Evening journal., 1921-05-19
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1921
BADLY woRDED BALLOT.

r.RoRARfY no orranization which has been perfected
in America is more entitled 10 respect is more ad-
rahlv correlated or is more imbued with the sincere
desire to do The right thing by the country as Whole
han is the United states Chamber Of Commerce But
Inc referendum ballot on the tariff framed for the con-
deraton OF the various sitting in afternoon ses-
sion al the Atlantic City convention recently was so
orded As 10 display either profound ignorance OF the
american tariff policy desire ooyery to reprobate
that pocy and greater interest for the foreigner in our
market than for the American in the foreign market
group Of free traders framing questions for Re
niihlican tariff committee could not have phrased them
more ingenuously. As consequence the ballot ran the
gauntlet OF hot criticism and Of the groups, at least
ned for the active vice-president Of the Chamber to
Interpret the questions task in which he sgnay failed
The referendum submitted contained the following ques-
lions:
Express your opinion each one Of the following
three questions Vote in favor or opposed each
~i. should the tarir be framed with due regard to
Export trade as well as to protection of manufacturing
N the United States?
80 Should the economic needs Of foreign countries
md the fact that creditor nation alter our
arin policy with respect to protection?
80 should the United States tariff offer trading or bar
saning possibilities FOR international commercial treaties
20 encourage export trade?'
II will be noted at the outset that the frst question
snores protection to agriculture, yet the agricultural
erests were sggressyey represented at the convention
md that point did not escape them II also suggests th
democratic bugaboo. retaliation" Il suggests that
he framing OF the tariff primary regard should be ha
Tor export trade while protection TO manufacturing msh
eceve secondary consideration As matter OF fact VIZ
must nrs protect manufactures before the resultns
maximum operation and consequent lower unit cost Will
sye US a chance in foreign fields
The second question again artully suggests rst con-
liberation OF foreign countries. might well have
cad Now look out, boys Remember foreign countries
we Us billions Of dollars and they must pay with goods
instead Of gold. They have economic need Of dom-
aing position in the American market"
The third question suggests reciprocity, bargaining
t-.ns. any other quid pro quo wherein group o
Interests ihis country might get the "quid The FOR
zne- would e., the quo" and the American interest
se-idcsd would get the quash. When the Chambers in
srpreter was called TO up this question ne sal
meant should we have tariff providing for say max
nun and minimum rates. which the President could al
n his discretion in securing preferential ireatme
p American goods In foreign markets.
Tis was an unfortunate Interpretation, Tor the MAJ
um and minimum clause intended as ba
ming clause. li is penaiizing clause. II any count
eliminates against not favor OF American goods.
sn goods coming here 70 be subjected 70 the sc
.. tariff rates plus the penslizng or maximum "a
divided in the law.
Is Is lhe hope and ambition Of the Chamber Of Cor
erce % Be helpful 20 Congress in matters or egsiao
30 tie Congressman 0f either party who would stud
se referendum on these questions and the question
snsslyes would chuck the whole thing in his was
lssei ss silly.
TIE Governments desires. and needs The aid OF n
sn5er bui not mat SORT o. aid.