The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-08-01
THE VIEWS OF A WELSHMAN
Interview with the Chairman ofthe Tin.
Plate-MakeTs' Association of Wales.
Wages for Labor-The Best Tin-Plals
Plant in the World Is in This Country.

J. III. Rogers. chairman of the Tin-plate-
makers Association of Wales. has recently
returned to England from tour in tho
United States. whittier he was sent to
ascertain tho prospects the Welsh thu
plate-makers have of regaining the Ameri-
can market. which they are losing under
the Mckinley law. In the Industrial World
of Swansea. of June 10. which Is the official
organ of the Tin plate-makers' Association,
is an extended interview with Chairman
Rogers, which contains matters of interest
not only regarding the tin-plste industry
but all other industries in this country
which compete with those Of Europe The
Welsh tin-plate organs reporter first asked
Mr.. Rogers:
As . result of your recent visit to the
United States can you give some idea or
the prospects of the Democratic party IN
view OF the coming presidential slectionp
orally regarded that the fight will be an
exceedingly close one. The Republicans
say they will certainly return their Presi-
dent, and the Democrats, on the other
opinion is that the Democrats cannot win
unless they carry New York State. but the
Republicans may possibly win. even If they
lose this State. The parties are so closely
which Will win"
MEANING OF CLEvELAND's SUCCESS.
Surprising Mr. Cleveland were elected.
what do you think would be the effect Of
his policyi"
Il think the result would be that the
duties would be gradually lowered. and
that wages would constantly fall. The
working classes would. of course. not be
willing to remain without work. and manu-
facturers would have to reduce wages TO
enable them to compete successfully with
other countries. Wages in America are at
present about double what they are here.
but III America adopted free trade they
would probably be reduced by one-half,
aud become equal TO the wages paid here.
The question OF free trade or protection in
America 10. therefore, of far IN ore impor-
tance to the working class of America than
II Is TO any class OF this country. In Amer
lea the working class earn high wages at
present, and the cost of living ont there 10
so little more than it is here that they have
much greater comfort. and are able to save
more rapidly"
The reporter here reminded Mr.. Rogers
of the statements that had been made
during the last twelve months as an argu-
ment to prevent the tin-platers of Wales
to emigrate TO America, that the heat and
the cost of living was much greater in the
United States than in our own country.
Mr.. Rogers replied that, as q matter of
fact, such was not the case. True, house,
rent was higher there. but the necessities
of life to working men and their families
were very cheap. The best class of clothing
was also more expensive, bnt that for work
ing men was not. The weather was exceed
ingly hot during his visit. and one of tho
first things MT. Rogers did was to PURCHASE
q cool. thin suit. which cost him - shil-
lings which be didn't think he could get az
cheap in this country.
TIN-PLATE-MAKERs RICH HERE.
Referring to the cost of living Mr. Rogers
instanced tho case of q Llnaelly n-plate-
worker, for whom he had found employ
ment, who told him that not only was he
in q position to live comfortably upon the
wages he earned, about Sos (S9) q week. but
he was able TO send about half of il to his
family at home.
Conversation then ensued upon the con-
dition of trade In South w sles. MIR. Rogers
declaring that il was really worse now
than it was twelve months ago. which was
proved by the number OF works which were
either partially or wholly idle. He could
not account for it, and feared that bad
period had set In. while he could see no
prospect of q change.
Mr.. Rogers was then asked whether he
ndu roaQ the recent uttcFdDcee Oh ~.
Randell, member of Parliament who de-
clxred that the action of Messrs. Norwood
IL Co. in erecting works in the United
States before waiting to see the result OF tho
November elections was not only selfish
and suicidal," but also 'ill-timed, mis-
JUDGED and unpatrIotic."
MIR. Rogers smiled, aud said in reply that
the November elections however they
might go, would have no effect upon what
they were dong. The Mckinley tariff was
only q secondary consideration in their
action Capital" he added. lis sensitive
and timId, and will, always flow TO the
countries which offer most security and
the most free opportunities for untram
meled development and where capital Is
the most abundant there will be the great
est prosperity, most regular employment
and most happiness"
Proceeding, Mr. Rogers remarked that
some of the Democrats said: I'VE are quite
prepared TO admit that il the duties are re-
duced wages will have TO be correspond
lngly reduced, but our aim Is that wages
shall be so far reduced that our
manufacturers can undersel Europe
in neutral markets. such as India, Australia,
etc.; but W q believe that the cost OF living
and of luxuries should also be so reduced
lower wages as they are now at the
higher WAGES"
Are there any other works in course OF
erection In America nowf"
Yes. there are several. / only visited q
few. The nu.acture of rn-plates is,
however. very rapidly taking root In the
United states. aud some very magnitcenr
which visited was the finest which have
ever seen. An enormous steel and TN plate
concern is being built in Chicago"