New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-09-08
THE TJPIFP AT COUNTY FAIRS.

The people in various parts of this state are
lust now employing rare opportunities 10 near
the tariff question ably discussed in the JOINT
debates at county fairs. Thanks arc due to the
Reform Club. VIII $50 misguided zeal prompted
IFS leaders to invite these debates. and to the
well Informed and eloquent champions OF pro-
lection who have volunteered Ia place the truth
before large audiences in quarters where multi
tudcS of vot arS rarely hear more than one side.
Thus far the uphold"l> of the protective cause
have reason to rejoice in the success OF those
who have presented their side. though it was
hardly to he expected thai such capable men as
REPRESENTATIVES IIorr. Perkins, Burrows, But
terworth. Deliver. Payne and Cutchcon. hay
ing an almost incalculahlc advantage IN the
condition of the country and lis progress IN IN
dustricS and wages for the past thirty years.
could fail to convince reasoning men OF the
wisdom of that NATIONAL policy which has pro-
duced these results. .tpp' intmcnt> have al
been made for Major Mckinley, the chairman
of the House Committee on Ways and Means.
and for other distinguished speakers.
II would be well for the friends of the Ma
,.ional policy to take much greater care than
they have ever done 10 induce the people. OF all
shades of opinions. to attend these debates and
listen to the arguments offered. They will
hear free-trade theories ingcniOusly and at
tractively presented. it is true. But on III"
other side they will hear those inconteStahlc
and overwhelming facts which make such
theories completely untenahle. They will
learn what the county has actually been doing
under protection. how its industries have s."
grown as to afford employment for millions
--.- ..si,,. Ln,V tho urO1fnr do
mand for labor has resulted in actual advance
of wages, how the millions who labor. having
more means With which to purchase, have in
creased their consumption OF food. clothes.
tools and implements. and all the ncce>$ari'S
and comforts of life, thus enormously expand
ing the home market. and how the rapidly
growing competition of home manufactures has
i'm almost every department and branch so re-
duced prices that every dollar received III
wages is worth more than a dollar and a
quarter was worth thirty years ago.
The friends of protection cannot lose ground,
but may gain in strength greatly. if they Will
take especial pains to have these debates July
attended. 1t should he considered the most mr.
gent duty Of all committconncn and influential
citizens who believe in the good cause. The
farmers. the mechanics and other workers, the
>hopk1pcrS and all men in practical avoca-
tionS. need to he informed of the facts. SO that
frcc-trade theories may not miSlead them.
Even those who are already convinced OF the
wisdom of protection are often 50 imperfcctly
Informed regarding its actual results thus far
that they are unable to make the most effective
| answer in the daily discussions which 90 on III
villages and on farms Time and Hort spent
| now in bringing thousands to listen to these
| debates will save a vast deal oi effort when
votes arc wanted to elect Republican Congress
men.
The distinguished gentlemen who are pre-
~senting the Republican side in these discus
sions richly deserve a full measure OF attention
and courtesy at the hands Of all friends OF the
cause wherever these meetings are held. There
should be no lack Of activity on the part OF
committees in receiving and aiding them, or II
extending that hearty welcome which assures
both speakers and people that the good cause
il dear to the hearts of institutes. In no par,
of this great State should a strong defender oil
the protective cause he left to search Il single
instant for information, help, couitcnance OF
cheering welcome.