
Of cotton, raised on American plan
tations in a given year, will actu-
ally be worth more to the produc-
ers than 100000 bales would
have been. Equally shocking is
the statement that 700.0oo.o00
bushels of wheat, raised by Ameri-
can farmers. would bring them
more money than billion bushels.
Yet they are not exaggerated
statements. In word, where there
are tens of millions who need food
and clothing which they cannot
get such a condition is sure to in
dict the social system which makes
it possible. lm-
Remedy in Marketing.
In the main, the remedy lies In
distribution and marketing. Every
proper encouragement should be
given to the cooperative marketing
programs. These have proven very
helpful to the cooperating COM
munities in Europe. In Russia the
cooperative community has be-.
come the recognized bulwark Of
law and order, and saved individ-
ualism from engulfment in social
paralysis. Ultimately they will be
accredited with the salvation OF
the Russian state.
There is the appeal for this ex-