The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1883-09-07
Mr.. Beecher on Free Trade.

Tbs Rev. Henry Ward Beecher delivered
last evening, in the First Baptist church Of
Brooklyn, the first Of q series of pictures on
Tree trade, under the auspices of the Brook
Ign Revenue reform club. In the course of
his address he said:
In addition to what every citizen feels.
l, as a moral teacher, feel Jealous to say
that the protective system not only is i'm
polite and unjust, but wrong in funda-
mental morals. [Applause.l In its princi-
Piles and results it is directly opposed to
Christian ethics. 1t is opposed to the eth
icai organization of society. Men are or
ganized on principles of equity and justice
IN fellowship, and those who violate these,
IN the long run come to destruction; while
obedience to them leads to success. In
direct contradiction to Christian morality
and the Gospel of Christ is a protective
tariff, for it is organized Immortality. Jap
plause.I
Every American heart should beat for
liberty. It cost ages and blood to gain in
dividual liberty. By revolutions, racks,
and penal prisons liberty of conscience
was gained. At last liberty, except where
it inpinges the libesty of others. exists in
all directions, and goes in this land with
universal intelligence. Liberty in all rela-
tons, social, religious, individual, is best
for man. Men choose their own church,
their own calling; can use property as they
please, find their WI market, and find the
world wide open to get what tempts the eye
and attra cts wealth; but they may not bring
it home. The United States will not let a
man bring 10 in unless he pays the penalty.
He may get his pictures in Italy, silks in
Lyons, wine in Bordeaux; but the govern
ment says you must buy at home, and net
abroad. II it is not produced here, you
must wait till it is. ELaughter.l This is
the literal fact, as far net only as luxuries,
and necessaries, are concerned. Liberty!
No homesick traveller can come into his
native land by permission of the govern
ment except with his skin and its covering.
His trunks are opened and his person
searched for gems. He cannot bring in
what he can buy cheaper than at he ne. We
are shorn of our liberty in the commerce of
the world.
1T is contrary to morals and the, spirit of
our fathers to put commerce in bondage.
Commerce is to the nation what blood is to
the body. 1t equalizes the zones. Its
white wings are the gospel of the world.
Since the time of Paul every ship has been
as other pulpits. Before the rebellion our
ships led the commerce of the world. But
now the ships are sold and the yards are
silent. Commerce is in chains-a prisoner
at the heels of manufactures. Instead OF
being an eagleit is a mere dunghill fowl.
Now ships want a bounty to keep on the
ocean. There should be important and ON
nipotent reasons for this. All tariffs are
taxes to support the government, directly or
indirectly. All taxes should be certain and
direct; but tariffs on imports are uncertain
and indirect. They add to the cost TO con-
sumers OF articles. but are hidden in the
price. Direct taxes tendto economy in gov
eminent. We are now in danger Of having
too much money for government pur-
poses"
After showing that protection made most
men think it was no crime to cheat the gov
eminent, Mr.. Beecher said:
What is protection doing now? 1t sees
the surplus of government, and
Jays that taxes must be lower; but il would
not take of any duties. It is proposed to
send the whole question to q commission Of
nine to consider the subject for three
yecys, and then report to congress-which
will lay it on the shelf. But before that
time fres trade will food the country.
Truth is on our side, men believe in it, the
gospel of Christ is for us and all the prin-
ciplss Of humanity. and we shall not fail. "
49, ~