The Delta independent., 1921-04-01

| the things they do are fatal to the
future well-being of their county, they
must expect criticism. This is more
than ever true when they obstruct
the majority and employ their techni-
cal power of delay to prevent an en-
acment favored not only by the House
of Representatives and recommended
| by the President, but also favored
| by a large majority in the Senate it.
self
There is history back of this entire
situation. The statesmen who went to
Paris to write the Peace Treaty were
we'll aware that a mere physical dis
armament of Germany would be a gro
tesque provision against the later at
tack by that nation. They favored not
! merely the destruction of the Ger
man navy and the disbandment of
the Germany army, but they also ex-
pected to compel the Germans to dis
close their chemical secrets. vital in
warfare and the dismantlement of
huge chemical works was contem-
plated. This essential and wise course
was prevented by President Wilson,
who advanced the idea that the AL
lies and the United States could ade-
quately protect themselves by build
ing up their own chemical industries,
favored compelling the Germans to
disclosed their chemical secrets. which
they have not done. but he wanted
each individual nation to protect it.
self
That is what all of the chief Allies
and neutral nations have done-all
except the United States Over in
England the Government listened to
all the arguments against protection
of the British dye industry and then
promptly enacted, last month, the
most drastic sort of legislation to as
sure absolutely that the German chem
ical industry would not ruin that of
Great Britain. She carried out the un-
derstanding that had been reached in
Paris. 1t is more than passing strange,
however, that every effort to carry
United States has been prevented by
filibusters or threats of filibusters in
the Senate. 1t is amazing but 1t is
true.
1t is fact that the Germans have
not yet yielded up their war method
of extracting nitrogen from the air.
The methods we have are obsolete.
and we know it. But the final Haber
process we have not got 1t will be
got. in one way or another, but it has
not yet been got.
II gentlemen wish to continue the
argument on the dye bill. let them do
so. but not with the gates open. The
barriers must at least be kept up un-
til definite decision has been
reached. This can be done by passage
of a joint resolution extending the
and providing funds wherewith to
support 1t. The Longworthe bill it.
self ought to be passed. 1t is the SEN
sible and proper course. But, failing
that, the next best course Is emer-
gency protection of the chemical in
dustry pending a final decision by the
next Congress on a definite national
policy.
The absolutely essential character
Of the dye industry in relation to ma
tional defense is not question OF
conjecture or of theory. 1t has been
demonstrated with mathematical ac-
curacy, and 1t can be so demonstrated
at any time. before any committee or
any jury. Indeed. It is admitted even
by the opponents OF the Longworth
bill. They claim, however that the In
dustry can be protected adequately
by tariffs. The facts are all against
them. Tariffs are for honest men. in
pure commerce. Control of the Amer
ican dye market by the Germans is
not Inherently commercial undertake
ing at all. Germany can afford to give
away dyes in America II by 80 doing
she can destroy the American dye in
dustry. Dyes, with her. is preparedness
for war. Dyes, with us. can be nothing
else.
We would be safer without a gun
factory In the nation. a powder plant
or warship than without chemi-
cal industry and a chemical person.
mel equal to any others on earth