Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1892-05-20
Tn. wesi Qa.ssioa Briefly seated.

Free wool has been made an issue in
the presidential campaign by the near
~ unanimous vote of Democrats in
Congress. 1t makes no difference now
what they say in their platform; actions
speak louder than words. The WOOL
growers who prefer to abolish the duty
will vote for y Democratic president
next November, knowing that he will
be prepared to sign any such messu
which his party demands with sub
stanttal unanimity. In several Journals
reasons are given at length for oppos-
ing free wool, but they do not place
stress upon the two reasons which
seem to the Tribune most important of
all.
1t 10 urged that at least $4,000 600
sleep out of 10000 0 in the country
are Of b merino blood. which are not
pfonnbly raised for mutton, and would
be slaughtered and NO longer raised at
al II duties on wool wer removed. In
effect the destruction of wool.Rrowing o.
an American industry would inevitably
result. No doubt this is true, and it Is
: strong roeso for retaining duties.
Wool Of the same quality, costing not
more than 80 to IS CENTS secured. is inn
ported largely now, the American
merino costing In secured condition
about twice u much. Such wool can be
grown in any quantity in Australia and
other countries where land is valueless
o labor cheap, and It 10 sheer folly to
suppose that the American grower can
compete Ut ill without . defensive duty.
But this 10 not the greatest objection to
the abolition Of that duty.
The greatest, in the judgment of the
Tribune, 10 that every one Of the great
manufacturers must 70 down, il Justice
is denied to the wool-growers. When
the Tribune stated more than q ago
that the wool manufacturer might count
With certainty upon absolute free trade
in woolens il tho duties ON wool
should be abolished, it was simply an
%nouncinR . political fact. Some per
sons thought the remark . threat, and
became warm about It. Nothing like .
threat was intended, unless Il be 4
threat to tell = child that iire will burn.
Inc relations between wool-Rrowers
ana wool manufacturers have been
such for nearly thirty years that re-
stantly followed by . demand from
wool-Rrowera for abolition Of duties On
wooden GOODS demand which would
be simply Irresistible I o congressman
IN . great many districts. Each would
have to take his choice: to meet the de.
mands OF the wool-growers or 20 out of
Congress.
1t 10 not the purpose here to consider
the merits Of such . demand. The fact
sufficee that it would be made. and
would be oboyed by members enough,
with the Southern tree traders. to sDol.
ish duties on WOODEN goods, When
that industry had been delivered over
to the tender mercies Of British manu-
facturers and their Tree trade allies.
thousands OF employees and manufac.
furers would be ready to put other in
dustries on the same footing. This.
scain, 10 not . threat; it 10 merely Q fact.
Al men Of n great industry are to be
sacrihced, they are certain to vote that
others shall have nogreater - antages.
The force that upholds projection e q
national policy goes to pieces and goes
when protection ID denied to the
wooi-growef.. II manufacturers doubt
It they take the risk.
economic, remains. Without removal
Of duties on wooden goods, that manu-.
lacturo must nevertheless 60 down il
the growing Of wool in this country il
virtually stopped. II must 70 down be.
cause IL will then be forced to depend
upon supplies Of wool purchased in the
London market, which British manu-
control. American buyers
may DO % shrewd - any. But this
country dOea not control Australia, II
hAs no virtually controlling commercial
ASsengements with the Argentine Re-
public, OF with the countries BORDERING |
N tho Black Sea American buyers
~ not IL laSnooe cuetomeTo 1nr vol