Evening journal., 1921-12-06

viii be, n storm OF tOHhANtin5
opinion about any tariff revision.
We can not go far wrong when
be base our tariffs on the policy
of preserving the productive ac-
tivitles which enhance employment
and add TO our national prosper
ity. Again comes the reminder
that we must not be unmindful of
world conditions. that peoples are
struggling for industrial rehabili-
alton and that we cannot dwell /
in Industrial and commercial eX- /
clusion and at the same time do |
the just thing in aiding world re-
construction and readjustment |
We do not seek selfish aloof-
ness and we could not profit by 1t
were It possible. We recognize |
the necessity OF buying wherever
we sell and the permanency OF
trade lies in IFS acceptable OK
changes. In our pursuit Of mar
kcts we must give as well as re-
ceive. We cannot sell. TO others
who do not produce nor can we
buy unless we produce at home.
Sensible OF every obligation OF
humanity. commerce and finance,
linked as they are in the present
world condition, it is not to be
argued that we need destroy our
selves to be helpful to others.
with all my heart / wish restora-
ton to the peoples blighted by the
awful world war but the process Of
restoration does not lie IN our ac-
coptance OF like conditions. 1T
were better to remain on firm
ground. strive for ample employ
ment and high stand OF wage at
home and ponit the way to bal
anced budgets, rigid economies
and resOlute. efficient work as the
necessary remedies to cure disas-
ter.
Everything relating to trade
among ourselves and among ma
tions has been expanded. excess
sive. inflated, abnormal, and there
is n madness in finance which no
American policy alone will cure.
We are creditor nation, not by
norGzal processes but made so by
war IL is not an unworthy sell
hshness to seek to save ourselves
when the processes Of that saliva
tiOn are not only not denied to
others. but commended to them.
We seek To undermine for others
no industry by which they subsist;
we are obligated 20 permit the
undermining of none OF our own
which make for employment and
maintained activities
Every contemplation. Il little
matters in which direction one
turns magnifes the difficulty OF
tariff legislation but the neces-
sity OF the revision Is magnified
with Il. Doubtless we are justi-
fed IN seeking a more flexible pol
icy than we have provided here
tofore / hope a way will be found
to make for heNibility and elas-
ticity. so that rates may be ad-
justed TO meet unusual and chang
ing conditions which cannot be
accurately anticipated. There are
problems incident to unfair prac-
tees and to exchanges and IN
which madness In money have
made almost unsolvable. know
OF no manner in which to effect
this fexibillty other than to OK
tension powers of the Tariff Com
mission so that it can adapt itself
10 scientific and wholly Just ad-
ministration OF the law.
I am not unmindful OF the con-
stitutional difficulties. This can be
met by giving authority to the
Chief Executive who could pro-
claim additional duties which the
Congress may designate.
At this point I must disavow
any desire 20 enlarge the execu
tive's powers or add to the re-
sponsibilitios OF the office They
arc already too large. II thcr,
were any plan 1 would prefer Il.
Tho grant Of authority to pro.
claim would necessarily bring tn,
Tariff Commission into new and
enlarged activities because no ex
ecutive could discharge such Z
duty except upon information &C
CURED and recommendations mad,
by this commission. But the pla,
is feasible and the proper func
tioning OF the board would civ
us better administration OF dc
hned policy than ever can be mad
possible by tariff duties prescrib
ed without feasibility.
There Is a manifest differenc
OF opinion about the merits q
American valuation. Many nation
have adopted delivery valuatlo
as the basis for collecting dutie,
that is they take the cost OF m
imports delivered az the port ,
entry as the basis for levin
duty Il is no radical deportur
in view OF varying conditions an
the disordered state Of mono
values, to provide for America
calculation but there cannot I
ignored the danger OF such
valuation. brought to the levo
our own production costs, makir
our tariffs prohibitive. It might Z
so In many instances where in
ports ought to be encouraged.
believe Congress ought we'll col
slider the desirability Of the on
promising alternative namely
provision authorizing proclaime
American valuation under pr
scribed conditions on any given n
OF articles imported.
In this proposed flexlbity al
thorizing increases TO meet cond
tions so hkely TO change thei
should also be provision for d,
creases. A rate may be just toda
and entirely out OF proportion
six months. II our tariffs are
be made equitable and not necei
sarily burden our imports an
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