Wichita eagle., 1888-07-28
THE FALLACY OF FREE TRADE.

10 me Luitpr VI Tue LAULE"
Once more our country stands on the
threshold of presidential election, and,
as we consider well the proceedings of
the tempestuous form, we observe the
principles Of the Republican platform
more firmly inculcated in the American
mind. We hear upon every hand the We
hement expostulation of the free trader
as he attempts to impress the feigned
truth of protection is robbery. He sets
up the woeful cry that millions are being
drawn from the channels of trade to lie
idle in the vaults at Washington, or, as
phrase of more symphony 10 him, to the
enrichment of privileged few.
1t is argued that the manufacturer and
not the farmer is the one that derives any
benefit from a protective tariff. When
we bear well in mind that the burden of
the tariff Off assumed) rests almost wholly
upon the wealthy class who buy for
eign article merely for the foreign name,
it does not appear matter of such hide
Gus proportions. Outside of the proper
ton of this tax borne by this class there
still remains to be borne by the peo-
pie merely nominal tax of about
Now, with these figures speaking
very plainly what candid minded Amer
lean would prefer to save his eighty
three cents and in lieu of this submit to
the wrongful imposition Of cheap labor
coupled with general and almost per-
petual bondage to the American work
ingman? None; for the days of servi-
tude have passed, Russia but lately hav-
4 e 10 al
them. Here none are serfs to common
serfdom born. but all are entitled to the
privileges and immunities of free citi-
zens, and it is t he duty of all to pause
and consider well before they, by right
OF suffrage. give recognition to an issue
that tends to restrict their freedom: that
tends to make their position as respecta
BILE, well-to-dO citizens untenable.
The home producer must have con-
suners for his production, and go where
he NAV no place offers him a more meri-
torious market than can be found within
his own country, for as IS the proximity
of the factory and mill to the producer
SO is the price of his every production
The farmer does not desire
the uncertain market for his produce be-
yond the water as much as he does a
protected market at home.
In order that we may have harmoni-
Gus government, that the various channels
or industry shall sustain relative posi-
ton to all others of the country, wemust
look we'll to the interests of such; that
the main cause of our prosperity may
be guarded with the most Jealous care.
And since our country consumes more
than so per cent of its own production,
it is evidence that we possess all the va
riouS domestic resources necessary to
support a prosperous country without
any considerable dependency. We need
not look abroad for the raw material
needed TO supply our factories and mills. |
We have recourse TO the fertile fields OF
all sections of the country for almost
every cereal needed in connection with
the various industries: to the western
states for our gold and silver and to the
east for our mines OF coal and iron, while /
recourse to the various parts OF the coun- /
try will readily supply US with other |
necessary minerals. And with this do !
mestic dependency resulting III THRIFT
ana industry, fostered in happy homes |
and guarded by intelligent minds, what !
can be the motive in lowering our labor /
ing class TO the beggarly peers OF paupers'
This the eventual and only result OF free
trade, for experiences valuable teacher /
and this is her admonltlon.
European countries accept Of our pro- /
auctions only what they absolutely must !
have, and not the worth OF n dollar ,
more; and therefore we see no fallacy +
in opening the path to inevitable ruin for /
our country while foreign nations wait /
with abated breath to undermine our /
most fostered support. Now, 1t Is argued /
that the tariff Is imposing an unjust /
burden unequally on the citizens OF this /
country. OF course no measure can be |
seen by all through the same horoscope. |
To some it may present greater advant- /
ages, while to others no present apparent /
gain, but no measure can more directly !
bear upon the interests of country than
the tariff to the United States, nor Is !
there question that has yet been pre- 4
Sented that can more favorably affect t
our homes The idea that free trade (.
will open the markets OF the world TO /
our producers. enhance prices and adj /
vance our industries is q most deiuSIve 4
theory, and the important bill now re- i
ceiving consideration IN our legislative /
halls is one conceived II mystery. IN
spued by alien traders and IN reallfy 10 +
the advantage of none save the foreign /
trader. Rather permit the vain devotees /
of fashion to bear the burden OF the 1
tariff than TO allow the rich TO become /
richer and the poor poorer till acondltion |
of servitude becomes apparent In the /
United States. l. a. b.