The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-04-29
From the Albany Euening Journal.
Free Trade and Labor.

Every one processes sympathy with the laborer.
ing that sympathy. In this however, as in every
thing else, "the proof of the pudding is in eating"
That policy which creates demand for labor is the
best policy for the laborer. The poor mans CAPT
tai consists in his ability to work; and what he
wants is, opportunities for its steady and profitable
investment. His is altogether unlike cash capital.
That may be proftably sent out in thousand di-
ably employed in labor. Those, therefore, who
wish TO give practical demonstrations of the genu-
neness Of their sympathy for that aborer, only
do SO by advocating the policy which creates de-
Now let us look at the practical effect of the Lo-
cofoco policy of free trade. Take, by way of illus
tration the single nterest of iron in the single State
of Pennsylvania.
In lS42, there were 2l3 furnaces in operation,
producing l5l ,6S5 tons of pig iron. Before the
close of 1S46, this number had increased to 3l6,
producing 373,23l tons-showing an increase, in
four years, Of 1873 furnaces, and 222, $40 tons of
iron.
The value of the product of ls42 was in the
neighborhood Of S3,e00,000, and in 1916 over
81 900 900.
Two thirds of this pig iron was manufactured
into hoops nails bars boiler plate, castings &c,
in the State of Pennsylvania at f,cce the cost for
labor, of the pig iron itself Consequently, If we
add this TO the cost Of the pig iron will have the
following RESULTS
1912, value Of iron manufactured. S9,000,0O0
1876 do. do. do....... 100000
OF these sums, fourfifths (say ee-fourths) are
expended in labor. There was, therefore, expend-
ed in labor, in this single branch Of industry, in
Pennsylvania, in
1912 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. S676OO0O
1876 NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. 10 900 900
II requires no acute knowledge of political econ
omy 10 perceive the benefit which the laboring men
of Pcnnsy lvana derived from the policy which in
duced this vast increased demand FOR labor. IL the
same policy had continued instead Of ten millions
in 1876, the iron workers of Pennsylvania would
have pocketed at least fifteen millions Of dollars for
heir lafso in Hu hat WIS cd
by those who profess the most profound sympathy
for the poor man. And what is the RESULT Intel
ligent men estimate that the product Of the present
year ,ciu not exceed one half that Of 1876. Conse
quenty the money 10 be paid for labor will be
duced one half also-even though the price Of labor
is not affected by the reduced demand for il.
To place this fact distinctly before the mind Of
the reader, we subjoin the figures:
ls46-Money paid to iron laborers in Pennsyl:
lS5O-Money paid TO iron laborers
in Pennsylvania. ............... 6,25O,OOO
Price paid per annum by the iron
workers Of Pennsylvania for free
trade Observation-Disclosures. SIS, $50 900
Here are ive millions of dollars taken out Of the
| pockets Of the working men in single branch Of
same rule 10 the whole Union, and the sum will
run up 10 at least fen or fifteen millions! This Is
the iron workers tax for free trade
There would be shadow Of consolation for the
/ iron worker if he knew that these millions went
into the pockets of his fellow-laborers in other
| branches Of business in this country. But he is
| comforted by no such reflection. He knows that
,oha taken oa Of his pocket goes into the pockets Of
This IL but single illustration Of the effect Of
| the policy tenscously adhered 10 by the Loco
foco party. Constantly procuring extreme friend
ship for the laboring men OF the country they are
doing all they 10 curtail the demand for labor,
and thus TO deprive the aboror Of the means Of sup
| porting and educating his childrenl