Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1842-04-25
WOOL GROWERS CONVENTION.

w OOL w Emo CONN DN lION.
We observe in the Patriot call for convention
IN the west par OF this county to lie holden Mt
Moreown on the 9Th inst We eau see but one
objection to this: it is mol broad enough Why
not include the whole county; or, what would he
altogeher better why not invite meeting Of wool
growers throughout the State? Wool-growing is
one Of our greatest, perhaps The greatest of our in
torests; and we convinced that more good
can be achieved by n meeting of intelligent wool
growers, from various parts of the state, even
though few in number, than by any other course.
Fdcis are much wanted at Washington, especially
on this subject Other interests have beon
presented and urged there with ability, by persons
directly interested; and, as was natural enough to
be expected, they have attended to their own con-
corus rather than to that of their neighbors. For
t0Jol, our Information is that only one person at
tended before the Committee, and that was Hamp
den Cuts Esq Of Hnrtland. lie lahored faithfully,
aud though alone, succeeded IN getting protection
to this Interest increased beyond wlnt it other
wise would have been. More can yet be got; we
warranted in saying that all necessary protec-
ton can be secured, if the wool growers will
tut shoD whai is necessary. It was urged by Mr..
Cuts that the fine wool of Vermont would not
pay for raising if below so cents per pound. If
that is tbs fact let the wool growers back him up
let them show the cost Of wool growing, both rs
to tho tine and coarser grades and let them insist
upon full protection. They can get it. Having
adopted the principle of protection, which is the
first great point, the committee cannot and will
not refuse TO carry it fully and fairly ont. la our
las, we re'rained from expressing any opinion as
to the adequacy of the proposed duties on wool,
for the reason that we deem the opinions Of prac-
teal men the ouly safe guides, and are dspos-
ed to lei such men take hold of the business We
will, however, make few suggestions. SO far
ms we can judge, it seems to us that the coarser
grades of wool will most suffer under the propos-
ed duties, for the that the cost of raising is
greatest compared with The value of the amount
produced. To protect these grades, then, either
there must he one specific duty high enough 10
protect all, or different rates o!a1 va0rem duties,
increasing the rate per cent. on the lower grades
of WOOL II AL valorem duties are retained, by
al! means lei the wool grower insist upon home
valuation
Another point: when the wool growers are
considering The duty on wool, let them not neg
ect the tcooilenS. 1t is worthy of notice. particu-
larry while The Patriot is inveighng against the
supposed selfshness of manufacturers, that wool
lens no better protected lhun wool. We urge the
wool growers to tuke this subject into consdera-
ton for their own good. Protection to wool is
worthless, if woUllens unprotected If the
manufacturers are forced to compete with cheap
British woollens, 10 it not perfectly clear that they
must do it, they do it Mt all by cheapening ,oool
If they work not all, then where is the market for
the wool-growers?
A word or two for the Patriot. Our neiglibor
"cordialIy approves Of the proposed convention.
Is he in favor OF protecting wool, 81 does he there
fore approve of this movement? Or is il only be-
cause he hopes the movement may give him
ground to toment divisions among the Protection :
isis and thus defeat them? If the former, why
not come ont for protection to all interests? IL
not the latter, why does lie give column upon col
umn, week after week, usi1iously sowing jealou-
sy among the different interests Of the country /?
Here's chance for explanation.