Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-07-04
Waldo County Pomona Grange

The Grange held its June meeting the 18th
with the Star of Progress Grange of Jackson.
This grange (No. 25) is one of the first
born" as Brother Cook says. They built
hall ten years ago, and run a store, think
the only store in town. The postofiice is in
this store.
After the usual forenoon work, the ques-
tion, resolved that the tariff is not benefit
to farmers, was discussed. The discussion
showed that farmers can handle the tariff as
well as any other question Brother Mod
gett opened the subject in the affirmative
and Brother Dyer in the negative. Brother
Bellows gave history of past tariff legisla
ton. The points brought out were many
and some showed study and familiarity with
the subject. The number of sheep in III.
country had increased from 90 900. 900 in
1860 10 50,000,00o in 1884, but had fallen to
$4,000, 900 in 1883 on account of the tariff
reduction in 1889. This was cited as the
only industry that had declined in the whole
country during the time. At the same time
we imported $50 ,000, 900 worth of wool and
woolens annually. The importation of
wool increased from 60,0OO, 900 pounds in
1882 to l29, 200, 900 in 1886, and ia 900 900
pounds in 1887. While the number of
sheep had decreased over 5000, 900 in this
country in five years, they had increased
20 900, 900 in Australia in that time. Aus
IL, a. L,,s 4 - L.
twice as many sheep as the whole United
States. The rapid decline in sheep hus-
bandry was not owing TO lack of its adapta-
bIlity to our soil and climate, but to the
general unproftableness of the business
owing to the great foreign competition.
In reply to the statement that we needed
a low tariff so we could get materials cheap
and be able to compete with foreign nations
in manufactured goods, Brother Smith asked
what We needed of a foreign market when
we imported over Sl5 900 900 worth of man
ufactared goods annually more than we sold.
He showed that the laborers and Their fam
lies required to produce the $3.50 ,000, 900
worth of manufactured goods annually i'm
ported would nearly consume the entire
amount of agricultural exports which amount
to only six per cent. of our agricultural pro-
duets We needed these goods manufac-
tured here we needed the laborers who make
them here to consume our surplus agrcul-
tural products, instead of sending them
abroad to compete with cheap labor. 1t
would require but $500, 900 persons to con-
sumo our entire surplus agricultural pLeduct.
In reply to the assertion that the duty was
added to the cost on domestic manufactures,
it was asked if calico which was sold for
five cents yard could be bought for one
cent if the duty of four cents yard was re-
moved. Other similar examples were given
of the fallacy of this argument. If the ten
cents pound duty on wool was taken off,
and if wool which is selling for 23 cents
should drop to l3 cents, heaven help the
sheep rajsers. The slaughter of 6,000, 900
sheep which took place since 1888. would be
our hocks which would follow such reduc-
tion of duty. The discussion was very inter-
estng so was that of the question in relation
to less fancy work and more outdoor work.
A petition was ordered sent to Congress, ask
ing for amendments Strengthening the inter
State commerce act.
The next Pomona Grange will be at Pros
pect Aug. 2l. The question resolved that
foreign immigration has done more to lower
the standard of American citizenship than
Brother j. G. Harding; negative, Brother
G. IL. Kneeland, Sisters topic, "whal
constitutes a true ladyf" by Sister Higgins.