The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-10-20
To the Editor Of Tie Press

To the Editor Of the Press;
SIR,-Ever since 1916 [ have been an
advocate of "protection to American indus
try.v (having served ten years. apprentice
ship under one of the best men our city
ever had, Isaac r. Dayis,) and during this
period my position as hired man has made
me more familiar with the views of this
class than others who occupy higher social
positions.
The continued struggle between protec-
ton and free trade, with varying success on
either side, demonstrates that the principles
of social economy are imperfectly under
stood. In my personal intercourse with
iourneymen mechanics | have found the
difficulty to make them understand the adj
vantage of protection to be that they were
working more for their employers than for
themselves. | have asked some of the
largest iron workers to make an exhibit of
a years operation, showing how much was
paid for material, rent, taxes, and wages,
and incidental expenses, but without sue
cess. | cannot but admit feeling that
there is little jealousy at the bottom. of
this antagonism between employer and en-
ployed which prompts the workmen to
adopt cooperative shops, &C., and makes
ton.
AS it is easier to lead mass than drive,
| propose to accept the idea of cooopera-
ton. and arguing from the limited local
efforts now being made in cooperation,
expand it into a national measure, which
which will accomplish every benefit claimed
by protection without exciting the ami
mostly of free-traders. The word free has
H. Il, 10 fha A mind hot
any sophstry in its name finds response,
and creates an opposition to any kind OF
restraint, and we must temporize with this
idea to make successful national policy.
The Abolitionists made the errol OF not
noticing this truth in their crusade against
slavery.
While the white workmen of the North
were going from shop to shop asking for
work, they felt themselves enslaved to
money-power, and had no sympathy. with
the negro, who, if freed, would only be an
additional competitor for work, and force
wages down. Had Phillips and Garrison
advocated freedom and independence to the
white man, it would have carried the negro
also. II. G. Carey tried to convince them
of this, and their not accepting his palpable
truths made me always doubt their sincere
desire to do away with negro slavery.
| have just received number of the
Industrial Bulletin, intended to be an ex'
ponent of protection, with arguments ad
dressed to the hired men Of the United
States. While its articles are interesting
to the student of political history, they have
no interest to one in hundred of workmen
There is not one argument, in fact, to show
the harmony between employer and EN-
ployed.
In my personal intercourse with work
men | have endeavored to explain in thu
constitution of the United States as simpl,
the charter of national cooperative shop
and that the same principles governing To-
cal societies should govern it. / have NJ
difficulty in making them understand tina
the importation Of foreign goods prevents
home cooperation.
In conversation, few days since, witt
an active and intelligent leader of protec
ton, he admitted that the tariff was of small
Importance in comparison with the evils 0
our financial system. lie said we wante'
protection from our own blunders NOR
than we did from foreign competition.
If you will grant me the privilege of al
interview, or will publish few short arti
ces on cooperation, ] will be most happ,
to wait ON you. Very respectfully,
Yours, &C., WIS. w.