New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-02-08
THE WOOL INDUSTRY.
,DUsrRIAL PROTECTION INDICATED.


in town recently, and a representative of The
TRIBUNE had an opportunity of gathering his
views on the condition of the wool industry.
Mr.. Edmands, it may be observed, is one of
the principal manufacturers of New-England. and
is regarded las leading authority upon the indus
trial affairs of the country He has nearly all his
lifetime been connected with wooleu manufactures,
and is Treasurer of the Pacific Mills Lawrence,
Mass, which employs about $500 working people.
He was a member of the XXXIIId Congress, and is
now President of the National Wooden Manufac-
turers' Association.
The good feeling Mr. Edmands observed, between
the wool growers and manufacturers continues I'M
changed, and both are satisfied with the results
of the arrangement made in 1867, by which both
united their efforts in favor of a measure
securing fair degree of protection alike to
wool growing and manufacturing. He always adj
vocated acting in good faith toward the growers
feeling that when both interests evince the same
spirit any differences which may arise from time to
time may be amicably arranged. The first change
for instance needed in the Wool Tariff of 1867, was
one in the interest of the wool growers. 1t was OBJ
served that great deal of wool was imported on the
skin from South America, paying only nominal
duty This Of course tended TO depress wool growing
in the United States, and in conflict with the
spirit Of the act of 1861 The manufacturers, seeing
all this co6perated in having an adequate duty
levied on wool imported on the skin; which was ac-
cordingly done.
On the other hand. it was felt shortly after the
passing Of the Wool Tariff of 1861 that the additional
ten per cent levied on Australian wool imported by
way of England Disseminated unfairly against the
great body of wooden manufacturers The buyer
who could purchase extensively in Australia paid 10
per cent less duty than he who Wen to London
the great market for foreign wOols-and bought there
assorted qualities to moderate extent. Some
growers reluctant to see anychange made in
the tariff but when they examined into the matter,
they that the proposed repeal of this 10 per cent
duty would be in accordance with the compact of
'67. and gave it their support. Accordingly, there
was no serious opposition TO the proposed amend
ment which was embodied in the last Tariff bill.
This matter suggested to Mr. Edmands the necessity
of unceasng vigilance the part of PrOtectiOnsts
for he had learned recently that the Australian au-
thOrities had represented TO our Government that
they viewed the removal Of the 10 per cent duty
with regret as that measure affected injur0usy the
trade of the colony. This showed how intently for
eign Governments watched our legislation
The stability of the wool tariff Mr.. Edmands OBJ
served seems now assured. One of its principal oppo
nents was the late Mr.. Harris, and although his con-
illusions were illogical and his arguments untenable,
he served as aeader around whom the disaleced few
could rally Mr. Harris's statements were very in
consistent and when he finally declared for absolute
Free Trade he found few supporters of any account
The alleged facts contained in one of Mr.. Harris's
documents were amply refuted by the very Off
cial statistics it quoted and when this was
pointed out to members of the Committee
of Ways and Means they needed no further Mr..
Harriss ictions Still there will always be persons
dissatisfied with the existing state of things and de-
sirous of change. He MIR. Edmands) recently met
a manufacturer who did not make as much as he eX-
pected last year. and wanted the duty on wool re-
duced because he deemed that the present tariff led
to heavy investment of capital and high prices for
labor But when he (Mr. Edmands explained TO
him that the high rates paid for labor, the general
expansion of business and the comparative dearness
of some raw materials due to divers causes, and
that free wool would not give him all he sought,
this manufacturer was better satisfied to have
things remain as they are.
The manufacturers and Representatives in Con-
cress of the leading wool growing States consented
last wear to the general reduction of ten per cent
the Wool Tariff rather than have the several duties
altered which had been fixed with great care, and
should not be inconsiderately disturbed.
Industrial Protection, Mr. Edmands considered
would continue to triumph in Congress Members
hostile to il hesitate to push to their logical conclu
sion the theories they prOmulgate, seeing that the
revenue of the country mainly depends upon the
tariff. He believed that members of Congress need
only TO understand industrial questions clearly, In
order to act intelligently justly, and wisely They
had often to deal with conflicting statements and
some allowance should be made for their acting
nudiciousy in regardtO ourindusrial interests. He
felt deeply the loss the Protectionist cause suffered
in the death of Mr. Greeley who had so long and 80
ABLY educated the country, and had done much to
make Protection a national, permanent policy. He
was pleased to learn that THE TRIBUNE will sustain
Protection as vigorously and as vigilantly ever,
seeing that the country needs to be constantly
informed on the growth and interests of our home
industries.
The trade of last year was in general satisfactory.
The manufacturers of cassimeres, perhaps, Jared
best while those making wooden fabrics for clothing
demanding heavy outlay for labor, did not sue
coed 80 well. Not many new enterprises
started because of feeling of uncertainty in re-
gard to the tariff and the general of trade,
but the comparatively new factories did very well,
and increased their business. There were some
manufacturers disappointed at the years profits,
and ON the part of these there is disposition to re-
duce production The Boston lire entaled heavy loss,
hut 80 long as il did not impair the productive
mower Of the country except indirectly, by dimln-
isbing the capital Of some concerns the loss
will be retrieved, ana Int CITY VIII
long regain its former trade and prosperity.
The Pacific Mills suffered net loss OF $4,000,
but the closing of their works for few weeks on
account of an epidemic other calamity would
entail still heavier loss falling upon the productive
instead of the non-producng of the business
he cotton mills did better than the wooden manu1ac-
nrers last year Their business is less subject TO
tuctuations while il does not demand 80 heavy an
outlay for skilled labor nor is the process OF manu-
facture attended with so much risk. The WORK
people at the Pacific Mills are contented ana COM
! Portable. They number about $500, which Is more
! than the boarding houses of the Company Will
/ accommodate, but money - often adyanceu
/ aayor,riu0 workman seeking establish homes,