The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1888-08-27

rule, and measurably true on articles in
part produced in this country but not
sufficiently TO supply the entire demand.
But on ali those commodities produced
in sufficient abundance TO supply, or
measuably supply the home market,
different principles control. In that etse
competition, where it is free to operate,
determines the prices Of the various pro.
ducts and the foreign producer comes to
this as u market where prices are fixed,
and the duties are what he pays for the
privilege OF entering our market.
Another erroneous proposition is that
duties on articles produced in this eoun-
try are tax or bounty which the con-
sumer pays to the manufacturer, by
means OF which the manufacturer derives
larger profits than prevail in other in
dustries.
Ifthis were true il is not easy to see
what justification could be offered for
the committee bill any more than for
the present tariff laws. But that this,
as a general rule, is erroneous becomes
apparent enough on closer examine
ton OF the laws OF trade which prevail
under all systems.
That there is tendency in every in
dustFial system to an equalization OF
profits on capital and wages OF labor is
an admitted principle of political econo-
my. Adam Smith long ago laid down
the proposition that larger profits IN one
industry than in others could not long
prevail in the same country. Other
economists state the same principle.
Suppose that, with our industries con.
stitnted rs they are, we formed u world
by ourselves, would be claimed that
one class, as consumers, paid perpetual
tax to another class, as producers?
Would not rather the economic law just
stated prevail? Such would be the con-
dition, too, under tariff entirely pro-
hibitory. The same law operates under
tariff that covers the difference in the
cost OF production between this and
other countries.
OF course the tendency to au equaliza,
ton OF profits on capital and wages oil
labor never reaches a dead level, be-
cause OF the varying conditions anddn::
tluences under which production and
consumption go on.
From these principles it follows that
all who participate in an industrial sys'
TEN are partakers of its benefits, whether
they are employed in one industry or
another-uot the manufacturer alone,
but the Iaborer; in short, all who pro-
duce and exchange products are alike
benefited under this system, and that is
the system l seek to continue by Il
proper adjustment OF tariff duties. Only
those who have fixed incomes or are in
office for life with fixed salaries, would
be benefited by the overthrow OF this
system and the establishment OF Free
Trade. But this is the last class that has
the right to complain.
Mr.. Randall has been Democrat all
his life. His party has never, until re-
Gently, doubted his fealty or his ability
Who is right? Judge Thurman, who
sees by the new light Of the Cleveland
Democracy, or Mr.. Randall? Common
sense and the experience of every con
sumer are on the side OF Mr.. Randall
the desperation Of the Cleveland Democ'
racy is on the side Of Judge Thurman
The appeal to the American citizen tc
forget that he is Il producer and inter
ested in all other producers, is the last
| paSn.