The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-04-23

To the Editor of the zndGnaDolis JournaA.
It may be taken rs q general rule that the
opinion of an alien. regarding the internal poll
tics of any state. is very little worth. The
municipal law Of country is SO intimately con-
nected with the circumstances of that country
that unless person has resided therein con-
siderable time his information il not such TO
warrant his expressing an opinion. and any in
reference on his part will very properly DO con-
sdered piece of gratuitous impertinence.
When we come. however, Co consider the policy
Of country in relation to foreign states, 1t is
entirely different question, and the impartial
opinion Of foreigners is always worth consider
ing. It ia this consideration that induces me
to recommend all the citizens of the Republic to
look abroad bit before they come to any judg-
ment on the question of FREQ trade versus pro-
lection, not only here but all over the world
and see what other nations think of the matter.
When left Great Britain, q few weeks ago,
there was great deal of discussion going Oh in
the press and among business men, in reference
to the declaration of President Cleveland in ga
of free trade. / need hardly say that that
message brought joy to the hearts of the English
and Scotch manufacturers. There is through
out the length and breadth of Great Britain
strong belief that the United States will
adopt free-trade policy, and there is great lu-
bilation In the Brit,sher's heart in consequence.
Every Englishman who comes over here, on his
return to England processes to have re-
ceived from prominent Democratic states
strong assurances that this country will
shortly throw over the tariff and go straight for
free trade. Wherever such statements are
made in England they are received with en-
thusiastc cheers by all classes of the community,
whatever may be their political creed. Now il
seems to me that Americans should pause and
consider whence this enthusiasm arises. Does
it spring from the depth of affection thsy have
for their american cousinsW One easily
imagine men who hold the political creed of
John Bright-thoss who hold the doctrine of
free trade as an article of religious belief-re-
joicing exceedingly over q change of American
policy. az over stray sheep that has been
brought back into the fold, but it is not so with
nlne-tenths OF British subjects. The subjects of
her Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria are not
any worse, perhaps, than the generality of man.
kind. but they perfectly well aware on
which side their bread is buttered When
Englishmen cheering to the echo the slight
est hint that the United States about to
adopt free trade policy, they not thinking
of the benefit that will accrue 20 the Ameri-
can manufacturers and workmep. though they
may say so, but of their own profit OF course
the Britisher will talk principles; be will even
quote Scripture, but when an Englishman, and
more especially q Scorchman. saks principle
very loud and quotes Scripture, would advise
twice and then retire and consider the
matter well before expressing an
opinion. One need hardly remind the
Republicans of this country of how the sym
patnies of the majority of the inhabitants of
Great Britain lay during the civil war; and how
loudly they talked principle IN those days.
hypocrites who will attempt to justify their
conduct. Not very long ago heard man. ad-
dressing an English audience explain to them
that the reason why many Engiishmen sup
ported the South was that the Erglishman is a
noble hearted animal-much more than the
rest OF mankind of course-and that he of neces-
sty sympathzed with the weaker aide. but the
knowing ones present merely winked their eye,
and muttered softly ''cheap cotton" The En-
glishman has not altered much in the last
twenty-six years. He is still ready
4o ina fv of a m nd a
his material advantage. tho fundamental
principles of Justice Profit and justice
Synonymous to the Englishman, provided the
profit be on his side.
1t would occupy too much of your space TO 60
into all the causes that have given rise to the
excitement in England over Cleveand's mes
sage but the chief motive that actuates politi-
clans is that there is a considerable party IN
England who getting tired of one-sided
policy Of reciprocity. One by
one the people of England industries in
which they have held pre- eminenee for centuries
passing out of their hands. Factory after
factory in England is being closed up, ana CAPT.
talIsts are going abroad into protective coun-
tries arguing that they thus secure the trade OF
ship their goods into England. Freights are
now so low that when we set OF against them
the lower rates of wages prevailing i'll countries
such as France and Germany, as compared with
England, capitalists find that by re-
moving into these countries they can sell
their goods TO better advantage in
Euglan0 tOan II tney were manufactured tEere.
The consequence is that protection party
stronR enough TO De felt though Ftill in minor
ity. is rising in Great Britain. and politicians
are striving TO shut their mouths by continually
harpine on the string that the United States Is
just about to adopt free trade, and that then
there will be splendid field for British manu-
facturers. Here IS q frst-class lesson 70 be
learned by American free-traders from the fact
that this bait 10 thrown out by British politicians
and 10 eagerly swallowed by the people IL does
not require a microscope to see where the lesson
points.
Ii seems to me that the citizens OF the United
States would do well to inquire into the results
that have accrued 70 the civilized nations of the
world who have adopted q free-trade policy. be-
fore they come TO q decision on the subject OF
course. IN following out such inquiry, it will
be necessary tS keep in view the exact circrm-
stances Of each conEtry. It would be a mistake
for exampls. 10 argue that because free trade
bad produced certain result 10 England it
would. in all cases. have the same result here.
England is~n exceptional position; she is noe
self supporting, and never will be, that it
would be utter madness for them to
put tax on such commodities
wheat II. however, this fact 10 kept In view.
much may be learned from the history OF Brit