Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1870-05-20
COW MISSIONER WELLS.

Tue best abused man in the country is
Daniel A. Wells, special Commissioner of
the Revenue. He has, by the presentation
Of impregnable facts and figures, dealt
heavier and more dangerous blows to that
theory Of protection, so called, which would
build up few special industries, at tho OK
pense Of all the others, than any other indi.
vidual, and is accordingly feared and hated
by the whole race of tariff monopolists. The
facts and conclusions of his reports upon
the industry, trade and commerce Of the
country have been often assailed but never
controverted. The iron, wool and cotton
interests, have each ran firmal tilt
against his last report and each have re-
tired discom6tted. The last, made in be-
half of the National association Of cotton
manufacturers and planters" is answered
By Mr.. Wells, ia a recent issue of the Bos-
ton Advertiser. The most interesting part
of his communication is that in which he
explains his own position in regard to reve.
nue. reform. He says:
1t is alleged that certain valuations Of the
cotton product made in 1868 were ready to
my hand, but did not "comport with the
theory elsewhere advanced and repet,iously
dwelt upon, that the manufactures Of the
country are OF comparatively small import
ance." My answer to tins is, that utterly
deny any such theory. On the contrary
my earnest desire is that all manufactures
should be allowed an equal and q fair op
por,unily fer development; but when three
u iuur branches Of manufactures out of
5;.any hundreds arrogate to themselves the
exclusive title of ''manufactures' l deny
their right The makers OF clothing are as
truly manufacturers as the makers Of cloth;
tie steel users are as truly manufacturers
rs the steel makers; the railroad is as
much o productive power as the pis-iron
furnace; the mechanic as much a manufac
turer rs tie owner OF a cotton mill. Let
each have An equal right and be entitled to
legal protection without discrimination, and
j, is my belief that by such an equality and
free opportunity, the country will most read
lily secure the most rapid and prosperous
growth, ard the greatest diyersicalion in
its industry.
That all branches Of industry are entitled
10 the equal care and protection of the gov
eminent, and to equal rights before the Law,
is my profound conviction; but on the 9th
or hand it il constantly alleged that few
special branches of industry should be
specially fostered and protected; and main
~ fos the reason Of the great consumption
of farm products by the operatives employed
-,
the course of my official work, to inves,-
gate this assumption, and to strip it Of any
fallacies wi h which it may have become
invested. But if in such investigations l
have underestimate the number of persons
actually employed in cotton and wooden
mills land not in subsidiary employn ents),
in iron mines and iron works, in the manu-
facture of boots and shoes, upon farms and
in other employments, or have placed at too
low figure the annual value of the work
of each lsborer; if these underestimates
can be proved, can only express a most
cheerful readiness to acknowledge nv mis-.
takes and to make the necessary correc-
tons.
In conclusion he launches challenge a.
his assailants to continue the discussion, in
this wise:
If nv assailan,s are not satisfied beg of
them that they will not let the discussion
terminate; for they may be assured that
snail not and for this reason, that l rec
ognize the anmus of these harsh criticisms
on my official work to be far different from
what appears ostensibly. 1t is not that
have understated tie cost Of manufacturing
rig-iron; it is not that / have shown that
the prosperity of the wocl-grower is depend
ent on the prosperity of the WOODEN manu-
rer, and that the prosperity Of the former
can only be assured by giving to the latter
an unrestricted selection of his raw materi-
al; it is not that have made an unfair
comparison between the respective interests
of cotton manufacturing and the industry
ee agriculture but it is because all this
showing, and all the discussion that has
been thereby aroused, illustrates and proves
the impolicy as well as the Injustice Of the
government maintenance of taxes. of which
not one dollar in ten passes into the treas
ury. This is the real issue, and upon it
am ready to 60 before the country for my
yindica.ion.