The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-08-23

WHICH IL one OF lne results Oh LABOR, IL De-
ing constantly divided into four parts,
rents to the landlord, interest to the money
lender, profits to the business man and
wages TO the laborer. Now, II the wages
be low, it must be because the annual
product is small and all classes suffer, or
because product is unfairly distributed.
In general the latter is the case, and when
wages are very low the laborer gets but a
bare subsistence, while the other class, or
some OF them, accumulate enormous wealth.
And thus society becomes divided into the
very rich and the very poor. That this isan
unfortunate condition of the country is
two obvious to need remark. And that
this tendency is peculiar to free insttu-
tons as well rs the material comforts OF
the people is undoubtedly true. have
therefore no sympathy with the cry for
cheap labor and low wages. They may
rise, it is true, great public works and
magnificent structures, but the benefit is
gained at the expense OF a suffering peo-
pie. The pyramids are striking monu-
ments OF the pride and ostentation Of
kings but they are more striking evidence
of a degraded condition OF the laboring
class. That country is likely to be the
most free and happy where the annual
production OF wealth heing justly dis
tributed, labor obtains fair reward" APP
plause.
Those, my friends, were
MY OPINIONS EIGHTEEN YEARS AGO
and every day has served to verify their
correctness. They are my opinions today,
and / have no doubt will be as long as
have life in me. [Great applausel. If /
know myself, there is no man on the top
OF this earth who has more sympathy for
the laboring man or the man of humble
condition than have Prolonged cheersl;
and whatever could do 10 better his con-
dition | would do. Continued applausel
II is because do not believe for one mo-
ment that this high protective tariff
which is so much lauded, and which is
insisted upon by our political opponents
is for the benefit Of the laboring man.
That is one Of the reasons why ! am OPP
posed to such onerousd duties. Continued
applausel.
| have shown you that under this high
protective tariff the agricultural interests
OF the country have fallen off enormously;
that the value OF farms have increased
during the decade from 1870 TO 1880 ut the
rate Of per cent, rs compared with 100
per cent. during period when there was
low tariff.
Gentlemen, II you will look at the COM
merce OF the country, you will find some
thing even more striking than that. The
day was, and not great while ago, when
there were two countries that substantially
did
THE COMMERCE OF THE WORLD;
that Is, carried the trade OF the world
They were Great Britain and the United
States, and we were gaining so fast upon
Great Britain that we carried between 20
and so per cent, II my memory-[a voice
-"S3 per cent"
Judge Observation-Disclosures per
cent, my friend says behind me, OF the
carrying freight Of the world. whereas now
we carry, II my memory is not at fault,
only about IA per cent. Now, why is
that? Why, gentlemen, l had oc-
casion few years ago 10 Wis
II Europe and felt Inundated.
found that in crossing the Atlantic and
rc-crossing IT, and in the ports Of Europe,
never but once saw the American flag
over the mast OF ship-nevcr but once
and that was ship that was engaged in
carrying passengers, aud the flag Of Great
Britain was on one end OF her and the
Amer. can flag on the other. Laughter.
Now, the friends Of high protective tariff
say that IL tends TO diversity labor aud that
diversified labor is good Tor the country.
Well, you may admit the general PROPOSE.
ton. When was boy We used TO have
for
OLD FASHIONED FOURTH or JULY
dinners a toast to Agriculture, manufac.
,urcrs and commerce. These are diver
sitied industries. They all ought 10 pros
per in free country like this Manuiac-
turcS have 81 "a great extent prospered.
Agriculture has terribly declined aud com.
mcrce with foreign nations have nearly
disappeared. think that II Is time We
had diversified labor in which all our peo-
pie. our sailors and farmers. rs we'll a. our
manufacturers, and the laboring man as
well as the capitalists, should thrive and
prosper
And now, my friends, I will conclude
what ! have 10 say 10 you. You have been
very attentive, for which thank YOU. |
hope what have said may give YOU some
reason for reflection, and may lead YOU 10
support that grand party which was
founded by Jefferson, defended by Jack
son, and has prospcrcd under Grover
Cleveland. tGrcat applause.
The speech was listened 10 with the
closest attention, and the good points were
promptly recognized aud upplaudcd. Judge
Thurman spoke easily, his voice being
clear and strong, aud his carriage erect
aud firm. lie was ~ easily heard through.
ont the entire speech nc the outmost
limits Of tho crowd as by those close stand.
ing. lie spoke oh-hand, using note.
simply Tor greater accuracy on giving
figures and making quotations Eisly Ia
his speech the speaker had occasion 10
use his handkerchief, and the appearance
Of the now famous bindana called forth
hearty cheers which we're NJ ochoed by Tho
crowd. The speech lasted for one hour
aud twenty-five minutes.