Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1890-06-24
PAYING TOO MrCHFoR THE WHISTLE


Among the mouStrOuS propositions
which the MCKINLEY bill advances, the
tin plate schedule is justly entitled to
the palm. The difference between the
parties on the tin plate duty, is a differ
ence as broad as their principles. The
Mills bill proposed to admit tin plate
fee. The proposition was strictly in
line with Democratic doctrine. Ameri-
ca had no tin plate industry to protect;
the tax was unnecessary; and the gov
eminent did not need the money.
The Mckinley bill proposes, not to
abolish the duty on tin plate, but to in
crease it over one hundred per cent.
I'm justification of this eXtortiOnate tax,
Mr.. Mckinley claims that it will ere
ate "a new industry and give employment
to over 10000 people. There has
been a great deal Of cyphering on
these figures, but let rs accept them,
and see what they prove. The present
income from the duty ON tin plate is
=. 900. 600 year. At the rate proposed
by the Mckinney bill, il would be SIG,
600. 900 year. Four-ffthS of the labor
employed IN the tin plate and Subordi-
nate industries is unSkillcd, and the ay
erage rate Of wages is certainly not
more than 5000 year. The wages of
20, 900 workmen would be SIP 600, OOQ or
81, 900, 900 less than the annual taxation.
Ii would be cheaper as matter of
dollars aud cents for the Government
TO support every man whom the tin
plate industry will employ in absolute
idleness than to impose the duty under
the Mckinley bill. They would be
less costly As pensioners, twirling
their thumbs aud looking At
each other, than protected as the
MCKINLEY bill proposes to pro
tect" them. Bnt il must be borne in
mind that the men who would secure en-
ploymcnt in the tin plate industry would
not be- drawn particularly from the
unemployed classes. They would come
from other industries in which they are
earning an equally good living. No
advantage can result from merely trans
ferring them from one field Of labor to
another that would justify the Ameri-
can people i'm paying SlG,OOO.OoO year
for it.
II is doubtless true that the establish
ment Of new industry will create
vacancies in fields Of employment, but
they will be only temporary. The
great hosts Of cheap contract labor that
are daily pouring into this country from
Europe will soon fll every vacant place
that the tin plate industry can create.
The supply Of labor will continue aS great
aud the competition as sharp aS before,
while i'm return for the 10000, 600 annual
tax the people will have only precariouS
industry that can never become self
supporting on American soil In any
aspect Of the case. the proposed duty on
tin plate is an outrage on the taxpayers.
II is the browning illustration OF the
blind subScrvieuce Of the Mckinley bill
to the interests Of protected capital.
PUBLIC DEMANDS ON MEN.
The difficulties which both parties in
Ohio county have frequently met with
in obtaining proper nominees for inn
portant offices. to which lucrative
salaries are not attached. illustrate
what has become 4 crying evil. 1t is
natural, Of course, for men with pres
sing business engagements to feel in
clined to Shirk the performance Of pub
lie duties. but personal sacrifices must
be made at some time by everybody.
Every good citizen owes II TO his people
and 70 his party to respond to their call,
when made in proper form: and it shows
an Indifference TO public welfare
when that call is neglected.
The aspect of the case is
not improved when men who have
sought aud received bonOrS carrying
with them lucrative salaries, decline t.
make their just share Of personal Sacri-
fees. Noman or men have right tC
expect Others to bear the burden OF pub
lie duties while they draw only the re-
/ wards. A broader public spirit, aud
more earneStneSS i'm public and party
work among all classes, would BE- a mat
ter OF cOngratulation 10 the voters OF
Ohio county.