The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1889-02-21
ERHH TRADERS VRANGLE.
Lively Row in the National Tariff
Reform Convention,
SPLIT ON THE RESOLUTIONS
Declaring for Unrestricted Free
Trade, But all Agree that Protcc.
tion Should GO-An Arbitrary
Chairman Shuts on Debate.

CHICAGO, Feb, 9O.-The Tariff Reform
League resumed It's session this morning
with Hon, ], Sterling Morton, OF Ne,
braska, in the chair. Mr., j. II, Smith,
OF Ohio, read paper on the Senate bill
and the Mills bill compared, 1t was
largely statistical. 1t was in the nature
OF defense Of the Mills Bill, The pa.
per discussed Senator Sherman's figures
on the wool tariff, and held that tho
position Of the Senator from Ohio was
not well taken. The writer's character.
ization OF the former as n llneal descend-
ant OF Isaiah or "the strong ass Crouch-
ing between two burdens willing 10 bear
and q servant to tribute" brought
laughter and a round Of applause,
The Convention then took u recess.
George A. CLARK had ended paper
on Leather and the effect OF tho Pro.
teCtive Tariff upon It," at tho afternoon
session, when the venerable James d.
Hancock, OF Pennsylvania, Chairman OF
the Platform Committee, claimed the at-
tention OF the convention and read the
followingleClaration:
First-We hold that 1t is the natural
right OF every man to freely exchange
his labor or the product Of his labor to
the best advantage, We declare our.
selves unalterably opposed to the 80.
called Protective system and demand
tho prompt abrogatlon OF all Protective
features from the tariff.
Second-We believe the American
Nation will reach its full measure OF
prosperity only by enaCting ut tho earli-
est day practicable such Legislation as
will apply the American principle OF
Free Trade between the States 10 the
United States in their relations to the
world"
The Committee on Resolutions, about
evenly made up OF pronounced Free
Traders and tariff and revenue men, had
wrestled over report for five hours. 1t
was finally determined rs a compromise
to offer report as above in two parts, so
that 1t might be conveniently divided.
The reading over, dozen delegates
jumped to their feet and alively wrangle
ensued.
A viva voce vote was taken on the
first section. 1t was carried almost
unanimously. The big debate OF the
day was on the second part OF the re-
port. Eugene NJ. Wilson, OF Minnesota,
and w. s. Forrest, OF Chicago, led tho
Conservatives, while W. 7. Coasdale,
Rev. Hugh Penticost and Henry George
marshalled tho opposition. Mr.. George
closed the first, shouting II am In favor
OF free trade" (Applause.) "Free, free,
free, unrestricted trade" (Applausc.)
Tho chairman resolutely suppressed
others who wanted to speak and put
the question. Tremendous roars for and
against went up. The spectators car
ried away by the contagious enthusiasm,
Joined in the clamor.
"The second part OF tho resolution is
lost, " shouted the chairman. He was not
done saying SO before n storm OF cries for
division assembled. The chairman paid
no attention TO this, but permptorily de-
clared motion TO adjourn In order, and
after great confusion the hall was gradu.
ally CLEARED, the free traders announcing
that they would demand u reConsidera.
tion tomorrow.
Tonight orations on tariff reform topics
were delivered before 4 great audience
by Henry George, Captain Goldman and
j. 5. Burroughs.