Even though his own party was united behind a decrease in tariff rates , most Republicans continued adhering to the party 's traditional position of using high tariff rates to protect domestic manufacturing and factory workers against foreign competition .
Tariff reduction was President Wilson 's first priority .
Even though Wilson 's own party was united behind a decrease in tariff rates , most Republicans continued adhering to the party 's traditional position of using high tariff rates to protect domestic manufacturing and factory workers against foreign competition .
Tariff reduction was President Wilson 's first priority .