Pueblo chieftain., 1921-12-07

1
not only denied to others. but
| commended to them. We seek to un-
| dermine for others no industry by
which they subsist; we are obliged to
our. own which make for employment
and maintained activities.
Every contemplation. it little mat
ters In which direction one turns.
magnifies the difficulty of tariff legis-
vision is masnihed with it. Doubt
less We are justified in seeking a more
flexible policy than we have provided
heretofore. l hope way will be
found to make for flexibility and
| 1usted to meet unusual and changing
conditions, which cannot be accurate
~ anticipated. There are problems
incident to unfair practices, and to
have made almost unsolvable
know of no manner in which to effect
this flexibility other than the extension
OF the powers OF the tariff commits
sion. SO that it can adapt itself to 4
scientific and wholly Just admintstra-
| tion of the law.
am not unmindful of the constitu-
tional difficulties These can be met
by giving authority to the chief exec
utive who could proclaim additional
duties to meet conditions, which the
congress may designate.
At this point l must disavow any
desire to enlarge the executives pow
: erS or add to the responsibilities Of
the office. They are already too large.
J II there were any other plan would
prefer it.
The grant OF authority to proclaim
would necessarily bring the tariff COM
mission new and enlarged activities
because no executive could discharge
such duty except upon the informa-
ton acquired and recommendations by
this commission. But the plan is feas-
iole and the proper functioning of the
board would give US better adminis-
trauon OF a defined policy than ever
can be made possible by tariff duties
prescribed without flexibility.
There Is manifest difference of
opinion about the American valuation
Many nations have adopted delivery
valuation as the basis for collecting
duties; that is. they take the cost Of
the imports delivered at the port of
entry as the basis for levyinE duty
It Is no radical departure, in view Of
the varying conditions and the disord-
vide for American valuation. but there
can not be ignored the danger of such
a valuation brought to the level of our
own production costs, making our tar
ms prohibitive. 1. might do SO in
many instances where Imports ought
to be encouraged. I believe congress
ought we'll to consider the desira bility
or the only promising alternative
namely. q provision authorizing pro-
claimed American valuation, under
prescribed conditions, on any Gtyen list
OF articles imported
In this proposed fiex.biiity, authoriz-
Ing increases TO meet conditions so
likely to change, there should also be
provision for decreases. A rate may
De Just today and entirely out of pro-
tartns are to be made eouft a Bile. and
not necessarily burden our imports and
hinder our trade abroad. FREQUENT ad-
1ustments will be necessary FOR wears
TO come: Knowing tho impossibiiity
or modification by act Of congress for
any one or score of lines without
involving . long array of schedules,
1 think we shall go a long ways to-
ward stabilization, II there IS recos-
milton Of the tariff commissions fitness
lamation. r''S
am sure about public opinion favor
ing the early determination OF our tar
iff policy. There have been rcassur-
Ing signs Of business revival from
the deep slump which all the world
has been experiencing. Our unemploy-
ment which gave us deep concern. only
Few weeks ago. has grown encourag-
insly less and new assurances and re-
rewed confidence will attend the con-
gressional declaration that American
industry will be held secure
ee" nus peefi eald ABOUT the pro-
tective policy for ourselves making IL
impossible for our debtors to discharre
their obligations to us This is a con-
tention not now pressing for decision.
II we must choose between n pcopla
IN idleness pressing for the payment
OF Indebtedness. or people resuming
tho normal ways OF employment and
carrying the credit. let US choore the
latter.
sometimes We appraise largest the
human Ill most vivid in our minds. we
have been giving. and are giving now,
OF our influence and appeals to mini
mize the likelihood OF war and throw
Off the crushing burdens of armament.
II is all very earnest, with a national
soul impelling. But a people untm-
ployed and g~unt with hunger. face
situation quite as dishearteninE as
war and our greater obligation today
IL to do the governments part toward
resumins productivity and promoting
fortunate and remunerative employ
ment.
something more than tariff protec-
tion is required by American aKricul-
ture. To the farm has come the earlier
and tho heavier burdens of readjust-
ment. There is actual depression In
our agriculture Industry, while aRricuI-
turai prosperity is absolutely essential
to the general prosperity OF the coun-
try.
Congress has sought very earnestly
to provide relief II has promptly
given such temporary relief as has
been possible. but tho call is insistent
for the permanent solution. 1t ia in
evitablc that larger 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.
It is rather shocking to be told and
TO have the statement strongly sup
ported. that 5000. 900 bales Of cotton.
raised on American plantations In
given year. actually will be worth
moro TO the producers than 13.0o0.0 900
bales would have been. Equally shock