Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-07-29
A HOPEFUL uERESY,

OenatOr blalr OI NeW hampshire, 1T ne has been correctly reported by the Boston Herald, has delivered himself of an opinion that is little short of heresy to the princi- ples and policy of his party as promulga- ted during the campaign of last fall, and yet has taken position in which he is destined to be backed eventually by every public man in New England whose inter ests in it's industries is paramount to par tisanship. Said the senator: 'I am earnestly in favor of such changes in the present tariff law as will admit free of duty into this section of the country iron ore and coal from the provinces. We can not afford to sec the industries of New England paralyzed for want of cheap raw material"
 It may be remarked that in recording himself in favor of free raw materials for New England Senator Blair has put him self in line with the tariff reformers. The only difference is that the senator, like yh tariff men generally, is too selfish in confining himself to the industries of his own section, while tariff reformers favor free raw materials for all American induy- tries. New England has been compelled to witness the decline of certain local in- terests, like those of ship building and iron manufacturing for instance, in which natural disadvantages have combined with the protective tariff burdens to place her in a less favored po- sition than other sections of the country. If the iron and coal of Nova Scotia were given free access to New England there is little doubt that manufacturing would be given a stimulus that is wanting under the artificial conditions that now enhance the price of those raw commodities, and that this section of the country would enjoy at least it's local trade of which it is now de- prived by national legislation. The peo- pie of New England are waking up to this fact, and the protest against existing con- ditions voiced by Senator Blair is an en- couraging indication that even hide bound protectionists are beginning to see the light. It is probable, however, that Sen ator Blair's protest will end right there. Pennsylvania and Ohio will naturally ob. ject to the concession of free raw mater ials to New England, and these states gen. orally have way of controlling republican tariff legislation that is thoroughly effec. tive. The voice of these states will be more powerful in republican caucus than the wishes of New England, and when the republican caucus speaks Now England will have to take back seat. And Sena
 tor Blair is not unlikely to be found in tn, seat that is most advanced towards the rear.
 It is hopeful sign, however, when rep
 resentative New England republicans likt Senator Blair voice their desire to plac,
 the interests of their states above thei,
 party. It is hopeful in that it indicate,
 the possibility of action in that direction
 When public opinion, which is making yer,
 fast for free or cheaper raw materials il
 New England, shall be recognized by othe, pillars of republicanism, there will per haps arise disposition to force the con
 cession of such legislation as will secure them. Until such recognition and dis position co me, however, we must content
 ourselves with studying the hopeful possi-
 blllties that are suggested by spasmodi, blasts of republican heresy like that with which Senator Blair has favored us.