New-York tribune., 1885-07-22
yR. RoAcHS MIsF0RTUNES

command universal respect among Americans
He has grit. He began as a mechanic and be-
came one of the greatest siIipbuilders in the
world. The architect of his own fortune, he
applied the same principle of self-help which
had given him position of pre-eminence as
man of courage and enterprise in the mercan-
tile world to the industrial fortunes OF the
country. lie was Protectionist because he
believed that Heaven helps those Nations that
have suSicient sagacity TO help themselves. lie
was not a faint-hcarted or an apologetic Pro-
tectiouist; he believed that American prosper
ty and the future of American workingmen
we're dependent upon the maintenance of an
economic system tending to encourage home
manufactures and to diversity industries; and
since the Republican party was unequivocally
committed to that policy. he earnestly sup
ported it, He fought in behalf of Ame rcan
shipbuildng the great battle OF his life. not
only launching nine out of ten Of the iron
steamships now sailing under the American flag,
and demonstrating that American merchandise
could be prOfitably carried in American bot
toms, but also defeating almost single-h handed
legislation that would have swept American
built sups from the seas. III the navigation
laws are still unrcpcaed and the agitation in
favor of free ships has been repeatedly
thwarted, it Is because this veteran shipbuilder
has stood in the breach and by mastery argu-
ments before Congressional Committees and
by sheer force of.will and strength Of character
has protected the true interests of the Nation
John Roach has made q magnificent fight for
the cause of American shipbuilding and home
industries. Even his bitterest enemies must
f,r a nd GOh inn
power of the best American type. He was
hard man to beat, "a the Democrats and Free
Traders have found to their cost and because
he was a persistent and successful champion of
protection and OF the party that never swcrved
from the American policy of seif-help, he has
been subjected to malignant persecution almost
without parallel in the annals of the country.
Since November the Democratic press and it's
free trade allies have systematically tralucei,
insulted and abused him; and the Admins
tration by its efforts to create politica
capital and TO secure a reputation for energy
and reforming zeal has finally compelled the
old shipbuilder to suspend business to dis
charge his wo kmen aud to give up the fl t.
He has been driven out of the great trade OF
which he stood at the head, in consequence Of
persistent lying and ignorant clamors OH the
part of the press, and political persecution
from Democratic Administration. IL is the
greatest blow W lich the shpbuilding interests
of the country have received since the Confed
crate cruisers were let loose from England to
prey upon American commerce. 1t is the COM
rulsory withdrawal from business of great
firm that has built ia iron steamships alone
and delivered the Nation from the reproach of
81 e
erng to foreigners the cOasting and South
American trade. Is this result which can be
regarded in any other light than that of
great National misfortune
Some Of Mr.. Rolcn's enemies are startled by
the ruin that has been wrought through defam-
alton and unjust dealing. They confess that
after all he was an honest man, albeit wedded
to wrong principles, and make an Ostentatious
display of their. sympathy for hin. They do
this after having deliberately sought for six
months past to prejudice the public against
him as q man who lived OF Government @fatp
building poor ships that were constantly re-
quiring repairs, contributing largely to cor
ruptiou funds in Washington, having a work |
ing business arrangement with Republican
Secretaries of the Navy, repairing Government |
vessels mt enormous profit and acting in cOllu- |
sion with Naval Advisory Boards to palm off |
worthless dispatch boats and cruisers built in |
defiance of law. They are now "very sorry for
poor John Roach" who perhaps deserves con-
siderable credit for enterprise and spirit and |
who, in his old age and enfecbled health, is en-
titled to the sympathy and respect of the COM
munity" in his misfortunes Meanwhile.
neither the robust virtues of tho man nor tho
principles advocated by him throughout his
career have changed. Defamation cannot de-
fraud him OF the reputation Of building q
great fleet of American steamships. Political
persecution canp0t support the wanton charge