New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-01-05

employed in manufactures higher wages and
better surroundings and advantages than were
enjoyed by laborers in similar employments any
where In the world. The treatment OF this ques-
tion by the President was delusion and snare.
The President assumed that the cost OF living
Especially Of food and clothing) was higher In
the United States than in Europe. That was
not true Food Of every kind Except sugar.
was cheaper here than in any market In Europe.
The clothing worn by worlingmen Including
blanlSets) was sold here at as low prices as In
London Liverpool. The quantity and quality
Of food Of laborng men were confessedly better
and greater here than in Europe; and the rate
Of wages from so to 100 percent higher
here. The President did not dispute these points.
but appealed to the manufacturer VINO had peen
represented as q robber cOnspirator ana extor-
tioner) not to reduce the wOrkingmans wages.
but to pay more out Of surplus profits-pronts
often found on d the 0 SIDE o. 1hs Ws
sheer evasion Of the inevitable result OF an effort
to reduce his wages by inviting close compe ,,
would have to share the fate Of his EMPLOYER and
divide with him the loss The question was one
purely Of wages II wages were not greater here
than in England, France, and Belgium Amerlca.s
chief compctitorsl this country could, no doupt.
compete now with all the world in all metallic
and textile fabrics. But would 1t be wise 10
pursue q policy that would compel the reduction
of wages 70 the general standard in Europe
The Republican party had declared 1t to ne the
duty Of the National Government nor OILY 10 10
levy enough duties on imported merchandise 10
support the Government but to levy those duties
so as to secure to laboring men employed IN man
ufactures such wages as would enable them 20
support, maintain and educate properly their
wives and children. Cheap labor In thlS country
meant the degradation Of American politics
lie hid thus endca vOred tsaid Senator Shcrmap
to Give a respectful answer to the Presidentt mes
sage. lie was willing according to the kepuDil-
can National platform of 1880 to correct the IT.
regularies of the tariff and to reduce the surplus
INV Ia viz a
OF horizontal reduction, but by such metnous aS
would relieve the taxpayer without in!urlng tne
abOrer or the great productive industries VI .i,c
country. He was willing las recommended by Tue
Prcsident) to join in careful examination ol ulc
details of the tariff laws with view TO tne re-
duction of taxes He was willing las the Presi-
dent enoined) to take broad and national con-
temptation of the subject. with practical DIS
regard OF such local and selfish claims as were
unreasonab bic and regardless OF the entire country
But he could not do that and MT ire same 'in INC
follow the recommendations of the President lie
could not strike at the industrial interests
built up by the tariff laws lie
could not deepen and intensity the struggle now wv
going on between employers and employed by IN
yiting increasing competition, GRIPPING mauu
facturers and reducing wages. lie greatly pre-
fcrrcd policy that would encourage home iiuus
Try, diversity home productions, discourage
mportatons add to the external ana lh,c.hn'
commerce, open new mines, increase raw mI,crl-
ais. light new furnaces, establish new roln ny
mills. factories and workshops and develop the
wonderful natural resources OF the country. lie
preferred that policy which looked to the inter
ests OF the American people rather than 10 tnose
of foreign nations He preferred the policy OF re-
iucing prices by home competition rather thah py
foreign competition, OF cheapcning raw materials
by increased productions, by the Improvement! OF
rivers and harlors ard by railroad compcuuon
In other words, he preferred the development
increase and Growth of the productions OF TINS
country, without regard to the POLICY or theories
or interests Of other nations. Whatever mlDht DC
said of other nations, protection to home INDUS
tries las embodied in the tariff aws) was the Dest
for this country; and he, for one, pr0posed 70
maintain it, even against the advice OF the fresi-
dent.
In conclusion he said "We do not appreciate, as
we ought the commanding position now held by
the United States among the nations OIL the wor n
our fathers the freedom of the ocean ana pro
claimed the doctrine OF continental exemption
from Eur, pean aggressions. We in our day have
tested the strength Of the Union We have aboi-
shed slavery We have established the principles
on which currency and public faith are
founded to command the respect ana at,
prevail of the civilized world We are now united
in bonds of growing strength and, trust, in per-
pctual union. We have built mp our INDUSTRIES
by policy founded upon thc highest patriotism
Its success is marked by the general wealth ana
prosperity of our people 10y taxing them u seeks
to benefit; and it extends its benefits impair
0iaIly to every industry and to every secton III
gives employment to the labOrer in every field 1t
concentrates in our own land and among our own
people agriculture, commerce and manufacturers,
making each support the other and all contribut-
ing to the wealth and grandeur of the Republic
these great departments Oh lnuuStry are Hoo ~"
divided by sectional lines, but are interviewer like
the veins, arteries and muscles of the human
body What we want now is the cultivation OF
the sentiment of patriotism, an intense love OF
country, feeling of national pride Every
Amereican. whether native or naturalized. ought
to feel that this is his country to which he owes
allegiance, duty and pride. The President, any
President in his exalted seclusion. approached
only by latterers and oficc-seekers should regard
che interests and honor of his country in its de-
velopment and prosperity and the employment and
happiness Of his countrymen as higher far than
the interests OF foreigners or the development OF
their products It is to the Senate only that
have the right 10 appeal. The best we can do for
mankind is TO do the best for our country.
Our country's welfare Is our first concern.
And who promo that best, best proves his duty
The home missionary is the best missionary. The
light of our example we give to foreign nations;
duty we owe to our own. What higher duty can
there be than to be watchful of the interests and
to protect and foster and diversity the industries
of the American peoplc?"