Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-07-01

minds OF men, as III great measure TO push
out of sight the consideration of that indus
trial policy which levels or builds us peo-
pie Those questions of human rights which
have so long convulsed the nation, are now
/ nearly settled and new issues must necessarl-
ly occupy the public mind-prominent among
| which will be the question of protection to ma
tive industry.
This is net question of sentiment or theory,
but of fact and sound reasoning, to be judged
by the lessons of experience i'll this and all
civilized countries. 1t is true that the inter-
ests of one locality may be in direct oppos-
ton to that of another, as is the interest of the
imDortcr of the manufactured goods of for
eirn countries to the native manufacturer of
the same class Of goods here. But in the con-
sideration of this subject in its broad sense of
the nations or States action on the question
of political economy, we have no right to look
at the interest of a section community I'M
mindful of the interests of the people or the
nation at large.
1t is well known that men are not expected
to be filled with that "enlghtened philanthro-
ply" which leads them to prefer in business
the well-being and comfort of others to them
selves, for human characteristics plainly de-
monstrate such sentimental ideas as illusory.
| But on the other hand we are justified in unit
| ing in common bonds and grouping in commu
mites, to increase our power for personal ana
political protection, and a mutual support in
the supply of our varied material wants. To
this end we have established central govern
ment, and being established upon such theo-
ry is it right that one isolated interest or local
ty within the general protection, be allowed
especial privileges, to the injury of all but
themselves? ! have previously disclaimed
that right. Now if the reader will carefully
| look over the action of Congress, he will find
that organized combinations have from time
| to time been formed, i'll local or particular in
terests which have controlled that action to
the injury of others, parties in the same gov
erning compact. "IIaving the power you
have the right" is not applicable when your
associate is considered, but only against your
foreign competitor.
| What has been the effect of such combina-
tons of power in fixing the tariff on iron, coal,
| copper. cordage, wool. salt and many other
commodities? Has it been followed by any
action which relieves the industries and equal
ICES the benefits of protection? To those in
terests that were seriously affected by the
| changes referred to, let Maine answer for her
| self. | have referred to these cases which d.
| rectly affect our own industry, thatw may take
| into consideration what may be the effect of
| the sweeping changes which are projected by
the enemies of all protection to native indus
try. The time approaches when men Will be
called upon to choose between Free Trade and
| Protection. Already is the doctrine being
busily spread under the influence of the free
trade organization in New York. In every
State its emssaries are at work establishing
| 'Free Trade Societies Labor Reform"
"Revenue Reform" "Co0peration Associa-
tons" and the like Many OF these are or
gained under specious local issues, all tending
to one end or purpose, the breaking down of
protection to "Natve Industry" and estab
fishing Free Trade" with foreign countries
To carry ont this plan money is being raised
in this country and abroad to be applied to
controlling the political policy and elections
for the next two years. Personal prejudices
and unsuccessful and disappointed aspirants
are being sought out to induce them to act in
the same direction.
our readers may remember man promi-
nent amogg the speakers in the last Presiden-
tal Campaign in this State, who urged the
policy of the republican party with consider
able force, who has since, in the interest OF the
New York organizations of which | have
spoken, been preaching over the same
ground and in this city, the doctrines of free
trade. He has since figured largely in the
lobby warfare at Washington while the pro-
posed change affecting the tariff was under
discussion. This change it will be remem-
bered would have essentially assisted our own
State without iniuring any interest except the
English ship owners. Some are ready to de-
ny any actual expenditure of foreign capital,
to affect our industrial interests or in the in
terest of free trade. TO such the report of
the Queens Commissi to both houses of Par
| Lament ought to be conclusive that within two
or three years over tw o millions had been spent
to control foreign markets. 1t says The
large capitals of this country are the great
instruments of warfare against the competing
capitals of foreign countries" If such the
facts of which there is no doubt, we certainly
are not to blame for making efforts to protect
| ourselves.
When we surrender certain of our indivd-
ual rights and free-wili for the proper govern
ment of a common country, it looks not only
to our protection as a nation against foreign
| invasion, but also to the protection of our in
dividual interest against like foreign interests,
otherwise the benefits of government are
much reduced.
The initiative movements for the foundation
of this government were surely forced by
the demands of England, who assumed to say
how we should trade, and our resistance was
based upon the rights of the people to protect
themselves. A people she could not force
by arms, she has made to kneel to her sophis-
tries and intrigue, and robbed our own labor
to fill her own Golfers, as our history will
show. Free trade, or want OF sufficient pro-
tectOn maze us dlShonor our pubic debt and
more than once brought the nation to the
verge of bankruptcy,
The fallacious theory of exchange ofthe pro-
duce oftheir workshops for that of our soil has
been urged until experience taught us a sorry
lesson The English Economist of to-day no
+, longer feels that English skill and mechanical
knowledge can beat the world; he no longer
demands free trade because it will bring moth
ing but raw products, cotton, wool, dye stuffs,
provisions &C.; he finds that France America,
Germany and Russia have turned the balance.
Protection in the homes of these has brought
them on an equal footing, and their intelli-
gence draws its reward.
Suppose we take the actual state of trade
between France and England as illustrative
of the workings Of England's Free Trade
plans.
Let the man who talks free trade here pom
der over its truths, before he assumes to
advise the laborers how to vote.
For many years England led all the world
with the products of her industries In lSG5