The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-03-16
DO NOT NEED PROTECTION.
Republican Congressman Says Manufac
turers Fare Badly Under 1t,

Republican Congressman Says Manufao-
turers Fare Badly Under 1t.
WASHINGTON, March 15.-The tariff dis
cusslon is beginning to tire the house and
there - lack of interest in the proceedings,
However, interest to-day revived somewhat
when Walker Mass.) took the floor. A
number Of democrats atirred him up with a
continuonssc cross fife of questions During
price of watches, taking his own time
piece out OF his pocket and placi1fg it on
the desk until ready to make his point. It
was appropriated by fun-loyinR member
and when he looked for it, it was suggested
be (Walker) was fortunate to keep the
chaln In the course Of his speech Walker
said most of the statements made by
democratic orators on the subject of pro-
tective tariff are not technically true. The
manufactu, ers of this country have not
the slightest interest directly in the tariff;
| 1T was not of the slightest interest to the
manufacturers whether we have free trade
or protection. They were satisfied with
one or the other. If the tariH..were not in the
interest of farmers and wage-workers then
no would vote to repeal it and adopt free
trade. Dockery (Mo.) asked whether the
gentleman meant to say manufacturers
would be az prosperous under free trade as
protection, and Walker replied in the af-
tirmative.
Mr.. Dockery-'Ihen, under the theory,of
protection the manufacturers merely BE-
come the disbursinR agents.''
Walker-"That is mere tctiou,',
Dockery-"Ihat seems to be the logic of
your position
Walker replied that the manufacturers of
the country (what was left of them) would
be more prosperous under free trade than
protection. But congress is not legislatinp
for manufacturers. 1t is leqislating for the
farmers aud wage workers. Tins is the
lowest taxed country on the face Of the
EARTH Harter (Oh,oj asserted that in
Canada taxation is Is per cent less than in
the United States. Walker replied Canada
was country which had failed to collect
its taxes even for its expenditures and was
burdened with debts. I'VE have collected
our taxes and paid our debts" Walker wns
proceeding to cite authorities in support OF
his position when Harter advised him to
consult Blaine.
Y Wa!ke!-"You may consult him as much
as you like; choose the man wish to con-
suit. Laughter. On business questions,
consult business men, not politicians.
Walker then entered into general de-
Tense of the Mckinley law, declaring that
in year our foreign trade had increased
q per cont on account of that laws provi-
sions. Scott (Ill.) attacked the law, hold
ing up its injustice and inequalities as
bearing on the consumer, and LAYING special
stress on the unconstitutonality of the
sugar bounty provision. Chipman (Mich.)
said that Notwithstanding tho supreme
court decision, he was still of the opinion
that the counting of a quorum under the
rules of the Fifty first congress was uncon-
stitutional. He then denounced tue system
OF protection as building up fow at the
expense of MANY. Dockery MOO said the
Mckinley bill only Increased the farnlers'
burdens and the reciprocity scheme would
prove fallacious.