The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-06-03
rns ysEr sx.r EVIDENCE.


Afforded By the action Of importing mer-
chants d New York and Boston In the
former city, - was namingiy reported In
mstsopclitan nswspapers, m organization
vas elected by The leading importer, and
committee comprising three hundred OF
fhsir most prominent msmbsrs appointed
10 visit Warrington and ask the use Of the
sensts chamber during recess. for the
purpose Of meeting senators face to face
and protesting against the passage Of the
blu. In Boston not only was . similar
movement broached. but in that and other
New England cities circumstances Of like
effect were circulated, signed by many Inn
porte-s, and forwarded 70 the Massachu-
sets senator's.
IT Is asserted that to some extent these
protestsnts are, or have been. or have pro-
lessed TO Be Republicans. II this be true,
and TO the extent that IL il true. 1t simply
shows that with 50 many of them as are
Republicans their present and partial
selfish interests outweigh their attachment
10 political principles. 1t shows that par
ticuIar fraction Of their pecuniary interests
outweighs what their political afiiiation
has declared that they believe to be the
tEus patriotic policy. It shows that the al
mighty dollar outweighs all consideration
OF party feaity. II shows that they are
willing to limit and restrict Others, but are
ayerse 10 any limitations or restrictions on
themselves, in behalf of the general public
welfare.
But, rs above remarked. the brunt OF
their objection bears the highest possible
testimony that in their Judgment the bill
responds to the popular idea OF q true pro-
tective policy. The ground. and the only
ground OF their opposition. il that the bill
will somewhat injure their business-by
ca,faiiing aud limiting imports They thus
admit that the bill. If enacted into law In
the shape against which they protest, will
accomplish what has been claimed by the
party and endorsed by the people IS the
chief merit Of the protective system; it win
give greater or less advantage to home
productions and manufactures over those
imported from abroad.
This Is . perfectly clear and indisputable
proposition. To the extent that II cur
tails foreign importations. or probably in
greater measure, the passage OF this law
viii benefit the home producer and manu-
fscturer and the dealers in home products
and manufactures. II protection be the
true policy land the American people have
very emphatically expressed their belief
that IL is--then this curtailment OF foreign
imports and increased demand for home
products Is contamination devoutly to be
wished for.
To the extent that this bill curtails the
supply OF foreign and increases the de-
mand for domestic goods, and thus limits
the field for importing and importers, these
men can without material loss or incon-
venience change their base OF operations.
The bill makes no discrimination against
them as citizens or business men. 1t
strikes at the business. and not at those
engaged in it. IL strikes at the importa-
tioB. and not at the use of certain lines of
goods. II entails upon the importers no
hardships. except TO give up their unpatri-
otic preference for goods of foreign manu-.
features and transfer IT TO the home pro-
duct.
30 that the issue presented by the pro-
tests OF these importers becomes very
simple one. On the one hand is the main
tenance OF the protective principle, which
shall give to home producers the advan-
tage Of the home market. On the other
hand is demand that this principle be
stricken down rather than curtail importa-
tons to the temporary and limited injury
OF the small proportion OF our population
engaged in importing foreign goods.
And as matter of fact. familiar to all who
have given the subject attentive consider
alton. goodly quota of those engaged in
the importing business are not and never
intend TO become American citizens.
Looked at from any point OF view. this
demonstration against the Mckinley bin
hears eloquent testimony that If passed II
will accomplish one result which the great
mass o, the people will approve