Jasper County Democrat, Volume 13, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 July 1910 — HON. JOHN B. PETERSON [ARTICLE]

HON. JOHN B. PETERSON

On the Political Issues as He Sees Them. SPEECH HAS THE RIGHT RIN6. Democratic Candidate for Congress, Defines His Position On Political Issues In a Speech Before the Tippecanoe County Democratic Convention Held, at Lafayette.

At the Tippecanoe county democratic convention at LafayeJtte last Saturday, Hon. John B. Peterson, democratic candidate for congress from this district, was one of the speaker and made himself clear as to his position on the political issues of the day. Mr. Peterson said: “Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Convention: jS . . “I fully appreciate that this Is not the time or place to make an extended political speech. You have other matters whidh, at this time, are of more importance; it may not, however, be out ot place for me to briefly define my position upon what I conceive to be the important questions in issue betwen the great political parties in this campaign. “I believe in the principles enunciated in the democratic platform adopted at state convention. “I indorse, and pledge myself, if elected to Congress, to use my . best efforts in carrying out the doctrines set forth in the several resoluions passed by the Democratic Congressional Convention at which I was nominated. “It would seem this were sufficient and all that could be expected of a candidate. “I am fearful, however, that recent experiences have been such that the people will require hereafter very definite statements rather than indefinite generalities. It would not be sufficient for a candidate to say that he is in favor of a revision or change of any condition without stating specifically in what direction such revision or change is to be made. I have no objection to being specific; I desire the people to understand exactly .how I construe the declarations contained in these platforms to the end that they may know how I stand upon the important issues o the day. “I believe that the paramount and all-important issue between the two great political parties is, whether the present system of high protective duties shall be maintained upon all useful and necessary articles, thus greatly increasing their price to consumers and thereby resulting in the unprecedented high cost of living we are now experiencing, or whether such duties shall be materially lowered and the cost of the necessities of life thereby dimished. “It is an undisputed fact that this system of protection is the fruitful source which has resulted in the formation and maintainance of trusts and combinations which control tlhe production as well as the price of practically all the necessities .01 life. “The party in power at this time stands unalterably committed to this system of high protective tariff. 'Biis is manifest from the unqualified approval of President Taft on the PayneAldrich bill. My opponent, Judge Crumpacker, is also committed to this system —he was a member of the committee that framed the Payne-Aldrich bill; the signed the majority report reporting it to Congress, and voted for its passage. ~ - . “I am emphatically opposed to this system of high protective tariff. I believe in the doctrine of a tariff for revenue only. “This does riot mean free

trade. I construe it to mean phat such articles of general use lumber, hides, glass, wool, dotton, etc., be placed on the free list. That such duties be levied upon articles manufactured, in this country as will insure to our manufacturers the cost of product ion *and a fair and reasonable profit. Any less is unfair to the producer and any more is unjust to the consumer: “This will enable manufacturers to pay fair wages and injure continuous employment to workmen. “Senator Beveridge claims this to be his doctrine. It, however, has been a principle of democracy long before the Senator ever thought of it. I am also aware of, tfoe fact that a very considerable element of the republican party is in full accord with this sentiment. With them I have no contention. L’i, der such an adjustment of the tariff it will not be possible for trusts and combinations to long survive. “Changes which will produce the foregoing results should be brought about by a gradual reduction, and in such a manner as not to disturb the business interests of the country. “We must see to it that all the affairs of government, national: state and county, are honestly and economically admim l.stered: ; that - favoritism and graft, if any exist, be suppressed and punished to the end that the burden of taxation be reduced, and that we get full value for money expended for public improvements. “The present administration is responsible for the dismissal from office of Mr. Pinchot and others who were honestly endeavoring to protect the interests of the government, and for the retention in office of Mr. Ballinger who has been shown to be either incompetent or otherwise unfit for the high position he holds.

-“I heartily approve, and, should I be elected, will support and do all in my power to cause to be passed what is commonly called the “dollar a ‘ day pension bill.” “The Spectacle of a few men dictating the policy of government f for the benefit of certain classes, and against the interests of all others, should be condemned. Such has been the course of Mr. Cannon and Senator Aldrich for many years. “There seems to be a wide difference in the opinion of many who have heretofore ' affliliated in the same (political faith. This is a time when all recognize the fact that to be right in principle is more Important than party or men,. _ ' - - "This is not a time for sensationalism or fanaticism; wfhat the people want is a return to sound business principles.”