Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-06-23
sn. ROW, EDITOR ASD PRorRIEroR.
CLEARFIELD. PA, JUNE %, 1858.
PENNSYLVANIA INTERESTS.

aE PENNSYLVANIA INTERESTS.
We are pleased TO observe that much inter
est is being manifested in various portions of
our State in regard TO a protective tariff. A
large meeting was held last week in Philadei-
phia, and public demonstrations have also been
made in several of the iron and coal counties.
To Pennsylvanians, there is no question at
this time of such magnitude and Importance
as the protection OF the industrial interests,
not only of our own Comm monwealth, but OF the
country at large. a tariff for mere revenue
will not, however, afford adequate protection;
the duties should be high enough to enable
manufacturers of this country TO compete sue
cessfully with those of foreign nations. Ma
nv feign to believe that the system of protec-
tion is calculated to benefit the few-to build
up the capitalists-and that the masses are, If
anything, the losers thereby. This is sheer
folly and nonsense. Where there is individ-
ual prosperity, general good flows from 1t !;
and where an entire community is prosperous,
individuals must necessarily be benefited
Argue the matter as you will, you can come to
no other conclusion. If a man eIects fur
mace or numbering establishment, he must
have hands to carry on his business. This
creates demand for laboring men, for pro-
duce and provisions, and all kinds Of mechan-
ical products. II is true, the man who builds
the furnace or the numbering establishment
calculates TO make money out of it. He
would be downright fool if he didn't, and
everybody would pronounce him such. Why,
the most outrageous opponent of protective
tariff would not invest dollar if he did not
expect a handsome profit; and all will admit
that the capitalist must realize good profit
in order to pay his hands good wages.
During the past eighteen months all have
fully experienced the evils of a general pros
tration of business, the result of the free-tr
policy of the Democratic party. Thousands OF
iaboring men out of employment-merchant
who have failed or uspended-mechanics who
had nothing to do-can bear witness to the
disastrous effects of inadequate protection
Our own county-Clearfield-h been greatly
affected by it. As business of all kinds be-
came paralyzed, the boat and ship builders
were forced to contract or suspend operations
the eastern mills had large stocks of last
years lumber on hand-house and bridge build
ing ceased in great measure, and consequent
ly the demand for square timber, spars, boards
&c, fell far short of the supply, and price:
came down to almost ruinous figures. If gen
eral prosperity had prevailed. and business o.
all kinds had been brisk-if there had been
demand for boats and ships, and if house anC
bridge building had been going on usual
there is no doubt that the prices of lumber
would have been remuncrative, and Clearfield
county would have been the better of it by
thousands of dollars. This any one, who can
comprehend the ordinary relations of trade
and business, and how the prostration or pros
perity of one branch will depress or stimulate
the other, can understand.
The policy OF Protection to Home Industry
"a system of which HENRY CLAY was the
founder and advocate-has always been one of
the cardinal doctrines of our political creed
and is one that every Pennsylvania should
favor. The true basis OF our wealth consists
in our iron, coal ond other minerals, and these,
together with the agricultural, mechanical and
other labOring interests generally, should be
adequately protected, if we would have our
citizens prosperous and independent. The
Democratic leaders profess to have at heart
the welfare of ssthe dear people''-ssthe hard
listed yeomanry''-''the bone and sinew of the
coun.ry''-and yet they oppose the only poll.
cy which will protect the aboring classes and
make State what she should be--the first
IN the Union.