St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-04-17
committee of the whole, and several sections
being meanwhile agreed to merely pro JonlG.
1ne Homse Of Representatires

WASHINGTON, April 16.-Mr. Russell made
an elaborate argument in opposition to the
Morrison bill, and deprecated the reopening
of the tariff agitation, after the country had
enjoyed a rest but for the short period of
twelve months. The interests of the people
could be best subserved by letting the tariff
laws alone for the present. This bill was
brought in as a challenge to fight, in the
coming presidential campaign, the Republi-
can party-the protective party-accepted
the challenge. 1t stood ready to go to the
people standing by the policy of tariff law
so adjusted to give revenue to the govern
ment and protection to American industries.
He controverted the statement made
by Morrison, yesterday, that the
wages received by the 10000, 900
shop and field laborers of this country did
not average over $500 year, by citing the
situation in Lawrence, Mass, where a popu-
lation of 100000, wholly employed in labor,
had deposits of s17, 100000 in the savings
banks. He contrasted this state of facts with
the fact that in Manchester, England, hay
ing a population of $50 900, the savings de-
posted in the banks did not amount to half
that sum. Going the details of interests
which he main tanned would be unfavorably
affected by the bill, he dwelt more especially
on the danger to which the wheat growing
industry was subjected, by increasing the
competition with India and Russia, and pre-
dicted that within five years the agricultural
sections of the country would be demanding
an increased duty on wheat He hoped the
Democratic party would not, by hasty and
inconsiderate action, disturb the business
interests of the country for political pur-
poses.
Mr. Blount said he was not free trader.
He believed in getting revenue generally
from importations, but no legislation should
be enacted, which would make the rich
richer, and the poor poorer, on the pretense
of elevating American labor above the pau
per labor of Europe, and keeping the home
market for ourselves. Congress should so
legislate, as ultimately to reach a revenue
standard This could not be done at once,
for the sudden change of policy might pro-
duce disaster. The progress should be Slow
Five, ten, twenty years, might be needed to
accomplish the object, yst it must be done.
The struggle would be fierce and arduous
The manufacturers would sacrifice poll tical
alliances, and would use every device to hold
what they had. 1t was the
daily observation, if the Democratic party
did not abandon its attempt to revise the
tariff it could not elect president. 1t was
said that manufacturers were power in their
wealth, and this would be used against the
party effectively. If on such a suggestion
the Democratic party abandoned its policy,
the time would come when fair representa-
tiyes would be sent to congress to resume
the contest, and the party which held power
hereafter must do so by outstripping its Op-
ponent in the reduction of the tariff. The
reduction of revenue which would be accom-
plished by the bill was estimated at $50, 900,
900. All this opened way to the reduction
of the tax on distilled spirits to ten cents per
gallon, and encouraged the farmers to put in
brandy that which by decay, would otherwise
be lost. 1t would also enable congress to
abolish the entire tobacco tax.
Mr.. Chase especially antagonized that
portion of the pending bill which reduces
the duty on wool. The wooden industry was
already burdened, and if further reduction
of 20 per cent was made, a very large pro-
portion of all the mills in the country would
be stopped. A reduction of 20 per cent. on
the entire tariff list, would throw out of en-
ployment /, ZOO, coo persons, who, with their
families, consumed 100000 bushels of
wheat. They would be forced to the cultiva-
ton Of the soil and the production of wheat
would be increased to the extent of 153, ,000,-
900 bushels. The producers of cereals were
already in danger, owing to growing compe-
tition from the wheat fields Of Russia and
India, and the only safe market for wheat
was the home market.
Mr.. Jones, of Arkansas, spoke of the wide
spread and imperative demand for reduc-
ton Of the tariff. 1t was in response to that
demand that the pending bill was brought
in. Its passage would announce that the
Democratic party was in favor Of a reforma-
ton, not revolution. Dodging would not
deceive the people or benefit the party.
The committee rose and the house adj
journed.