The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1921-03-18
SUSPICION HAuNTs TIE GUILTY MIND

A Baltimore publication IS very much exercised
over the assertion that Germany is endeavoring TO in
fuence legislation in the United States biz delaying tar
If. This IS hardly probable notwithstanding the large
interest that nation would have in continuance Of the
present tariff policy q the United States.
OF course. Germany like AIT other European and
Asiatic nations, prefers for the United States the free
trade policy of the Democratic party but it IS likely
that Germany more than any other nation is trying 70
influence cur tariff legislation.
The suggestion Of foreign interference in our do
alestic affairs is nothing new. II has been reported
from time to time that British capital has a controlling
interest in a number Of newspapers and periodicals
that have been consistent supporters Of q free trade pol
icy for America or that have been active advocates Of
American participation in the League Of Nations. In
yestment Of British capital in this manner has never
been proven ana in the nature Of things it could not
well be proven. If true. British industry could we'll
afford to finance free trade propaganda in the United
states and endeavor to induce the United states to bind
itself to the obligations Of the League Of Nations COW
enant, but that is not proof that it does.
Says the Baltimor paper. There is no man in
Congress 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 just
ifable. Opposition to protective tariff legislation is no
more ia the interest OF Germany than Of Great Britain
or Japan. Because the publisher OF a newspaper zeal
Yusly advocates the United States entering the League
OF Nations in the form proposed at the Peace Confer
enoe We would not charge him with being subject to
british influence although there are, of course. many
who would. The man who advocates free trade for the
United States may be honest in his motives but ignor-
ant of the important principles of economics. Like
wise. a man who would bind the United States to a
League Of Nations IN which Great Britain would have
4 dominating voice might also be honest in his mot
ives but blind to the consequences Of such a course.
1t is true that by opposing protective tariff legis-
lation or endeavoring to subject the United States to
the obligations of the League of Nations covenant a
man is working for the benefit Of foreign countries, but
we would hate to think he determined his course with
that end in view. Certainly we wouldn't accuse him
Of being under German or British or japanese influence.
In endeavoring to determine whether he should be set
down as a fool or a knave we would give him the bene-
fit of any doubt and concede his loyalty to America. re-
Numbering, however, that good intentions can never
overcome the effect Of evil actions.
Those who attribute the attitude of such men to
German or British influence are. Of course, exercising
their rights as American citizens. We only hope that
they will exert their influence two years hence to keep
all such men out Of Congress regardless of the reasons
which may have determined their opposition To an
tmerican protective tariff policy or their desire to
abandon Americas traditional policy Of avoiding for
cign entanglements.
4 lot of persons act as II they would like to have
the law Of cause and effect repealed.