New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-08-11
MIR. BLAINES FIRST Words.

MIR. BLAINES FIRST Words.
Mr. Rlaine's self-effacement was the most
remarkable feature of his reception. No Amerl-
can ever received heartier or more Impressive
welcome on returning to his country, and none
ever succeeded in putting himself so quietly
and contentedly in the background. Inc
tidings that 10000 Republicans had been
marching the previous night in honor OF MS
coming must have fred the blood even OF TINS
veteran campaigner and leader OF men; but
while there was no lack of appreciation on DIS
mart of the unprecedented honors accorded to
him. his first thoughts were of the gallant
American soldier who had passed away "niio
he had been at sea- The death OF oherlaa'l
was the shadow darkening the threshold Oh
tbe American home TO which he had returned
and he spoke of it with profound emotion ana
sympathy, putting out OF mlnd the spichuiu
tribute of respect and affection winch ne was
himself receiving. One graceful act OF sell
effacement opened the way for another' III
the next breath he was addressing, not the
throng If political friends and ardent admirers
who had gathered about him to welcome him
home. but the toilng millions throughout the
land, whose welfare, happiness and progress
are imperilled by free-trade leglslauoh' IL
was to them that his first words OF greeting
and warning were spoken, and repeated with
even greater emphasis in the more formal ad-
dress of the evening.
Mr.. Blaine, like General Harrison, regards
the wage question as the core OF the tarin
controversy. Nne-tenths of our population
are dependent on some form of labor as a
means of living. These wage-earners thrive
and prosper as they have opportunity 1of en-
plovment. Protection has aided them py
multiplying and diversfying Industries ana
by rendering their labor remuneratlve. free
Trade will stimulate the foreign supply ana
restrict the home demand for labor. 1t Will
dcpress wages and deprive thousands OF Aiherl-
car working people of employment. 1his Is
the living issue in politics to-day, and II con-
Germs the great mass of workers whose only
canital is their labor. Mr.. Blaine has landed
in Newly orlz with earnest words OF ehtrea'A
and warning on his lips for the humblest aho
poorest of his fellow-citizens. Their future l.
| at stake in the struggle between Repubhcahish
and Democracy The enemies OF protecuor
are fighting the battle of European cheap laDo
and misery. VIII American workingmen lenc
their support to a cause that is falal 10 thei
interests? The appeal as Mr.. Blame says
lies with them.
The first words of this leader OF men VII
echo through the land. There were no sign
Of nremeditaton or self consciousness IN tn
unaffected address which he delivered in re
Spouse to the greetings i'll the harpor' ou
Mr.. Blaine's heart went out at once to the thou
sands Of American working people whose 10
he has been contrasting wherever he has bee
in Furope with that of less favored and &c
spairing toilers. lie had message 10 deiI'e
to them. He could not keep the words bacf
He knows now what he only family reallze
eighteen months ago-that il is the Governmen
that steadily promotes employment in mani
fold industries and protects labor by securin
to it the home market that deserves the com
dence and support of working people, Ems
land leaves its toiling millions to the natur;
laws of supply and demand, and there is a
army of the unemployed in every town, an
there is another great horde that must eith'
emgrate or starve. In America IL Is III
priyiege of Government both to stimulate Ell
nloyment and to raise the rates OF wages b
y wise and benefcent economic system NJ
$ Blaine with all the emphasis which he ca
s command, reminds the country OF these weight
considerations.
It was fitting that message designed pr
, marily for wage-earners should be delivered
! the evening to great audience of workir
, people They were told that they could ha'
free trade and promote the industrial lnteres
! of England and Europe if they were conte
q to take the wages of foreign workmen al
70 live under the same wretched conditions
e they were unwilling to make these tremendo
sacrifices, they must work and vote again
England's candidate and stand by the Amer
e can economic system. In Mr.. Blaine's Iud
r ment this is the sum of the whole matter, al
: the decision Of the tariff controversy rests WI
e those whose interests are vitality affected. "a
n ital can always take care of itself. Lap
n needs the protection of tariff law.