Jasper County Democrat, Volume 9, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 September 1906 — A REPUBLICAN DILEMMA. [ARTICLE]

A REPUBLICAN DILEMMA.

With a Democratic House, Will the G. O. P. Continue to Stand Pats Some discussion is going on about what the Republicans would do toward revising the tariff If the Democrats elect a majority of the next congress. Such a slap in the face to the vested interests as to have to settle with a Democratic majority would bring protectionism to the point where It would be politically dangerous to stand pat any longer. As protectionism is the principal issue in the present campaign for congress, the defeat of the Republicans would be a declaration by the majority of the voters of the country for tariff reform. Could the Republican leaders afford to Ignore such a mandate by refusing next winter to pass a tariff revision bill at the session of the present congress or would they continue to stand pat and allows the trusts and combines to continue their legalized plundering of the American people? What would President Roosevelt do In such a dilemma? Would he call congress in special session or continue to stand pat, notwithstanding the expression of public opinion that protection to trusts must cease? To attempt to postpone the matter until the regular session of the Sixtieth congress convenes In December, 1907, would only bring the issue more plainly before the people in the following optional campaign. The Democratic majority of the house of representatives would of coarse pass a tariff reform measure, and the Republican senate would have to reject It or amend and pass it. To amend It in the interest of tbe trusts and protected monopolists, or refuse to consider It, would only add fuel to the popular fire that has been for some time difficult to keep within control. It will be an Interesting political condition that the Republicans will have to face If the voters decide to elect a Democratic majority to the Sixtieth congress.