Baton Rouge tri-weekly gazette & comet. [volume] (Baton Rouge, La.) 1865-18??, 1868-05-07

~ 1.-The League very ably
edited Journal, published by John
Sarell, for the American Free Trade
League, New York, digs into the
New England Goldfish Protectionists
in the following how-to-do-it style:
IN THE NAME oFTHE PRoPHEr-coDFIsH
Another wall throughout the land!
Protect nay Goldfish!
| We had thought that "panper labor,
was distinction to which onlv the Old
World could lay claim: but no, he is
here, that "Pauper Labor that malig-
nant spirit, who will persist in inundating
| US with cheap goods. He strides like the
| Pestlence. He is on this continent. He
has taken the shape of the fisherman OF
Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. There
| he 'subsists on seals and perwinkles,' y
| aud proceeds to undersell the fishermen OF
New England, in Goldfish and mackerel, in
their own country. Witness thereto the
following exhibit of"Pauper Labor's" do
ings, by a convention of those engaged in
the New England fishing business
Whereas, The present depression of the
fl ,heries of New Eng land has been largely
produced by importation from the British
and French Provinces, thereby cutting off
the supply of markets by American fisher
men, therefore,
Resolged, That return to the former
policy Of the United States Government in
fostering and protecting these fisheries is
Immediately demanded
Resolged, That the existing tariff of fifty
cents per one hundred pounds on Goldfish,
and of one dollar per one hundred pounds
upon n,ackerel is an insufficient protection.
Resotged, That large increase of duty
upon foreign fish is indispensable to the
continuance and maintenance of our
fisheries.
Reyo1eed, That the drawback upon for
eigu salt offered by Congress as an offset
Of the fishing bounties is inadequate com
pensation therefor.
The resolutions were accepted
These measures, like all the measures
of the Protectionists, are only half way
A Free Trade journal, the Narraeansett
Times, Il. l., referring to the grievances
Of the fishermen, proposes remedy which
would not only embrace theirs, but those
Of all their fellow walters. That is, to at
once close every port in the Union. II
such measure would have the effect of
silencing the Protectionist walls, we would
almost feel tempted to agree to it. But
We do not believe that it would Mother
Columbia has brought up these spoilt chill
dren of hers, SO long in the habit of run
ming to her for comfort and candy when
ever they prick their fingers, that the more
they are indulg ed, the more fractions they
become. Here are these fishermen, with a
special privilege over the rest of the com
munity, in that they get their salt free of
duty, being allowed to take it ont of bond
when they go on a fishing trip, and ac-
counting for what they use; while other
people who have just as good claim to
favor, are obliged to pay duty of eighteen
cents IN gold on one hundred pounds. But
by being INDUCED they have come to look
on privileges as rights, and no longer beg
but sdemand'
We would make suggestion that before
Congress accede to the demands of these
fishers of cod, it should appoint COM
mittee. to ascertain what are the views of
the eaters of cod. We think that it will
be found that this latter class are wholly
Indifferent as to whether the cod on their
tables has been inveigled by New Eng
lander or o Nova Scotian, but that they do
ave'something to say in the country store
about the price. However, as they are
only the consumers. probably Congress
will not trouble itself to consult their
interest.