The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1925-04-14
PRESIDENT DEFENDS
THE PROTECTIVE TARIFF
SAYS PROTECTION OF INDUS
TRIES rs AN AMERICAN AND
NOT REPUBLICAN POLICY.
ADDRESSES MANUFACTURERS
No Encouragement Given to Cotton
Mill Men in Their Demand for Still
Higher Duty. Full Assistance in
Fighting the Boil Weevil.


ering structure of American industry
is complete vindication Of the protec-
tive tariff policy, President Coolidge
told the National Association OF Cot
ton Manufacturers in session here.
In the present and prospective in
dustrial situation Mr. Coolidge saw
justification of the tariff, and he again
pledged an administration of justice by
the government in its relations with
business.
He also promised full assistance by
the national government in fighting
the boil weevil andy indorsed the sug-
gestion for treaty of cooperation
among the cotton producing states.
The president reviewed at length
the problems of the cotton manufac-
turing industry, noting even the return
OF short skirts and the consequent re-
duction in consumption of cloth. He
added that he saw little prospect of
stab1lizing women's styles, and re-
marked that their constant changing
might make it difficult for manufac-
tuners, but mo doubt relieves monot-
ony and adds to the spice OF life"
Almost Uniform Policy.
Referring at length to the American
policy of protective tariff the president
said that from our national begin
nings it has been an almost uniform
policy to conserve to the American
producer the right of first opportunity
in the home market.
There has been at some times and
in some quarters a disposition to criti-
cize the American policy of conserv-
ing first opportunity in our home
market Tor our own producers. We can
hardly expect that such a program
would be popular with those who find
themselves placed at a disadvantage
i'll the greatest market in the world
But those who would charge us with
selhshness in thus giving first thought
to home interests would do we'll to
consider whether their own policies
in this regard are more liberal than
ours.
American, Not c. o. P. Policy.
The president took unique posi-
ton in identifying the protective prin-
ciple as an American policy instead
of a republican policy.
he gave the cotton men no encour-
agement in their desire for higher
duties. The president of the associa-
ton, Morgan Butler, son of Senator
Butler, of Massachusetts, who was the
presidents campaign manager and is
now chairman OF the republican ma
| tional committee, said in his speech
that the fine goods industry "has just
complaint as to the present tariff" An
other officer said that the cotton bust
ness has experienced the worst period
in its history
But President Coolidge struck a de-
cidedly different note He said the
trade was suffering from last years
overproduction, that the future held
much promise and that taken all in
all the mill owners ought to be feel
ing pretty good. He made no direct
mention of the immediate tariff pros
poets, but his complacent view on con-
ditions fitted snugly into the recent
white house remark that the president
had no plans for reopening the ques-
ton
No Serious Concern Ahead.
Although there has been something
of depression in certain branches of
the industry" he said. " a broad view
suggests no serious occasion for con-
Germ about its outlook. There was
measure of over-production in cotton
goods in 1923, from which the indus
try has not entirely recovered yet. The
excessive output OF that year left a
considerable surplus to be consumed
of P,54 xx,,4b he erra14sa1
provement of conditions throughout
the world we are entitled to view with
increasing assurance the outlook for
business in all directions, including, of
course, the great textile industry"
In discussing the governments re-
lations with business the president de-
clared enforcement of the law was es-
sential, but that it was necessary also
Tor industry to exercise the same Wig
lance
Free Trade Between States.
Answering those abroad and at home
who criticize the American policy of
conserving first opportunity for home
producers, President Coolidge said
that we had absolute free trade be-
tween the 48 states, the most widely
extended application of the free trade
theory to be witnessed anywhere in
the world, and that no monopolies
were held by the government on the
vast natural resources.
Whoever wanted them was free to
come here and buy our raw materials
at exactly the same prices as our own
people" he said. Export trade is duty
free.
when I have heard criticism of
our industrial policies | have been
tempted to wonder how many other
peoples endowed with the same nat
ural wealth would have been as gem
erous with the rest of mankind as the
Americans have BEEN" the president
added
"While our policy Of tariff protec-
ton is in line with the well-nigh uni
versal rule of the world, our policy
of absolute freedom in the export of
raw materials or primary products is
one of notable and exceptional liberal
ity."