Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-11-30
rHENArlONAL7ARIFF
Hun1rea Oeisgoeee
in Attendance.

New YoRK, Nov. 90.
The National Tariff convention met in
Cooper Institute this forenoon. Col. Houston,
chairman Of the executive committee, called
the convention to order and in his remarks,
stated that this was the first national con-
vention which included in its membership
beth the manufacturer and the workman. de
then presented as temporary chairman, MI.
G. B. Loring, Commissioner of Agriculture.
Mr.. Loring was received with great applause
and after thanking the delegates TOR the
honor. he reviewed at some length the man
ufacturing and agricultural Industries OF the
country. and recommended harmony IN the
convention, so that the greatest good might
come 10 the greatest .numbef. About 500
delegates were present.
Han. Warren Miller was made permanent
chairman with 3 long list of vice presidents
On taking the chair Miller said The object
of the convention was to bring free trade
and tariff questions prominently before the
public through the public press, and thus
influence public opinion SO that proper action
will be taken BY various legislative bodies of
the government. The speaker advocated
protection in its widest sense and higher
wages for all. The secretary then read the
following letter from the Secretary of State !:
To DIR. T. Houston, chairman, &c. 50
NV dear sir:-My official duties prevent
my leaving Washington at this time. am
hence deprived of saying some things would
be glad to say in your convention if had
an opportunity to speak. In brief note Of
excuse cannot discuss the tariff or shipping
questions, and yet will not omit the express
sion of my belief that at no previous time in
the history of our country has the principle
of protection to American. industry been so
81 &Ia % &lA L.,
today.
1t was formerly issued somewhat de-
termined by his latitude and longitude. But
these limitations have passed away and en-
thu.iastic protectionists can be found in Ala
bama as we'll as in Massachusetts,, in Illinois
as we'll as in Pennsylvania. West and south
are joining the north and east in the COM
mon belief that some manufactures should
be encouraged and developed in every state
in the Union. wish could speak with the
same confidence in regard to the prospects of
American shipping but confess to some dis
couragement when see the American Min
lister to Brazil, at this moment en- route to
Rio Janeiro, compelled to reach his post by
going first to England or France in order to
avail himself of line steamers. We are pay
ing to Brazil, annually, more than forty mil
lion dollars in gold coin to settle the balance
Oh TauS against U.s. DTaLal Ill turn senus
this money to Europe for commodities, which
we might in part at least furnish her. 1t is
easy for the merchants of Brazil to reach
England and France. We have never seen
the wisdom of providing an easy mode
for some merchandise to come to the United
States. So long as we fail to do so the balance
of trade will annually increase against US.
1t is idle to think of selling goods to man
unless YOU first induce him to come into YOUR
store. Yours very truly,
(Signed) JAS. G. BLAINE.
j. H. Ricketson of Pittsburg, then deliver
cred an address. We must legislate, he said,
for our own country and not for lands from
which vast numbers, now seeking our shores,
have been compelled to emigrate.
Hon. VIM. Mckinley, Jr., advocated a
protective tariff. The condition of the work
ing man would certainly be improved by the
passage of a protective law.
AT the evening session the Hon. VIM. ID.
Kelley of Pennsylvania, read his paper on
the reduction of internal revenues taxes, and
w. E. Gately spoke on the abolition of taxes,
especially in drugs VIM. d. Ward of Penn,
advocated the extension OF foreign commerce
and hoped the government will give all the
possible aid and encouragement of ship build
ing interests in this country.