The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1892-12-07

tuted, and 1t cannot be n perversion of that
constitution to legislate as to preserve in theii
homes the comfort, independence, loyalty and
sense of interest in the government which are
essential to good citizenship in peace and
which will bring this stalwart throng. as in
1861, to the defense of the flag when it is as
sailed.
The Tariff
1t is not my purpose to renew here the
argument in favor of protective tariff. The
result of the recent election must be accepted
as having introduced a new policy. We must
assume that the present tariff, constructed
upon the lines of protection, is to be repealed.
and that there is to be substituted for il a
tariff law constructed solely with reference to
revenue; that no duty is to be higher because
the increase will keep open an American mill
or keep up the wages of an American work
man, but that in every case such a rate OF
duty is to be imposed as will bring to the
treasury of the United States the largest re-
turns of revenue.
The contention has not been between sched-
ules,
But Between Principles,
and 1t would be offensive to suggest that the
prevailing party will not carry into legislation
the principles advocated by it and the pledges
given to the people. The tariff bills passed by
the house of representatives at the last ses-
sion, were,as suppose-even in the opinion of
their romoters-inadequate and justified
only by the fact that the senate and house of
representatives were not in accord and that a
general revision could not therefore be under
taken. recommend that the whole subject
Of tariff revision be left to the incoming con-
gress.
1t lisa matter of regret that this work must
be delayed for at least three months for the
threat of great tariff changes introduces so
much uncertainty that an amount not easily
estimated of business in action and of dimin-
ished production will necessarily result 1t is
possible also that this uncertainty may result
In decreased avenues from custom duties, for
our merchants will make continuous orders
for foreign goods in view of the prospect of
tariff reductions and the uncertainty of when
they will take effect. Those who have advo-
Gated a protective tariff can well afford to
have their disastrous forecast of a change of
policy disappointed
If a system OF customs can be framed that
will set the idle wheels and looms of Europe
In motion and crowd our warehouses with
fore ign-made goods, and at the same time
keep our own mills busy; that will give us an
increased participation in the markets of the
world" of greater value than the home mar
ket we surrender; that will give increased
work to foreign workmen, upon products to
consumed by our people, without diminishing
the amount of work to DO done here; that will
enable the American manufacturer to pay to
his workmen from so to 100 per cent more in
wages than is paid in the foreign mill, and
yet to compete in our market and in foreign
markets with foreign producers; that will fur
Their 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 its expectation
has been, in European as well as American
cities, the authors and promoters of it will be
entitled TO the highest praise
We have had in our history several expert
ences of the contrasted effects of revenue
and of a protective tariff but this generation
has not felt them, and the experience of one
generation is not highly instructive to the
next. The friends of the protective system
with undiminished confidence in the princi-
pies they have advocated, will await the result
of the new experiment. The strained and too
often disturbed relations existing between the
employees and the employers in our great
manufacturing establishments have not been
favorable to a calm consideration by the wage
Garner of the effect upon wages of the pro.
tective system. The facts that his wages were
the highest paid in like calings in the world
and that a maintenance of this rate of wages
in the absence of protective duties upon the
product of his labor was impossible, were OBJ
scured by the passion evoked by these contests
He may now be able to review the question in
the light of his perso nal experience under the
operation of a
Tariff for Revenue Only.
If that experience shall demonstrate that
present rates of.wages are thereby maintained
or increased, either absolutely or in their in
creasing power, and that the aggregate vol
ume of work to be done in this country is in
creased or even maintained so that there are
as many days work in year at good or
better wages for the American workman as he
has because under the protective system every
one will rejoice. A general process of wage
reduction cannot be contemplated by any
patriotic citizen without the gravest appre-
henson. 1t may be, indeed believe 1t is pos
sible for the American manufacturer to com
pete successfully with.his foreign rival in many
branches of production without the defense of
protective duties If the pay rolls are equalized,
but the conflict, stands between the producer
and that result and the distress of our work
ing people,when it is attained,ar not pleasant
TO contemplate.
The society of the unemployed, now holding
| its frequent and threatening parades in the
| streets of foreign cities should not be allowed
to acquire American domicile. The reports OF
| the heads of the several executive depart
| ments which are herewith submitted have