The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1889-09-26

1T Is somewhat amusing to notice a
renewal of the protectionist arguments
of the last year in the republican papers
now when it is perceived that free trade
ideas are in the ascendant. The deludsd
farmer is again the person appealed to.
The Inter Ocean publishes list OF i'm
portations OF dutiable agricultural arti-
cles for last year, thus attempting to
show that even with tariff the Ameri-
can farmer must compete with foreign
producers. No one attempts to deny
that certain agricultural products come
here from foreign countries but those
are mainly wool, sugar and flax. On
these things the producer in this country
can be protected. But compare the e1-
tent of these agricultural products with
those whose surplus seek foreign mar
ket and then answer whether the wool
producer should be protected at the ex-
pense of the grain grower. 1t is not In
the nature of things that the producer
who has surplus after the home market
is supplied can derive any benefit from
tariff designed to prohibit the importa-
ton OF his peculiar production with
which the country is overstocked. As
well expect water to avoid vacuum to
which it has ingress, to seek entrance to
a vessel filled to repletion.
The importation Of breadstuffs, meats
and dairy products is relied upon by the
protectionists as proof of the danger OF
Foreign competition. The expectations
of these goods are many fold the impor-
tations, and in not a single instance Is
the imported brought into competition
with the domestic article. Vienna sau-
sage, Limburger and Swiss cheese are
imported for the reason that none OF
these articles can be had from domestic
manufacturers. The expectations OF cot
ton from this country are enormous but
notwithstanding the vast surplus there
are importations Of that article. 1t must
be evident to every one that the import ed
article must be designed to supply a
want which cannot be filled by the home
producers. Otherwise the importation
would seek an exit from the country with
the domestic surplus. Shuttlecock is
not business.
But how explain the importation of po-
tatoes? Over two thirds of the foreign
potatoes brought to Manitowoc two years
ago were sold to farmers. The potato
crop of that year was failure. The far
mer is unable to regulate his productions
with the nicely Of the manufacturer. Ma
ture is greater factor in determining the
extent OF his products than foresight. In
1887 the potato crop of the United States
was not sufficient to supply the needs OF
the agricultural classes and for the one
who had surplus there were 100 who
had not sufficient for their own use. The
tariff on potatoes proved tax, not a
source of profit, to the intelligent farmer.
In 1888 the potato crop was far in excess
of the need OF the country. Potatoes
sold in the streets Of this city for 10c per
bushel and if the purchaser would &C
cept delivery on the farm he could have
them at sc per bushel. What was the
tariff of 25 cents per bushel doing for the
benefit of the farmer while he had q sur
plus on hand?
But the utter Ocean says the direct
benefit to the farmer Is nothing though
in itself great deal-to the indirect bene-
fit of home market and the diversifying
of Industries. We are then to assume
that without protective tariff the peo-
pie would leave this country pell NELL
They would eat no bread, potatoes or
meat and factories everywhere would
close their doors. Why is not this true
of England: England purchases the
larger part of our agricultural products
and instead of closing her factories they
are in such vigorous condition that ours
must seek the aid of legislation to save
| them from the ruinous competition of
those OF free trade England. But the
poor laborer? And SO the farmer is
brought to act the fool toward himself
in the interest of the laborer who has
grown suspicious of protection and is
anxious to be rid of its blessings. The
! farmer is a colossal fool