The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1867-11-23
How the Wool Growers were shorn

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A writer III the Chicago Tribune gives
the following bit Of interesting history,
showing how the wool-growers OF the coun-1
try have been cheated by Congress
The history OF the increased tariff on
wool is a curious one, worthy the attention
Of those intercste in public taxation
which class ought to include the main
body OF our citizens who have it to pay.
1t is well known that on the opening Of
the rebellion p million and half Of men
on both sides were to be clad in WOODEN
goods, from socks and shirts to blankets.
and this demand was, from the waste in
such service, to be doubled, trebIed and
quadrupIed every year. The focks and
looms Of the world wcre taxed TO tho Mt
most to supply the demand Prices doubs
led and quadfnpled, till, in 1864, wool was
sold at about 81 20 per pound, and at this
price many operators for a rise were ruin.
ed, for it never came. Orcourse. at such
prices, mill owners and flock masters made
immense fortunes. and stocks Of sheep we're
carefully increased to an extent without a
parallel in perhaps any country, certainly
not in this. But Of course men were not
satisfied. Flock masters increased in nun.
bcrs. wealth and influence. They looked
with nm anxious eye at the mill owners
doubling their capital annually under the
Morrill, tnriffs. go often chaged, and always
increased. and at last they, too, began to
clamnr for an increase Of taxation, expec-
ting thereby 10 increase tiIlfurther their
heavy gains. They were met on the thrcs.
hold Of their demands by still richer and
better organized bodyIof men. who had not
unfrequcntly nor unsuccssfuly manipula.
ted the national legislature to increase
their proGts--the WooIen Manufacturers
| Association. Thess men said to the wool
growers. in sd many words.
"You wantan increased tariff on wool.
Well and good but understand that you
can never get it unless you also give US
increase. For every dollar you get we
must have four"
This was a bitter pill, but after many
and lengthy negotiations, it was agreed
TO, as the best they could pet. and, for
the sake Of skinning the public. the wool
growers agree 10 be skinned themselves.
For every quarter of dollar they get.
they must pay out dollar. and the dollar
must 20 6rst while they run their chances
to get the quarter back. This nefarious
and iniquitons bargain was sealed by
Congress. and, knife 10 hand. both skin.
ners hurried home from Washington. ready
TO 90 to work on the people.
Well, the increased price on wool did
not come, and int going to- Wool was
low last year, is low this year, and prob.
aoly wont be any higher next year, OF
the year after.
What is the matter? Well, the cause
is plain enough. Supply has grown las.
ter than the demand Cur soldiers are a.
homs, aud don't throw away their knap.
sacks and ovcrcoats on ihe double quick
or burn up clothing in the deadly conflict
One suit vii last longer now than three
did then. Cotton. too, is cheaper, and
comes into competition noE with wool
Wool growers have increased beyond
the demand iand WOODEN factories all over
the country. Iou may tax men. but you
can't always make them pay. You may
take horse 20 water. but you can't make
him drink. This result was forctnld by
Mr. Wells, ip his last report to Congress
Put dollar a bushel tariff on corn. il
could not d one farihing to the price
so long as We produced more than VIZ
consumed.
This is the case with wool and If,
| products. Will this state of things gc
better! Farmers are good deal Xix,
their own hecp, and rush in where ono
Is making mpney. till the business is ov
crdonc or SPOILED. At present, all arr
very sick of sheep and trying to get rid o
them. lfenough give them up, it will b.
better for those who persevere and stay
in; but this lis question of time. L
would be better yet If they had thc
world for market. But. like the fable,
scorpion, they are begirt with a fire o
their own kiRdling. and are singing them
selves 10 death. Foreign trade is ruined
with protective" tariff; but take cour
age, you have the home market all {,
yourselves. When will our people iearr
wisd I'm, aud let well enough alone p
Let US hope this instance will help TO oper
the eyes of our farmers as TO the effect o
tariff tinkering, and Greeley and H,orril
highroads to national salvation by trying
to injure others. Even Morrill, himsel
admits that years of low tariff are alway.
coincident With national prosperity.