Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1890-11-19
Respectfully Dedicated to the Mem
. ory of the Pioneer.


the grave political query Of the
Pioneer which accused us Of inconsistency
in regard to our opposition to protec-
tive tariff tax because we said good
word for the new roller process -four made
at the Johnston mill. If the Echo had not
put some responsibility to the Pioneers
wall by referring to it, we should not
have noticed its simple and childish ques-
ton, but now as we feel somewhat pleas
ed at the result of the late election, and
are taking a sort Of rest before engaging
in the next great battle, we will kindly
devote a few leisure moments to investi-
gate the chestnut thrown at us by the
Pioneer. II we mistake not the same
thing was said by former editor of the
Pioneer, so that question is rather stale.
Now it is not our custom to go on the
defensive. We believe in the aggressive
campaign, but as Don NJ. Dickinson said
in his speech at the Thurman celebration,
at is the common story of public men,
and OF men of affairs, and of workers Of
all kinds, that the journey Of life, take it
for all and in all, is a weary one, but that
the way does not all lie through dreary
and barren land At restful stages the
toiling pilgrim comes to green meadows,
fair flowers, and bright waters, and he
goes thus refreshed and gladdened."
The successful battle won by the peo-
pie on the 4th, when they overwhelmed
the monopolists who had so heavily lad
en- them with taxable burdens, was one Of
these pleasant stages to us, and thus we
do not mind pausing In our journey for a
few moments to discuss the childish ques-
ton of tho Pioneer and enjoy a little rec
reation.
We are opposed to heavy protection
tax. We also advised the citizens to use
Alpena made. flour, and the Pioneer, poor
prodigal, says we are inconsistent. Let
us sec. There are no tin plate manu-
featuring establishments in this country.
Some months ago few American capital
lists said they desired to erect tin plate
works. They asked Congress to give
them bonus, and the Republican Con-
gross placed provision in the Mckinley
bill which gave to the capitalists who
would invest their money in tin plate
to at least sixteen millions of dollars per
year. That tax will have to be paid by
the laboring men and farmers OF this
country when they buy tin goods. 1t Is
probable that the tin plate works will DO
situated in Chicago and Pittsburgh. 1t
would be a good thing for Chicago and
Pittsburgh, because it would increase the
business Of those places. There is no
doubt about 1t. To benefit those cities
the whole people are taxed, and that Is
what we protest against. The people Of
Alpena, against their will, and without
their consent, are obliged to pay tax
and are compelled to hand over part Of
their earnings for the sole and only pur-
pose Of making tin plate manufactures
in Chicago and Pittsburgh profitable
speculations and increasing the business
Of those cities. That is protective tax.
We oppose such robbery on the people
of this county. II those cities desire
new industries, let them do as Alpena
people do, take money out their own
pockets and help them to get started
but do not go TO other parts Of the country
not benefited, and compel them, by an
Infamous law, to pay tribute.
Now let us examine the flour business.
Alpena never asked that Chicago or Pitts
burgh be taxed to help erect a new roller
process flour mill here. They do not ask
for a protective tariff to prevent flour
from other cities being sent here. There
Is none. II Is free market for -four Of
other portions OF the country. We adj
vised the people to buy Alpena made
-four In preference to flour made in other
places, and why? 1. Because we have
been informed 10y those who have used II
that II is az good -four as any ever made
elsewhere. 2. We know that Alpena's
soil will grow "a many bushels Of wheat