The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1883-06-07


| DETROIT, May 3l.-A national free
| trade conference assembled in this
city to-day, consisting of a number of
prominent ADVOCATES of the principles
of free trade, the object being an in
terchange of views as to the best
method to be pursued in he propaga-
ton of their distinctive principles.
The attendance is not large. The con-
ference was called to order at noon
by VIM. G. Browne, of this city:
| Temporary organization was effected
by the . &c Of 4. Sterling
James A. Mcdonald. of Michigan,
and g. e. Russell, pr IpEa, secreta-
ries. Business committees were then
named and a recess taken until 2 p.
NJ, when Mayor Thompson formally
welcomed the conference to the city.
He took occasion to express very de
cided views as to the necessity
and propriety of reciprocity
treaties with Canada and Next
| co. The committee pm permanent
organization reported the following
officers, who were elected: President,
Hon. David A. Wells, of Connecticut;
vice presidents, VIM. H. Springer, OF
Illinois, VIM. Smith, Of Iowa, Austin
HI. Brown, of Indiana, Charles Fran
els Adams, Jr., of Massachusetts,
Uriah Tanner, of Minnesota, Willard
Parker, of Michigan, z. e. Taylor, of
Missouri, j. Sterling Morton. OF Ne
braska, Edward NJ. Shepherd of New
York, Frank H. Hurd, of Ohio, James
n. Bethune, of Virginia, and
n. G. Fredericks0n, of Wis
consin; secretaries, Chas. e, Russell,
of Iowa, and James III. Mcdonald, OF
Michigan. President Wells, upon
taking the chair, said the meeting
was the most remarkable one in any
sense hekl since the close of the war;
Men had come together to affirm their
right to sell and buy without restric-
ton. He referred to the depression
of business throughout the country,
and the prevalence of labor strikes,
and said before long the pressure of
| events will compel an answer to the
que stion. "'Why, in this land
of plenty and good living there was
such staglation and distress ?" It
was only 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., and Perry Bell
mont were read. Mr.. Adams favored
a reduction of revenue to what was
necessary in time of peace, In
making this reduction, the pro-
test of manufacturers, by removing
the tax on raw materials, put coal,
ores and wool on the free list, and
does not tax tools. books and machin-
cry, but extends the free list so that
manufacturers will be in position to
contend with manufacturers of other
lands in open markets of the world,
and do not tax food, medicines or art.
Belmont favored keeping up the tariff
discussion in advance of the presiden-
tial election. 1t was impossible to tell
how far the effect OF the last tariff
bill might compel new legislation by
congress, but from all appearances
the commercial interests would bear
testimony, before the end of the
coming session to the necessity of
correction of legislation. Belmont saw
it was not only relief from the
amount of present taxation that was
needed, but relief from unjust and
discriminating taxes as well. The
house should assemble next winter
prepared to perform whatever legis-
latiye duties may arise in regard to
the tariff. No member of the house,
Democrat OF Republican, could, even
if he wished, escape this manifest
official finfv