The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-06-01
CLOTHING STORE,
FREE TRADE.
Meeting of the National Conference at De-
troit-Its Organization.

DETROIT, May 31-The National Free
trade Conference assembled in this city to-
day, consisting of number of prominent
advocates of the principles of free trade, the
object being an interchange of views as to
the best method to be pursued for the propa-
CATION of their distinctive principles. The
attendance was not large, The committee
on permanent organization reported the fol-
lowing officers, who were elected: President
Hon. David A. Wells, of Connecticut; vice
presidents, William II. Springer, of Illinois;
William H Smith, of Iowa; Austin II.
Brown, of Indiana Charles Francis Adams,
jr., of Massachusetts; Ulysses Tanner, of Mis-
sissippi; Willard Parker, of Michigan E. G.
Taylor, of Missouri J. Sterling Morton, of
Nebraska; Edward NJ Shepperd, of New
York; Frank H. Hurd, Of Ohio; James N:
Bethune, of Virginia; n. c. Frederickson, of
Wisconsin; secretaries, Charles E. Russell, of
Iowa; and James Mcdonald, of Michigan.
President Wells, upon taking the chair,
said the meeting was one of the most re-
markable in any sense held since the close of
the war. Men had come together TO affirm
'sne right TO sell and buy without restriction.
He referred to the depression of business
throughout the country and the prevalence
of labor strikes and said that before long the
pressure of events will compel an answer to
the question, "Why, in the land of plenty
and good living, there was such stasnation
and distressp' 1t was only a question of time
when the element of liberty involved in this
free-trade question should assert itself.
Letters of regret from Charles Francis
Adams, jr., of Boston, and Perry Belmont, of
New York, were read. Mr.. Adams favored
reduction OF the revenues to what was neces-
sary in peace. In making this reduction pro-
tect manufacturers by removing the
tax on raw materials Put coal, ores
and wool on the free list.
Do hot tax tools, books, machinery. Ex-
tend the free-list so our manufacturers will
be ina position to contend with the manufac-
turers of other lands in the open markets of
the world. Do not tax food. medicines and
art.
Mr.. Belmont favored keeping up the tariff
discussion in advance of the presidential
election. 1t was impossible to tell how far
the effects of the last tariff bill might compel
new legislation by Congress- but from all ap-
pearances, the commercial interests would
bear testimony before the end of the coming
session to the necessity for further and cor
recter legislation. Mr.. Belmont said it was
not only relief from the amount of the
present taxation that was needed, but relief
from unjust and discriminating taxes as
well. The House should assemble next
winter prepared to perform whatever legisla-
tive duties may arise in regard to the tariff.
No member of the House. Democrat or Re-
publican, could, even if he wished, escape
this manifest official duty.
At the evening session the opera-house
was well filled, many ladies being present.
Vice-president Springer presided, and intro
duced D. A. Wells, who made a speech two
hours in length. Mr.. Wells was followed
by Professor Perry, who gave an interesting
account of the growth of free trade senti.
ments during recent years. The conference
then adjourned till tomorrow. Rev. Henry
Ward Beecher sends word that other engage
ments prevent his attendance upon the meet
ing, About seventy-fve delegates are in at
tendance