Evening star., 1928-06-14
The Tariff

We reaffirm our belief in the protec-
tive tariff as a fundamental and essen
tial principle Of the economic life OF
| this Nation. While certain provisions
of the present law require revision in
the light OF changes in the world COM
petitlye situation since its enactment
the record Of the United States since
1922 clearly shows that the fundamen-
tai protective principle of the law has
been fully justified. 1t has stimulated
| the development of our natural re-
sources, provided fuller employment at
higher wages through the promotion of
industrial activity, assured thereby the
continuance OF the farmers major mar
ket and further raised the standards of
living and general comfort. and we'll
being Of our people The great expan-
sion in the wealth Of our Nation during
the past so years. and particularly in
the past decade. could not have been
accomplished without protective tariff
system designed 10 promote the vital in
terests Of all classes.
Revision Pledged.
Nor have these manifest benefits been
restricted to any particular section OF
the country. They are enjoyed through
out the land either directly or indirect
ly Their stimulus has been felt in in
dustrieS. farming sections, trade circles
and communities in every quarter How
ever. We realize that there are certain
industries which cannot now success
fully compete with foreign producers
because Of lower foreign wages and a
lower cost OF living abroad, and VIC
| pledge the next Republican Congress to
an examination and where necessary a
revision Of these schedules TO the end
| that American labor In these industries
may again command the home market
may maintain It's standard Of living
and may count upon steady employ
ment in Its accustomed field
Adherence 10 that policy is essential
for the continued prosperity Of the
country, Under 1t the standard Of liy-
Ing OF the American people has been
raised to the highest levels ever known
It's example has been eagerly followed
by the rest Of the world. whose ex-
perts have repeatedly reported with ap-
proval the relationship Of this policy tC
our prosperity, With the resultant emu.
! iation OF that example by other nations
Tariff Vital to Agriculture.
A protective tariff is as vital Il
American agriculture az it Is to Amer
lean manufacturing. The Republican
party believes that the home market
built up under the protective policy
belongs 10 the American farmer, and
IL pledges its support Of legislation
which viii give this market To him u
the full extent Of his ability TO supply
/ H. Agriculture derives large benefits
not only directly from the protective
duties levied on competitive farm prod.
uct8 Of foreign origin, but also, In.
directly. from the increase In the plir.
chasing power of American workmer
employed In industries similarly pro-
tected. These benefits extend also Il
| persons engaged In trade, tranSporta'
1 ti0n and other activities
The tariff act Of 1922 has justified
/ Itself In the expansion Of cur foreign
/ trade during the last five years. OuI
| domestic exports have increased from
| 30 billions Of dollars IN 1922 TO Al
billions In 1877. During the sam'
| period imports have increased from 81
billions 10 A billions. Contrary "a
/ the prophcSles OF It's critics, the pres
ent tariff law has not hampered tn
/ natural growth In the ezportati0n u
the products of American agriculture
! industry and mining, nor has ~ re-
/ stricted the importation Of foreigf
/ commodities which this country car
utilize without jeoDardizlng itg eco
] IOnlic structure.
America Largest Customer.
The United States is the largest Gus
/ toner in the world today. II We Wer'
/ not IY0speF0uE and able ~ buy, IN
/. rest Of the world alto would suffer. i
/. ig iDc0nceigaDie that American lab0
!. viii ever consent 70 the abolition o
! protection which would bring w
American standard 81 living down y
the ieyel Of that in Europe, or tha
me American farmer could survive
/ tie enormous consuming power oi IN
people iB this country WAS cuftalle'
and lte market at home, II not de
stroyed, al least seriously impaired.