Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-09-23
ROWLAND msxARs on rAnIrr.
The nfiiienafre woessen nsnufacfu'
reefs Views Exprcssed.

A Providence OR. u telegram says !:
Before the Washington County Agricui-
tural Society OF Kingston to-day Hon.
Rowland Hazard, the millionaire wool
len-goods manufacturer, made an adj
dress, in which no treated Of the tariff
question as follows: al cannot close
without a brief reference to the
questions which ] have heretofore
discussed, and which this year
have assumed great political impor-
lance. spoke out plainly when | was
in small minority silence now, when
that minority may change to majority,
might be misinterpreted. You will par
don me il refer to the fact that eight
years ago pointed out the lines upon
which new parties must be formed. They
were A sound currency, tariff reform,
and civil-service reform. This year we
have the second of these subiects-the
tari6-for the main issue in presiden-
tial election. The others are still some
what in the background, but in due time
will be marshalled to the front.
"Four years ago gave you my views
on tariff reform. | advocated reduc-
ton OF tariff taxation. l advocated this
reduction in the interest OF the whole
people; but / also claimed, and, as L
think, / proved by statistics, that In re-
gard to the tariff tax on wool and wool
len both manufacturers and wool-grow-
ers would be benefited by the reduc-
ton. Taking the duty of wool will not
iniure the wool-growers. Lessening the
tax on woollen will not iniure the manu-
facturers when wool is free, and the con-
sumner will certainly be benefited. All
that then said now most emphsh-
cally reaffirm. / wish to state III the
plainest and most unequivocal manner
that am now and always have been IN
favor of such reduction III tariff taxation
as will most effectually relieve the con-
sumer and at the same time disturb ms
little as possible the existing industries
which have adjusted themselves to the
tariff. l believe this can be done mainly
by making raw materials free and 10y
corresponding reductions in the manu-
featured articles. But il the tariff can
not be reduced sufficiently in this way,
and the question comes between taking
tax off whiskey or off food and clothing or
other necesssries of life, take 1t from the
latter even if some industries are In
jured. No industry has a right to tax
the people for its own good. Every IN
dustry must stand or fall on its own
merits. If it ministers to the public
good be careful not to iniure 1t If 1t
does not SO minister it has no right to
be fostered. 1t may be that under the
settled policy of the Government rights
have been acquired. II SO, they should
be respected That is a matter into
which will not now inquire. 1t is
clear. however, that the whole problem
of the tariff is exceedingly complex. 1t
is to be approached with caution. 1t will
not he solved by any quick and easy
method. But to say that it cannot be
solved, that nothing can be done, that 1t
must be left as it is, with all Its known
imperfections, is certainly not the part
of wise craftsmanship. / firmly believe
that out Of the present widespread in-
auiry and discussion there will come
some good and practical result There
fore hope the debate will go on. The
truth will ultimately prevail. "
Mr.. Hazard belongs TO the Reform
Club which has recently been organized
in this city, which is made up of indie
pendent Republicans, who control the
largest mills in the State.