THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUALITY 197 



tection solely as vested interests. Undoubtedly, when protection has 

 once been applied to an industry, it should not be abruptly withdrawn. 

 This is hardly a reason, however, for according protection in the first 

 instance. When tariff bills have been under consideration, Washington 

 has been literally besieged by lobbyists. Private ends rather than con- 

 sideration for the public welfare lead men to overcrowd the hotel ac- 

 commodations of the capitol. Presumably the expectations of selfish 

 interests have in a measure been realized or they would long since have 

 ceased to flock to Washington. Even the most ardent believer in "the 

 economic harmonies" will hardly maintain that such a condition is 

 consistent with the public weal. It is commonly believed that " cam- 

 paign contributions " have been the price of a generous measure of pro- 

 tection. " Jokers " have found their way into tariff acts with alarming 

 frequency. It is not surprising, therefore, that protection has suffered 

 a partial eclipse. In fact, the most serious objection to protection is 

 that it undermines the tone of public life. To meet this objection, its 

 more discreet advocates have from time to time favored a tariff com- 

 mission. A tariff commission has also been favored by some with a view 

 to postponing or moderating a drastic cut in duties. The arguments 

 which have done most to uphold protection have been in the main those 

 of doubtful validity. The arguments entitled to respect have had little 

 to do with its popularity. In spite of the frequency of tariff discussions, 

 there are few subjects on which there is more loose thinking. 



Three things have made the lobbyist a special menace to our public 

 life. The first is government by committees which, according to James 

 Bryce, "gives facilities for the exercise of underhand and even corrupt 

 influence." 17 The second is the spirit of ultra-individualism which 

 places private above public ends. The third is the insatiable desire to 

 amass great wealth and to enjoy the material comforts of life. Great 

 wealth has frequently been the stepping stone to social and political 

 preferment. To ape the well-to-do in the exterior signs of comfort is 

 with many a ruling passion. Happily, however, a reaction is well under 

 way. The misuse of wealth has brought men of large means under 

 suspicion. A large fortune has become a doubtful asset to a man seek- 

 ing political advancement. The rising tide of idealism is saving us 

 from moral degradation. The unscrupulous business man, labor leader 

 and politician have antagonized the conscience and have aroused the 

 public spirit of a nation. There is a stronger demand for moral earnest- 

 ness in the public servant. The sins of the insurance companies helped 

 to make Mr. Hughes governor of New York. 



{To be continued.) 

 " "The American Commonwealth," edition of 1910, Vol. 1, p. 162. 



