Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1888-03-23
THE CANVAS PRAIRIE FARMERS.
They Cannot be Made to Understand
How 1t WOtld Benefit them TO Admit
Wool Free Of Daty-A Victory for
Home Industry.


Wool Free Of Duty-A Victory for
Home Industry.
To THE EDITOR OF THE TINES
Just at this time politics seems to be
the absorbing subject of conversation
on Camas Prairie, and our people had
such treat in the discussion of the
Tariff question Oh the evening of the
10Th at Soldier as has rarely, if ever,
been given in the county. 1t had
previously been announced that the
question:
Resolved That the United States
should have protective Tariff
Would be discussed, and as the
champions w. Y. Perkins for the
affirmative, and Judge George II.
Abbott for the negative were select
ed. The discussion was under the
auspices Of the Soldier Literary So
ciety, and it was agreed that the
above named gentlemen should be
the only speakers on the occasion,
and in consequence were allowed one
hour each, divided as follows: w. Y.
Perkins to open the discussion in a
speech Of one-half hour; Mr.. Abbott
to follow for one hour, and Mr.. Perk-
ms to close in one half hour.
At an early hour the people COM
menced Hocking to our commodious
schoolhouse, and in a short time all
the seats aud standing room in the
house was crowded to its utmost
capacity. The crowd seemed to as
sumo the shape of political meet
ing, and it is estimated that more than
800 people were present before the
speaking commenced.
At the call Mr.. Perkins who is o
tall, portly-looking man, stepped to the
front of the stage and began his
address in an easy, earnest way, with 6
duency and familiarity with the sub
ject which astonished even the pro
tectionists and seemed TO at once
spread dlsmay throughout the rank.
of the sanguine free traders. II.
compared the two systems, their eff
fects upon the farmer, laborer anc
manufacturer; then in the most scath
ing manner referred to the histor
and criticised the acts Of the free trade
party from 1882 to the present time
His criticisms upon the present ad
ninistration and its attempt to breal
down our system was sianply wonder
full, and when time was called
seemed as though his subject has
been completed.
Mr.. Abbott then replied consum
ing one hour. FIRST, he undertook
the defense Of President Cleveland
in his tariff policy, and afterward at
tempted, with long array Of figures
to show the benefit Of the free trad
doctrine. His speech showed re
search and ability, but seemed t.
create no enthusiasm.
Mr.. Perkins then closed, and dur
ing his short time of one half hou
seemed to knock the last vestige o
free trade props down. Answering
Mr.. Abbott's figures, he showed how
| he had used them to mislead; ridicul
ed his failure to make complete hi'
argument. He was so frequently
appointed that it was almost an an
noyance to him, and as matter o
course was awarded the decision by
the committee.
In rising to thank the Judges anc
audience after the decision, it wa
! near UNe minutes OclOTe Hc COuIt
make himself heard on account o
the rounds of applause.
Mr.. Abbott is one Of the oldes
and most respected citizens of GU
prairie, and we'll known Throughout
Alturas county; is a lawyer and maj
of considerable ability, the leader Of
his party in this vicinity; but he me
with foeman worthy Of his steel
and the free trade doctrine got sucl
drubbing on Camas Prairie that i
will not show its head soon.
believe it is ackno wledged by al
parties to be a complete victory 70
protection and has done much good
J. b. ALLEN.
SOLDIER, Idaho, March 10, 1888.
Delegate voorhees, as Spelling Master
Washington Corr. Oregonian.