The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-03-13

Aad basn made in this country, there would not
Kave esea so many idle hands around the
Tnilss. and reduction OF the rate Of duty
would only increase the number OF idle hands.
FOR this reason the amalgamated association,
which represented between 10000 and $4,000
men, desired to enter Its protest against the pro-
posed legislation.
William Martin, of Pittsburg. read protest
offered by the committee of the association. in
which tie association says that it is unalterably
opposed to any revision OF the tariff, except in
the direction of higher duties. The labor or
plantations of this country had not as yet,
taken part in politics, but IL the tendency OF
Congress was towards revision of the tariff In
the direction of reduction, these ORGANIZATIONS
would be forced to Jake political action.
Nv. f, Stewart, who has had thirty years ex-
pArience as an iron-worker. gave it as bis opin'
lon that q general reduction OF wages invariaoly
followed q general reduction OF taflH duties MT
Stewart, referring TO remark made Dy MT
Brsckinridge, of Arkansas, relative to the con-
diEion OF China under the policy OF shutting
itself out from foreign intercourse. said that
when the American workmen came down to the
Chinese policy, and carried everything on their
heads. the wages would come down to the same
gate as Chinese wages. The American work
man has genius the Chinaman has not.
Mr.. Breckenridge of Kentucky, inquired in
regard TO the general condition Of labor In this
country--whether it was in good relations with
the employer.
Mr. Stewart replied that the relations were
not satisfactory, and that was the cause OF the
organization of so many labor associations. The
workingmen recognized that the laws OF the
United States were not made in the interest OF
Iabe., but of capital. They were going to give
( (Aygress O chance to help them. If this were
M done a movement would be set on foot which
would enable them to help themselves through
the ballotrbox
DIR. Breckenridge inquired whether there were
not other causes of complaint among workmen
than had grown ont of the reduction of the tariff.
Mr. Stewart replied that the reduction of the
tariff the sole origination of the whole COM
plant of the labor associations.
The session of the committee was protracted
until $50 P. N. The delegates of the working
men in the iron and steel industries Of Pennsyl-
svania and Ohio made very strong presentation
of their case. ard held their position with great
ability against the suggestive questioning of Mr..
Breckinridce of Kentucky Mr.. Breckinridge, of
Arkansas, and Mr.. Mcmillan, of Tennessee.
Several Of them, including Mr.. John Jarrett,
gave ont very direct limitations that in che last
4 presidential election the workingmen of the
country had given a different Interpretation to
the declaration in the Democratic platform of
the necessity of revision of the tariff from that
which they were now realizing in the introduc-
ton of the Morrison BILL and declared that the
politics influence of the workingmen would be
directed against the political party that favored
any attack upon the present tariff duties
Afterward few gentlemen were heard in ia
syor of increased duties on pearl buttons vegeta-
BILE ivory buttons and bronze powder.