Evening journal., 1921-03-21
SUSPICION mAuNTs THE GUILTY MIND.

A Baltimore publication is exercised much over the
N assertion that Germany is endeayorng to influence
legislation the United states by delaying tarin egsa-
ton This is hardly probable Notwithstanding The large
interest that nation would have in continuance OF the
present tariff policy Of the United states
or course as Delawareans know Germany like all other
European Asiatc nations prefers for the United
States the free trade policy OF the Democratic party but
it is not likely that Germany, more han any oher
nation, trying to influence tariff legislation
The suggestion Of foreign interference domestic
affairs nothing It has been reported from time to
time that British capital has controlling interest in
number Of newspapers and periodicals that have been
consistent supporters OF free trade policy for America
or that have been active advocates OF American partc
patton in the League Of Nations. Investment OF British
capital in this has been proven and in the
nature OF things Il could we'll be proven, true
British industry could well afford to finance free trade
propaganda in the United states and endeavor 10 induce
the United states to bind itself to the obligations OF the
League OF Nations covenant hut that is not proof that
IL does
Says the Baltimore paper: There is no man in Con
gress who can oppose defensive legislation who does not
expose himself thereby to the suspicion Of being subject
to German influence"
That is pretty strong statement and hardly usthabe
Opposition 10 protective tariff legislation is no more in
te interest OF Germany than OF Great Britain or Japan
Because the publisher OF newspaper zeaousiy advo-
Gates the United states entering the League Of Nations
the form proposed at the Peace Conference we would
not charge him with being subject TO British Influence,
although there are, Of course, many who would.
The man VINO advocates free trade for the United States
may be honest in his motives but ignorant Of the i'm
portant principles OF economics
Likewise, man VINO would bind the United States TO a
League OF Nations in which Great Britain would have a
dominating voice might also be honest in his motives
hut blind TO the consequences OF such
II is true that by opposing protective tariff legislation
endeavoring to subject the United States to the obga
tions OF the League OF Nations covenant man is working
for the benefit OF foreign countries but would hate
10 think determined his with that end in view
Certainly wouldn't accuse him Of being under Ger
man or British Japanese influence. In endeayorng to
determine whether he should be set down fool or
knave would give him the benefit OF any doubt and
concede his loyalty ~ America, remembering, however,
that good intentions overcome the effect OF
evil actions
Those who attribute the attitude OF such to German
OF British influence OF course exercising their rights
as American citizens We only hope that they will exert
their years hence to keep all such men out
Of Congress, regardless OF the reasons which may have
determined their opposition 10 American protective
tariff policy their desire to abandon Americas rad
nonal policy OF avoiding foreign entanglements.