Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1888-09-13
LEADING THE CAMPAIGN.

zen. HarrlSons journey hOmeward last
week, from Toledo to Indianapolis, was
attended by such manifestations of gen
eral interest and popular regard as are
seldom shown toward the most distin-
guished men. The gatherings of enthu-
siastic admirers at every considerable
station were notable.
Gen. Harrison's speech at Fort Wayne
showed the same remarkable facility in
presenting in the fewest and fittest
words some important argument for Re
publican principles, that he has displayed
on scores of occasions. He condensed
into a few paragraphs the important
Protection facts and arguments that
would furnish material for more than
one long speech. The main fact which
he made prominent is that which should
be kept to the fore by all Republican
speakers, viz: That the real issue is as
to whether the wages of American work
ingmen shall be brought down to the
English level by revenue Tariff expos
ing our manufacturers to competition
based on low wages.
81 think" said Gen. Harrison, 81 may
safely ask you to consider the question
whether this cheapeningo of prices, which
they seem to regard as the highest at
tainment of craftsmanship, is consistent
with the rate of wages that our working
people enjoy now; whether it will not
invOlve-if we are to have foreign com
petition without favOring duties-a re-
ductiOn of American wages to the stand
ard of the wages paid abroad. Applause. II
Do you believe for one moment that the
two factories making the same product
can be maintained in competition where |
one pays 80 per cent. more to its work
ingmen than the other?
"1S it not certain that wages must be |
in those competing establish
ments or the one paying the highest |
wages must shut down? Applause and
cries That's the thing. Here in this
city of Fort Wayne, so important and so
we have fine illustration |
OF the accruing advantages of large
factory and shop population. 1t has
made your city prosperous as well as
pOpulous, and it has made these OUTLYING
Allen county farms vastly more valuable
than they otherwise would have been.
These interests harmonize. But l only
want to ask you to think upon these
questions. Settle them in your minds,
for it is agreed by all that as they shall
De settled one way or the other, your in
,erests and those of your families, and
If this community and of every other
community in this country, are to be az
,ected favOrably or unfavOrably. MAJ
not appeal to you to review these queS-
ions, to throw off the shackles of pre-
notions and of party preju-
Ices, and consider them anew in the
light of all the information that is ac-
:essible to you? If you shall do that,
10 not doubt that the working people
# this country will this November for
ver settle the question that American
customs duties shall, by intention, by
Orethought, have regard to the wages
# our working people" Applause.
That is the sort of talk that will make ,
thousands and scores of thousands of i
Intelligent workingmen who have been |
Democrats stop and think. And when
hey stop and think over the clear state
lents of Gen. Harrison they will see the l
cal gist and issue OF all this political
truggle and protect themselves by vot- i
ng for Protection to the interests that t
i've them employment. S
Gen. Harrison is again leading his y
wn campaign, and he is doing it with I
Onsummate sagacity, manly directnesS $
nd candor and manifest efficiency. 1