Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1892-12-08

recommend tnat The wnole SUBJECT OF tariA
revision be left 10 the incoming congress II N
a matter OF regret that this work must be de-
layed for at least three months, for the threat
OF great tariff changes introduces so much un.
certainty that an amount not easily ostlmated,of
business inaction and OF diminished production,
will necessarily result II Is possible also that
this uncertainty may result In decreased revo
nues from customs duties,for our merchants will
make cautious orders for foreign goods In view
Of the prospect Of tariff reductions and the un-
certainty as to when II will take effect
Those who have advocated a protective tarin
can well afford TO have their disastrous fore
casts Of q change Of policy disappointed II
system OF customs duties can be framed that
will set the idle wheels and looms OF Europe In
motion and crowd our warehouses with foreign
made goods and at the same time keep our mills
busy; that will give US an increased participa.
tion In "the markets OF the world" OF greater
value than the home market that we surrenderi
that will give increased work to foreign work.
men upon products to be consumed by our peo-
pie without diminishing the amount OF work 10
be done here; that will enable the American
manufacturer TO pay 10 his workmen from 30 TO
no per cent more In wages than IA paid In the
foreign mill and yet TO compete in our mar
kets and in foreign markets with tho
foreign producer; that will further reduce
the cost OF articles Of wear and food without
reducing the wages OF those who produce them;
that can be celebrated after Its effects have
been realized, as It's expectation has been In
Europe as well as in American cities, the au-
thors and promoters OF twill be entitled 70 the
highest praise We have had In our history
several experiences Of the contrasted effects OF
q revenue and OF q protective mrin; but this
generation has not felt them and the expert
ence Of one generation IL not highly instructive
TO the neyt Tho friends OF the protective sys.
tenn with undmlnlshed confidence In the prn
ciples they have advocated, will await the re-
suits OF the new experiment
Tho strained and too often disturbed relations
existing between the employees and employers
In our great manufacturing establishments
have not been favorable 10 consideration BY
the wage CARRIER OF the effect upon wages OF the
protective system.
The fact that his wages were the highest
paid in the like calings Of tho world and that a
maintenance OF this rate Of wages In the ab.
| sence ~ protective duties upon the product OF
| his labor, was impossible, were obscured by
the passion evoked by these contests He may
now be able 10 review the question In the light
/ OF his personal experience under the operation
| OF u tariff for revenue only. II that experience
shall demonstrate that present rates OF wages
are thereby maintained or Increased either alb
solutely or in their purchasing power and that
| the aggregate volume Of work 10 be done In this
| country Ia increased or even maintained; that
| there are more or as many days work In year
| at Us good or better wages for the American
| workman as has been the case under the pro
tective system every one will rejoice. A gen
oral process OF wage reduction cannot DO CON
templated BY any patriotic citizen without the
gravest apprehension. 1t may be- indeed,
believe is possible for the American
manufac turer to compete successfully with his
foreign rival In many branches OF production
without the defense OF protective dut es, II the
pay rolls are equalIzed but the conflict thai
stands between the producer aud that result
and the distress OF the people, when II is at
tanned. are not pleasant 10 contemplate. Th'
society Of the unemployed, now holding its FIRE
quent and threatening parades IN the streets Of
foreign cities, should not be allowed 10 ACQUIRE
an American domiclle