River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1888-02-16

greater Injustice TO the millions Of laborlng
people who depend upon industries thus pro-
teeted. Again, the policy proposed Il not re-
duce the revenue, but Will absolutely increase
II and thus swell the surplus as well as disturb
the business OF the country. II viii necessarily
check the enormous productions OF the coun-
try, increase and harden the competition now
existing between European and American la
Dor, and reduce the wages OF all labor.ng men
employed in protected industries. II will in
my judgment; disturb or break down large de-
partments OF industry now in the course Of
successful experiment II is depart
ure from the policy recommended by
our fathers and especially the policy
adopted within the last twenty-five years,
under which our manufactures have growa 10
their present enormous aggregate. IL is a de-
parture from the policy adopted by the most
INTEL gent nations OF EUROPE and America es-
peeially our knsmen in Canada, who followed
our example and have been benefited BY it.
But. you may ask me, now would reduce the
surplus revenue. / answer frankly that the
tariff ought TO be carefully revised with view
To correct any inequalities or incongruities that
have grown out Of the change OF values since
the passage of the act OF 1888; that every i'm
ported article which does not compete with our
domestic industry and is essential to the COM
fort and wants OF our people should be placed
upon the free list that every raw material of
industry which does not compete with our own
free list that wherever any industry which
can be conducted in this country with reason
able success needs a moderate increase OF
duty Tor its protection, to give IL, and in this
way, check foreign importation and lessen the
revenue. The direct taxes upon American
productions levied by our internal revenue
laws, which interfere with the industry OF our
people, should be modified or repealed: that in
this way the revenue OF the Government should
be reduced so as to supply only enough
revenue to pay the expenses of the Govern
ment wisely and economically administered,
and 10 carry out the provisions OF the
sinking fund for the gradual reduction
OF the public debt In estimating the expendi-
lures OF the Government 1 would provide for
proper appropriations for the Improvement of
the harbors, for the defense OF our sea coasts
for the increase of our mercantile marine, for
transport ng our Ia Is 20 fore gn countries and
aliberal provision for all the obligations we are
under TO the Union roldiers, their W .dows AMI
their orphans, by \, Lose courage alone as have
country 10 care for, flag to honor and Gov
eminent TO protect US. Above ALL would i'm
partially protect our home market from the
deluge OF foreign importatIons, and encourage,
maintain, diversity and establish on sure
foundation the industries OF our people in ali
parts Of the country.
When they toll us that with free trade or
lower duties We could buy some things cheaper
abroad, answer that even If this be true, we
eau anOru 10 pay Such prices as VIII insure
home production and fair wages, and we can
point them TO an unbroken experience that
home competition reduces the price more and
more, while American workshops give US a
home market whose benefits extend TO every
industrial pursuit in our broad land. By this
home competit on we will in due time
enter the markets OF the world as we
have already in many branches of manu-
faeture. With wise craftsmanship we could
now but for the narrow IDEAS OF the powers
that be, establish s-ch commercial relations
with the Dom MON II Canada with Mex CO. and
the South American States would enable
to extend our markets and our friendly assist
ance in developing the untold resources Of two
continents. In this great American policy we
naturally look TO Boston TO take the lead and
when she leads Nation Of 69,OO9,OOO OF people
will follow.
Senator Sherman was interrupted frequently
by applause, and at times his remarks drew
forth broad smile or hearty laughter from
every part of the house.