The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1883-06-01
LIBERTY OF TRADE.
A Notable Meeting at Detroit in Favor
Of Free Trade.
Labor Strikes Due to Depression of
Business.

DETROIT, June 1.-The National Free
Trade Conference assembled in this city
to-day, and is being attended by some
of the most prominent advocates of free
trade.in the country. A temporary or
ganization was effected by the choice of
j. Sterling Morton, of Nebraska, as chair
man, James A. Mcdonald of Michigan,
and G. E. Russell of Iowa, as secretaries.
A recess was then taken until 2 p. m,
when Mayor Thompson formally vel
coined the conference to the city.
The Committee on Permanent Organi-
zation reported the following officers,
who were elected: President, Hon. David
A Wells, of Connecticut; Vice Presidents,
Vim. A. Springer of Illinois, William H.
Smith of Iowa, Austin H Brown of In
diana, Charles Francis Adams, Jr., of
Massachusetts, Ulysses Hammer of Mime
sofa, Willard Parker of Michigan, Ely
Taylor of Missouri, j. Sterling Morton of
Nebrask, Edward M. Sheppard of New
York, Frank H. Hurd Of Ohio, James n i.
Bethune of Virginia, and N. c. Hederick
son of Wisconsin. Secretaries Charles
E, Russell, of Iowa, and ]. H. Mcdonald,
of Michigan
President Wells upon taking the chair
said the meeting was one of the most
remarkable IN any sense held since the
war. Men had come together to affirm
the right to sell and buy without restric
ton. He referred to the depression
business throughout the country and the
prevalence of labor strikes, and said til at
before long, events will compel an answer
TO the question when in this land of
plenty and good living there was stagna-
tion and distress. 1t was only question
Of time when the element of liberty in
volved in this free trade question should
assert itself. Letters of regret from
Charles Francis Adams Jr., and Perry
Belmont were read.
Adams favored a reduction of the reve
nues to what was a necessity in time of
peace In making this reduction, reduce
the tax on the manufacturers by removing
the tax or raw material; put the tax on
the luXuries Do not tax tools, books,
etc. Extend the free list SO that
the manufacturers will be in position to
contend with other lands in the open
markets of the world. Do not tax food,
medicines or art. Belmont favored
keeping up the tariff discussion
in advance of the Presidential election.
1t was impossible to tell how far the
effects of the tariff bill might compel leg
islatiOn, but from all appearances the
| commercial interests would bear testimo-
ny before the end of the coming session
to further legislation
A long discussion ensued over the
question of organization, originating in a
motion of H. j. Phillpot, of Iowa, that a
| Committee of one from each State repre-
sented should be appointed to organize a
plan of work. The Eastern members op-
| posed this on the. ground that the
| American Free Trade League now
in existence was sufficient for the
purpose aimed at by Mr.. Phillpots pro-
position. Finally the following Committee
of Organization was appointed; II. J
Phillpot,. George F. Peabody. of New
York, w G. Brownlee, of Michigan
A. A. Healy, Brooklyn, and G. E. Fer
gnson, of Indiana.
On motion a committee was appointed
to prepare an address to the people of the
United States, as follows. Thomas G
Shearman, of New York, W. P. Fish
bark, of Indiana, W B. Smith, of Iowa
E. A Sheppard, of New York, c. H. Tay
lor, of Iowa, and R. R, Bowker, of New
York The Conference then took {
recess.
At the evening session the Opera hous
was well filled. Many ladies were present
Vice President Springer presided and in
troduced David A. Wells, who made
speech two hours in length