The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1865-09-07
BRITISH FREE TRADE" 4 DELUSION
TO the Farmers, Mechanics and Ln-
bOrers of the West and EOrthwesf.
DELUSI0N

30 the n apkkkeEss NaGcEtksssGs anu AItR-
borers of the West and EOrthwesf.
We have just passed through the terrible
strife OF great rabellion Vast sums of money
have been expended; great loss of precious lives
has been our LOT. The blind rage and insane
folly Of traitors, rising up against the rights and
i0teregt2 nt tree labor and seil-government, have
brought this upon Us. but III Inc tfs! of bat
tie, the right has triumphed. The interest OF
our broad land is one the dignity, prosperity
unity and lasting success of Free Labor We
have shown, in our great contest, the inherent
strength Of free government. If We can wise
ly order affairs, so that agriculture inventive
skill, manufactures and commerce shall thrive,
we shall crown our triumph with the signal
blessing of peaceful prosperity, provide the
means whereby finer culture can be gained,
and sboY the world the glory o! q true Repub-
lic
We must adapt ourselves to the great chan
ges in our national condition and necessities,
put aside the prejudces of the past, and work
earnes thy for better future
Wise care of the industry of a nation is q
manifest ard important duty of Government.
and popular industry and manufacturing skill
nothing, save servants to aristocratic or
kingly wants. monarchs held monopolies in trade
in wool, salt, &c, sc, and granted them to ia
vortes who would pay well therefor. Now such
monopolies and prohibitions are passing away
and among civilized nations the protecting and
fostering of industry and skill, not only as a
means of revenue, but to increase the wealth
and civilization, is the prevalent policy.
We hear much said about F'free trade" To
those who look slightly or partially at this sub
jeet, there is magic in the words; they are asso-
ciated with ideas of reform and popular good.
Looseness in the use of terms on this matter
makes great mischief Absolute free trade, the
removal of all custom duties, as the world il,
would pauperize the richest nation in half a
generation. Too much leaning that way is dis
asrous. Qualified free trade, the imposition
! of duties for revenue on articles not produced
at home, or that do not compete with home pro-
ducts, and the free admission of such articles as
are specially needed. Qualified Protection TO
such branches of industry need it; the t.
jnstment of duties to protect home industry as
well for revenue.
Such is the present policy of the most prosper
GUS nations. With wars banished, and free
trade reciprocal all the world over, the question
might assume a different aspect
a large revenue is now necessity to ue.-.
Home taxes and tariff are in operation.
Is it not plain that duties should be so fixed
as TO protect home industry
This loose talk about free trade, deusive and
dangerous as used, has its origin as we shall
see, from foreign sef-interet.
II is largely a cry raised By British capuql-
lists and manufacturers. to @nsettle our policy,
and that ofthe acorld, that they mag reap the
en- cit, By making England The gorkshop for
the ac0rld, and her ships and traders tie ca. riers
Of raao material and flushed proGucts TO and
fran her acOrkshOps--a cry of those acho ,could
naonopoiiSe, but not reciprocate.
During our civil war just closed, all viii res
member how the majority of the trading and
manufacturing classes in England, and tory ar
istocracy, sympathized with rebellion here
The talsehoods of the LONDON Times, the sneers
of lesser journals, the fitting out OF Alabamas,
escaping from their docks through the feeble
meshes OF British neutrality to prey upon
our commerce, are all fresh in every mind.
Without casting any reflection on the conduct
or feeling of the English people, the conduct OF
these classes is palpable enough.
And NOR Efforts are being made By these men
TO sndace as to adopt chat they cell tie stree
trade sgSiem."
The following extract from a letter from our
American Consul in Liverpool, England, re- |
ceived in Washington May 18Th. is a timely and
needed warning.
"Great forts will now be made by English
and manufacturers to induce us to
reduce our tariff, and permit them TO do all our |
they are beginning to stir this
matter already. Our warm personal friends
will be put forward to move the matter, such |
men as John Bright, Goodwin Smith, and others
who have stood by US through this.war. l have
seen decisive evidence OF this purpose here
Personally we owe them very much bu5 we
nay frigbIfully abominate their free trade prin-
,iples,'
''They will struggle hard to break down our
There will be a terrible pressure put on the
Government"
While urging free trade upon The world Eng.
and has always jealousy protected her manu-
actuTes and does 10 this Gay
In speechin the House of Lords, Lord Good
ch said : "Oher nations know, as well as the
noble Lord opposite, and those who acted with
lin, that what we the English meant by free ,
rade, was nothing more nor less than, by means
If the great advantages enjoyed, to get the
Of ali their markets for our manufac-
ares, and to prevent them, one and all, from {
Yer becoming manufacturing nations"
The policy that France acted on was that of
Encouraging its native manufactures, and it was !
wise policy because if it were freely to admit |
ur manufactures, it would speedily be reduced
0 an agricultural nation, and therefore poor
alton, as all must be that depend exclusively c
n agriculture"
80 we learn from this precious revelation,
hat British free trade really means tie mo-
op2Iy Of all markets. and the breaking dorm Of i
II maa'Jactures, except their oacn. This Eng .
sh uobleman has at least the merit Of frank D
ess.
Within few years, having made some medi- !,
cations OF her tariff she rroclaims herself the
iumphant examplar and disinterested cham b
lou of free trade.
Only in l84o commenced any change Of note b
, British policy on this question. 4 Committee Fl
as then appointed, with Joseph Hume as chair
ian, 10 inquire into the several duties levied on m
nporta." How likely &c would be to inauear- z
te free trade, may be judged from his wish, ex-
ressed in Parliament years before, that ''the
anu!aetures Of the Continent might be stran-
ed in their cradle" This committees report n.
i'd. that "the tariff presents neither cnnnrni. 81