The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1846-01-13


would invite to them the attention of our
readers:-
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,,
Washington, Dec. g., lS45.
DEAR SIR: VIII you have the goodness
to answer some, or the whole, of the fol-
lowing questions at your earliest cOnve-
nience. The facts you communicate may
be important in the discussion of the Ia
riff question now pending before Con-
gress. The Secretary of the Treasury
has sent out several circulars to obtain
facts on one side Of the question, and it is
deemed but right to take measures to OBJ
tain some on the other.
The whole opposition TO the PRoTEc-
TIVE policy is based upon the ASSUMPTION
of the fact without proof that PRoTEc-
TIVE duties INCREASE the prices of both
domestic and foreign goods, and are there
fore oppressive and burdensome to the
people. Now, if this is proved TO be un-
true in point of fact, then the whole ground
of opposition to the protective policy falls
10 the ground.
led on articles NOT PRODUCED OR MANU-
FAcTURED in this country, may, and gen.
orally do, increase prices; but PROTECTIVE
duties, levied on articles we can furnish
at home, it is contended, ultimately RE-
DuCE the prices by introducing competi-
ton, skill, machinery, and increased sup
ply, and that such is the universal expe
rience on the subject.
You perceive, therefore, that the whole
matter resolves itself into question of
FACTS; and il is to ascertain those FACTS
that have taken the liberty to address
YOU. viii YOU then be so good as to re-
fer to your books and bills, AND FURNISH
ANSWERS TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
TO MERCHANTS, MANUFACTURERS, AND
OTHERS.
L. What was the price Of cotton goods,
sheetings, shirtings, &c, in 1916, when
the minimum duties were first imposed
for their protection! What the price when
the tariff of 1923 was passed, and what
is the price now!
9. What the prices, at the date indica-
ted, of calicoes, twist yarn, &C.! and are
they not reduced TO about one-fourth OF
what they were before they were protect
ed by the tariff of 1916!
3. What was the price OF woollen
goods, hannels, satinets, &C., at the perl
DDS above mentioned! and are they not
now furnished of domestic manufacture
for less than half the price paid when ex-
clusively imported from abroad!
4. It's estimated by the Secretary Of
the Treasury, in his report, that we man
ufacture 81 millions Of dollars worth OF
cotton goods in the United States, and L
assume half that amount OF wooHens,
what would be the effect on PRICES at
home and abroad, were this immense sup
plv DESTROYED or Withdrawn from the mar
kets Of the world!
s. What were the prices of window
and other glass in 1916, and at the dates
of the tariffs of 1924, 1928, and what
now! Is glass not now supplied at home
for less than one-fourth of the price paid
in 1916; and for less than the amount OF
the duty imposed for its protection!
6. What were the prices of iron, nails,
and other manufactures of iron and steel
in 1916? What at the other periods re-
ferred to, and what are the prices now!
Are not many of these articles now made
at home for onc-half and one-lourth oil
their former price?
7. What were the prices, at the above
dates, of salt, paper, and OF such other ar
hcles as may seem to you calculated to
show the effect of PROTECTIVE duties up
on prices generally!
8. On the other hand, please state
whether the articles not produced or man
ufactured in this country, on which duties
for REVENUE merely and not for PRoTEc-
T1oN are levied, such as silks, velvets, la
ces. &C.. have been reduced in price since
1916, or have they been reduced In any
thing like the ratio Of reduction that has
occurred in the prices of the protected ar
ficles! What is the reason OF the differ
ence! and is it not true that PROTECTIVE
duties, in the end, REDUCE prices, while
REVENUE duties INCREASE theml
9. While PROTECTIVE duties have re-
duced the prices Of manufactured goods,
has not the increased demand, resulting
from the increase of manufacturing estab-
lishments throughout the country, sus-
tanned and kept up the wages oi labor
and the produce of the farmer, flour, gram
provisions, &C., at as high. and IN some
cases even higher; rates thon they were II
Isle' And do not PROTECTIVE dunes