The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1889-05-25
Maxims Versus Markets.


1t was Benjamin Harrison, now
President, by the grace Of New
York "hoaters" and Indiana
"Blocks of Five" who announced
the doctrine during the campaign
of last fall, that the "Tariff reform
ers were students of tMaxims' while
he and all other protectionists were
students of Markets.
Arguing from this Alternative
basis it was said that the reformers
were a hord of visionary college
professors 'dreamers' and 'theor-
ists,' whose wisdom consisted in a
knowledge of books and WAS
wholly deyoid of the plain practi-
cal business affairs OF life, hence
the Democrats were the "Students
of Maxims," Republicans were
"Students of Markets." He and
all his kind averred that their
great labor expended in the study
of markets, confirmed them in the
faiththatourindustrial, agricultural
and Commercial prosperity was
wholly caused and maintained by
means of the 4796 tariff and that
even TO seriously talk of reduc-
tion of the rate WAS sufficient to
bring depression ,and disaster on
the country.
For nearly year previous to
November 6, the Mills bill had been
pending and these practical men
these students of markets" pre-
dicted that the country was on the
verge of evil times, and that the
only hope of averting the evil was
in the election of Hrrrison and q
Congress pledged to protect.
If these students of Markets have
been directing their attention to
the condition of the various in
dustries since Nov. 9Th, their faith
in the Harrison ALTERATION must
be considerably shaken off by this
time, for little else than reductions,
strikes, lock-outs and shut downs
have occurred since protection has
been assured. But perhaps it was
the farmers markets that was
meant, as the farmers were much
more loyal in there adherance to
the protection idea, as class, than
those who live by other industries,
and it will be we'll to see to what
extent they have been benefited by
the change of administration.
Let us for the purpose of COM
parison take the Chicago produce
Market for the second week of May
1888, and compare it with the same
for the corresponding period this
year, bearing in mind that at this
period Of last year the tariff agita-
tion was at it's height with chances
that the rate would be reduced.
Here is the comparison:
Article Price 1888 1889
Wheat, No 9 -5s5 & So 81 & S5
Corn, No2 ~ S7s SAG
Oats, No 2'-a2s q sss- 224
Rye, No2- G3 : All
Timothy Seed ! $50 1.35 & 1877
Mess Pork = 14.26-ll.95 & 1900
Lard, pr bbl. -s.l2 &s.l5 6.92I
Butter, pr lb. -16 & 90 - ii & 16
Eggs u & 12t --- III
Now let the faithful "student of
markets" come forward with an
explanation that is practical" for
the above condition.
The first prices are given at a
time when the agitation of the tar
iff according to the claims
of the protectionists, should have
had a depressing effect on all COM
modities, the latter rates are at a
time when the friends of protection
are in power.
And let the "student of markets"
while explaining, also elucidate
how it is that wool is also falling
in price and is now fully one and
one half cents pr lib lower than at
this time last year.
If this is the effect when there is
all administration in power pledg-
ed to not only maintain, but to in
crease the tariff, we want the
"Student" to harmonize the fore
going with the ruby-hued promises
that were ladled out by them before
the election.
If a fall in the price of corn of
more than 2596, in oats ofover 3O96 |
rye nearly 40% in timothy seed so
"a, in pork and lard 2026, in butter
and eggs of 10 to 2O26 does not
shake the faith of the Student of
markets" his case is indeed hope
less, and we are forced to conclu-