Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1878-02-16
PITTSBURG AND THE TARIFF.

uldttt- ltc Nptbbi va
smash. They have n idea that it Is a
serious evil Tor congress to tinker with
the tariff They think that too frequent
changes are made in the legislation ct
tecting the material interests OF the
country and that the proposed changes
in the tariff schedule will seriously III
lure some industries represented by
them. and destroy others. In conse-
auence of these convictions 4 general
cessation of work in the manufactures
OF the city was ordered last Saturday.
pay continuing, of course, \ grand
meeting was held. Fifteen thousand
brawuy sons of toll earned their days
wages by unusually hard work. in wad-
ing through miles of uncomfortable
slush. aud by the no less painful opera
ton of enduring tor several hours the
cas,-iron protection speeches of their
employers-giriug, like the hired ct0-
qusrs at a French theater. appropriate
applause at appropriate intervals.
Ts this we have no sort of objection
the Pittsburg manufacturers have a right
to spend their money as they choose,
and if they prefer paying wages for ap-
plause TO paying the same wages tor
hard work. well and good-only. out of
humanity to the men. the next time they
have n meeting on n cold, snowy. slop-
py. disagreeable day. let them dispense
with a parade; and further, il they de-
sire 10 escape beng laughed at, they
should avoid. in times like these, pass
ing such revolutions as this:
That We deem II unwIse and mex pedIent
And hostile TO the beat interests of the country 10
uake radical changes in y law whice an expert
ence oil sixteen yesrs has shown to be highly adj
vsnta seous To til" welfare nj the nation. ami 10
have been the largest factor III the Development
Of our resources
There are several things which this
resolution calls forcibly to mind.
First, that the law was adopted sixteen
years go. At first blush this may seem
OF but little consequence; but when it is
remembered that sixteen years ago no
southern state was represented in con-
gress; when it is called to mind that
sixteen years ago the east, through the
influence of its large amount of accu-
INFLATED capital. controlled the legisla-
ton of the country, distracted as it was
by the war. and stripped of the greater
part OF It's agricultural representation.
this circumstance becomes one OF con-
siderable moment.
Second. Why is 1t hostile to the best
interests of the country to make radical
/ changes in this law? The first though:
which presents itself on the passage OF
this part OF the resolution IS that it was
adopted as the sentiment OF men who's
interests will be adversely effected by !
modification OF the tariff. and the SECOND
that the statement is not true. The bes'
interests of the country cannot be bene
fitted by n radical injustice, grated into
our body polite in 4 time OF great strife
, and discord. and only permitted to stanc
because vital questions. elfectlng tn
permanency of the government, hav'
since absorbed the thoughts OF the ma
ton. We have not the space to mention
e the large number OF cases under tn
present tariff law where protectio
s. largely increases the cost of msnuiat
,ured articles without bringing q dolla
&c into the treasury. They are familiar I
-, most Of our readers. II this added co:
y went into the pockets of the laborer!
who produce the goods, there might
ground tor apprehension in times whe
ne so many men are already out OF en-
Ill ployment. but unfortunately. this Is n
the case, the added profit going to tt
credit Of the manufacturer, who, despI
-. his margin, increased by special pr
, lection. hires his labor at the lowe
at price that it can be obtained uLd
y, strong competition. which. in these day
/, very low indeed. II is further adm
ted. even by the strongest projections
oi tina. the collection of the customs CO.
es vastly more than it should. II. for
oy other reason, the tariff law should
60 amended that the simpliication OF
III oseration may reduce its expense, a
prevent opportunities Tor peculatic
i'll i radical change is proposed in the n
vo- law in imposing but one character
YER tax upon anv one article. either
ON calorem or specific. Is not this chan
on demanded. to simplify collections an1
prevent s%windling?
Another thing which these gent!em
= overlook, is that every dollar VIII
protection puts into their pockets. cor
a o out OF tus pockets OF other citizens.
most, If not quite. as a sratuityi
vs. thew fail to see that q great change
come over the minds OF the peopis c
corning this matter Of protection.
Mr. many years the leading political pa
D be of New York city, the Tribune, ad
resi- Gated protection, pure and simple |
,eet- lection. to protect, no matter at WI
pre- cost. To-day that paper. though 1t
ecu largely modified its views. In orde
place itself more in accord with its C
mercial patronage, which is in syn
t the thy with agricultural interests, is in
anti throes of death, while the Herald,
ting World and most OF the other great
board papers. which reflect the ger
NJ III public sentiment OF their section' |
rust. a tariff tor revenue, with only incid'
ras- protection, and the entire farming i
est. except such So can iertiIize its
sians with the falling SCOT from the chin
led Of protected manufactures, is oppos
.ouis. protection.
to ar Again. what slupendous nnpnden
llcagn manifested in the resolution who
. pro- quote, where it is set forth that Al
from per.snce OF sixteen years has show
policy OF projection to be highly a
~.ageous to the welfare OF the nj
> WIN With the wall of starving thousau
8. that a.. Sor.ntop coal districts in their
Oh icy with the strike and its awful r
'na Oh around the very stand from whic
repre- words were read; with the thorsal
lSSOurl IL .,or,tiyoS nver the entire 60