The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-03-17
FREE TRADE AND RELEASE FROM
TAXA7IOM

IAXAIION.
MIR. David, farmer Of Louisiana,
sends us a letter with an inclosure, which
we publish elsewhere, and which bears
upon the single-tax theory which, owing
to the expositions Of it given by TIE AP-
PEAL, is spreading rapidly in the adjoining
States and especially among the farming
class. Mr.. David seems to be intelligent on
this theory and TO be also especially so rs
TO the free trade and protection questions.
This will be readily conceded from the
questions he propounds to us, as well as
from the clearness OF statement and force
OF logic by which his letter to the editor OF
The SoutlDesi is characterized. To tax the
products OF whether OF the farmer,
the mechanic, the manufacturer, or the
merchants to put so many impediments
in the way Of progress; it is to anticipate
the fruits OF industry, pay premium for
mere speculation and encourage the men
Of the wheat pits who play battledore and
shuttlecock with the grain that is pro.
duced by the unrcmitting toll Of the poorly
requited farming classes OF the West.
These facts have been brought TO the at.
tention OF the readers OF THE APPEAL
many times, but they cannot be repeated
too often. II takos time 10 educate the
masses even in their own interests, and II
takes a great deal OF repetition 10 open
their eyes to the abuses Of which they are
the creatures. The energies Of all men
should be free and unoncumbered, espe-
cially in free country, because II
is only under the freest conditions
that men can expand and grow and exer-
else their faculties OF invention and the
capacity for labor by which countries are
made rich and prosperous and the people
happy. The difference between the United
States today and any OF the countries OF
Europe is TO DO measured by the greater
freedom enjoyed by the people OF this
country and free trade between the
States. The people Of Europe are still
held down by the restrictions OF caste and
the protection laws enforced by each pre-
vent the growth and expansion that are the
jus, dues Of the ioiling masses. As these
restrictions are removed, as now and then
they are, the people quickly respond and
prove their intelligent appreciation Of the
fact by an instant availing Of the benefits
aocruing from the modicum OF reform.
So il will be In this country when free
trade prevaia--when intercourse between
this aud other countries Is as free as II Is
now between the several States. Free
trade with Cuba today would DO a good
thing for the people Of the South as vel
as for those Of that island, but annexation
would neither diminish nor increase the
benefits sure to accrue from II. This fact
Is admitted by even such strong protec
iionists as John Sherman, who fear a 10.
ciprocal treaty With Canada, for instance,
because II would shame their ial'
lacy Of protection and utterly break
down the spocious arguments for Il
by which they arc able to gull so many
persons and hold them as willing co.
operators with those who profit by the
robbcr war tariff, n measure the iniquity
Of which has been denounced by Morrill,
himself and by Sherman and other adyo.
Gates Of protection. Mr.. David Is right
aud we are glad TO sec Is a man with the
courage Of his convictions lie has truth
and justice ON his side, and though II may
take time, he will, We hope, live to enjoy
the triumph Of the principles Of which he
is ~ sound aud hearty an oxposiior.