The Bitter Pill of Primary Politics
Defeated congressional candidate S. J. Harrison pledges support to his Republican rival, while warning of an industrial downturn post-World War I.
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S. J. Harrison, having been defeated in the congressional primary, issued a statement pledging his support to his successful opponent, Mr. LaFollette. Harrison maintained that while he was disappointed in the outcome, he considered the selection fair and legal. Looking beyond the party politics, Harrison expressed deep concern regarding the economic impact of the European war. He argued that the current wartime protection for American industry would eventually end, leading to a flood of cheap foreign goods, wage cuts, and inevitable labor unrest. He stated that for these reasons, he felt it imperative to support a Republican congress to safeguard domestic industry.
“The war which protects us will not last forever... Then will come reduction of wages, strikes, lockouts and depreciation of values.”
Harrison's concern about the end of the 'war economy' and global trade fluctuations mirrors current anxieties about regional economic stability and the vulnerability of local manufacturing to international markets.
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