The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1892-06-23

Vde
EDITOR HERALD:-Before my visit to
Germany, having heard so much about the
effects of the Mckinley bill on German
industries, made up my mind to inquire
into it myself and ascertain to my own
satisfaction whether all that was said was
true or otherwise. I'll confess that at that
time it seemed to me that it was political
scheme to make protection proselytes
The fact that had taken some agencies
for American articles and inventions, not
wishing to lie idle altogether during my
stay here, brought me, few weeks after
my arrival in Germany, to Berlin, Leipzig
and Dresden. In each of these cities 1
called on some of the largest and principal
manufacturers and by doing SO, had a
splendid time to gain my desired informa-
tion.
To my surprise 1 found most of the
manufacturers / called on down on every
thing of American device or origin, if
they could possibly buy a similar article
anywhere else on the face of the earth.
was told by many that their export busi-
ness to America had been ruined through
Americas protective policy. Others said
that only few articles were left with
which they could compete with American
enterprise, after paying the duty imposed
by America.
1t seemed that wherever I went the
peoples hopes centered on Americas next
president. They wish ,and pray for
change of the government from a protec-
tive to free trade policy. The less edu-
Gated German workingmen's champion Is
Cleveland and the name Mckinley is
terror TO them.
On inquiring of some of the manufac-
turers as to whether or not, from an
or disinterested standpoint, il was
not just and right for America to protect
her own people and Industries, found they
could not do otherwise than agree with me; |
and upon my making further inquiry as to
how 1t was they could manufacture and |
bring to American markets their products
without duty so much cheaper than the
Americans could produce the same articles
hey replied, "We don't pay such high
wages for labor as you do"
This is what wanted to hear. The Door
wages paid for labor produced by the bones
md sinew of the German people is what
would enable the German manufacturers
without duty to compete with and under
ell the American manufacturer in his own
,ountry.
Thanks, say, to the wise introduction
# the Mckinley bill, which protects
American labor.
Thinking perhaps 1 might find things
itferent in the South of Germany under
ook trip there lately. Any change 1
ound was for the worst Manufacturers
ere were also complaining and the main
ause seemed to be, as in the other places
be Mckinley bill.
At Ellerfeld, large manufacturing
entire of the province of Westphalia, | Z
isited relative, an owner of large mill.
had chance to inquire a little closer
bout business, 1 was told that all the
nils run pretty near at half time, the !
xport business to America having been ,
'duced to one-third of what it had been :
/ former years. At that time this manu-
Icturer had his own agents in New York !,
nd Chicago, bat now he cannot afford this.
-e only sells few specialties in America
ow.
Is it a wonder that the people of Ger !
any are watching the coming election in
meriea with the greatest interest They
@ hoping to see the banner of free trade /
lfurled so that they may be able to gain b
o upper hand on their American COM s
,titors. s.
The wages paid at the Ellerfeld mills t,
fer. For instance, a first class mechanic "
weaver may get from p to marks o
lual TO from 60 cents to sl.44) per day.
sss skilled laborers and girls may get =
pm 3S to 60 cents per day.
My brother is at present adding a brick !,
Hiding to his hospital. l can give you y
g wages paid the workmen by the con- p
'ctor' A fret class stone cutter. brick. :. =
yer or carpenter can, by ten hours .
'rk, earn 3 marks and 80 pfenings, equal