The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1869-05-21
Protection TO Home Industry.

The question ofprotection to American in
dustry will soon be made an issue in the poll
tics of our country, and it is proper that
Pennsylvanians, especially, take an early and
firm stand in favor of the policy that will
continue to protect our manufacturing inter-
ests, and enable us to go on developing the
resources that have been so lavishly bestowed
upon us, until we. become, as we are destined
to be, the leading State ofthis Union.
The Democratic party, as heretofore, is
arrayed against the great American policy
The Republican party will continue to stand
by our interests in this matter.
We copy the following Resolutions adopt
ed at pubic meeting Of the friends of domes-
tic industry, held in Philadelphia, April 30,
1867.
WHEREAS, the Congressional Committee
of Ways and Means is instructed to consider
the propriety of revising the Tariff laws,
and to commend to Congress at its next Ses-
sion such legislation upon that subject as
may seem to be eXpedient: therefore, Resolv-
ed that the following statement be presented
to the said Committee as embodying the
views of the productive industries of this
country
FIRST, That the developement of our own
resources and the firm possession of our own
markets are much more important than for
egn commerce to the welfare of all the
people of this nation, to the solvency of the
government, and to the attraction of the
better class of immigrants; and that by no
other method can a durable resumption of
specie payments be attained than by increas-
ing American production and checking i'm
portation.
SECONDLY, That to maintain such posses
sion of our own markets, and thus to attain
financial independence, we must be able to
produce at home nearly all the manufactured
articles needed by our people, including those
which require the facilities of great estab-
lishments, of many workmen trained to
special arts, and Of large capital, and we
must also be constantly undertaking those
new industries which the advances in the
arts and the progress of civilization require.
THIRDLY, That it is impossible for such
great establishments to prosper, for smaller
ones to spring up, and for the new industries
to take root under tickle and sometimes un-
friendly policy which holds them constantly
in fear of revulsions.
FouRTHLY, That as means of promoting
regular growth in the productive powers OF
our country, it is the duty of the govern
ment to announce, adhere to-, and steadfastly
act upon the policy of defending its citizens
in their industrial conflict with foreign
nations, of assuring to those who are sup
porting the government marked preference
in our markets over aliens who are our rivals
in peace and our foes in war, and of oblig-
ing foreigners who wish to reap the advan-
tage of the better markets created by our
institutions to pay toll upon the goods they
send here, and thus share expense of main
tanning those institutions.
FIFTHLY, That policy of firm and steady
protection to American industry being dis
tinetly announced, general tariff law, the
duties being made specific so far as convent
emily possible and high enough to afford fail
wages aud reasonable profits to such Ameri
can working-men and employers as apply
themselves with assiduity, skill, and intelli
gence to industries suited to our condition
and resources. The schedule prepared by
the Pennsylvania Industrial League, which
is founded mainly upon the Legislation
unfortunately not concurrent) of both
Houses of Congress, and upon the Report
of the Commissioner of the Revenue, and
which, while largely increasing the fee list
and converting numerous ad valorem into
specific duties, reduces the rates upon many
articles, and proposes but moderate increase
in any case, is worthy of attention as a ser
Gus effort by competent persons to frame 6
symmetrical system Of duties on imports.
SIxrHLY, That in order to diminish the
labor of Congress, and to expedite those
future notifications in tariff Legislation
which the developement of new industries OF
the changes of trade may from time to time
render desirable, some department, bureau
or commission, should be created, specifi
cally charged with the duty of keeping watcl
over this subject, with authority to examine
witnesses, make Investigations hear state
ments, and to submit to Congress at thu
opening of each session a briefrerort, accom-
panied, when necessary, by draft of bill
embodying such legislation as may seem ex
pedient.