The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1884-05-03

protectonists would not listen, would not ac-
cept compromise, in less than a year the
farmers would rise from the lethargy in whici,
they are slumbering -would overthrow in an
hour the whole protective system. He went
on to argue that the effect of the system was
otbenefcial to the manufacturing interest,
but on the contrary was detrimental to them,
in that it prevented them from securing free
raw material. OH if | could burn into the
brain of the manufacturers of America one
sentence, he burst forth, it would be this
s'Turn from the constant introspection to the
nations of the world Down with the walls!
Out to the sea! There are 1000, 900
people who want to buy what you make. Rise
up to the truth of the great thought that these
immense peoples can be supplied by you with
all of the instruments of husbandry and the
tools of artisanship. But they will not take
your goods unless you take theirs. Let your
tariff disappear and then, o manufacturers
your attention will be diverted from the home
market to the generous rivalries of foreign
trade in which a wealth will come to You of
which you do not dream oday. APP
plause.
Mr.. Hurd then discussed the tariff question
affecting the rates of wages for labor, declaring
that so far as that labor was concerned the
fruits of protection were want, penury and
starvation. Those were the jewels in its
crown. ne WlSueu tlldl Tie WOThl0gIn6n
would cease to believe in the delusion that
protection was help to them. Itcame in the
guise of friend, but was really mortal foe.
Its hand was lifted in the attitude of bene-
diction, but it was really raised to curse 1t
never would permit labor to have the full
share to which it was entitled of the profits of
capital. If the employers had not the wisdom
to learn the truth, he hoped that this agitation
would enlighten the workers, and chat they,
by their votes, would relegate business to the
natural laws of trade. He supported the
pending bill because it proposed to give re-
lief to all distressed industries. 1t reduces
the revenue nearly $50, 200, 900 and it reduced
taxation. 1t gave to the people cheap salt and
this relief? Would it be Republican, whose
party had announced that the protective tariff
was only temporary measure? Would itbe
a Democrat, whose party s last national plat
form had declared for tariff for revenue only?
If it were Democrat who did not agree with
the resolution of the national platform and
approved rather of the Ohio resolution, he
asked him if there was anything in the Nor
rison bill inconsistent with the Ohio platform.
''And will answer yes" inteuected Mr..
Waner.
And | want to have you and those who
agree with you on the record, continued Mr..
Hurd had hoped that no Democrat on the
floor of the House would say that there ever
was a Democratic platform which would not
allow the people to take off the war taxes of
twenty FIVE years ago. Loud and long con-
tinued applause on the Democratic side. |
And if that be the meaning of the gentleman,
if that be the construction he gives to the Ohio
platform, then say here and now that shall
appeal to the gallant Democracy of my native
State to repudiate the heresy of that platform,
and have no fear of the result-that it will
place itself where it ought to be, close to the
great national heart of the Democrats of this
nation. Renewed applause
Some gentlemen say that it is not policy to
agitate this question now. 1t is too late for a
Democrat 10 say that. There is nothing in
the principal of this bill which takes off the
taxes of the war and gives the people cheap
fuel and shelter, to which any gentleman
should object. From time immemorial it has
been the usage, that the majority of a party
shall determine what it is expedient and polite
to do; and this side in caucus by o.third,
vote has declared that it is expedient to con
slider this bill, Even if it had not, you could
not prevent the consideration and discussion o
the question that are presented in this bill
! Neither the admonitions nor the force of mar
could stay it. The agitation has already be
gun. The people long silent and quiet ART
| moving now. The culture and chivalry o.
the Nation long anxious for this hour are ready
to take the lead The conflict cannot long b.
delayed, and then the result cannot be doubt
full. Private extortion must yield 10 public
rights; selfish interests must be sacrificed t.
the general good, and each individuals man
hood must be left free, unhindered and unhal
tered by the government, to work out its owl
destiny. And in the glorious result of the
struggle am sure that this protective gran
of robbery and extortion will disappear from
the land never again to offend America o.
darken her fair fields with its shadow.
At the conclusion Of his speech, Mr.. Hurd
was the recipient of such an ovation as il
rarely witnessed in any deliberative body
The applause was renewed again and again
50 dificplt was it for his hearers to repres
/ their enthusiasm. The Chair Used the gave
freely in order that quiet might be restored
so that Mr.. Geddes. who had taken the floor
might proceed with his remarks; but it wa
some minutes before the tumult subsidized
Members gathered around Mr.. Hurd and ex
tended such hearty and demolatrative con
gpatuatlnns as few orators have ever received
]