Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1893-10-28

The Mckinley tariff law, the most
equitable ever enacted, was framed on
the true idea of protection to every
American industry. All articles which
experience had proved could not be
economically produced in this country
were placed on the free list. For eX
ample, sugar was made free to the
consumer, and bounty granted to
the home producer. Free raw mate
rails were given to those who wished
to enter the export trade. Every in
terest, whether of farm or forge, was
amply protected. The duty on tin
plate was advanced from a revenue to
a protective rate-from one cent to two
cents a without any increase
of price TO the consumer. At the same
time a new industry was added, which
from nothing, in 1890, amounted to
IG3,465, OPT pounds of tin and terne
plates in two years, and for the quar-
ter ending June 80 of this year, the
product was 9,543,587 pounds. This
one industry, built up under the Nc
Kinley law, has saved to the American
people at least $50, 600, 600 that would
have gone as profits to the Welsh
manufacturers, and it is only one OF
many which might be cited.
But change was demanded and
change was ordered. A Democratic
President and a Democratic Congress,
Democratic in both branches, took
charge of affairs. Did this change of
administrations bring additional pros
perity? Are the American people
more happy and contented than be-
fore? Where are the good times that
were to follow Democratic ascendency
to power? Are wages higher? Do
farm products command better prices?
Is work more abundant ? Are you,
dear reader, in better financial condi-
ton than you were a year ago, and
are your neighbors more prosperous?
If not so prosperous, and you are not,
has the change been beneficial d? You
must answer mo, " to each and every
query. Then why continue further
the search for the cause of adversely !
1t may be we'll, however, to examine
the books and see if the ledger will
balance; take an inventory, as it were,
and ascertain if the party in power is
worthy of the trust imposed upon it.
With the advent of the present Demo
cratic administration, came disaster,
sweeping, surging, like mighty tidal
wave over the land. This is no mooted
question; it is fearful reality The
only difference of opinion is as to the
cause of this cyclonic destruction of
prosperity. President Cleveland says
it is the Sherman law" Republi-
cans, never much in love with the
purchasing clause of this law, helped
to carry repeal through the House OF
Representatives and a majority of the
Republican Senators have offered to
vote for repeal, but, though patronage
has been lavishly used as bride to
buy Democratic votes for repeal, and
every scheme known to astute and
INSCRIPTIONS politicians has been EN-
ployed, Democratic Senators have out
witted the Democratic President and
forced a compromise
There are those who endeavor to lay
the blame on the Senators from the
silver producing States. Those men,
a mere handful, mostly Republicans,
have been fighting for their homes,
for the industry upon which their
people depend for bread. They could
not, dare not do less than they have
done With thousands of their con-
stituents gnawing the hard crust of
enforced idleness. they would have
been recreant to their manhood had
they done less. They have waged the
war o.: principle, and history will ac-
count them heroes and patriots of the
first order.
On the other hand, the President.
as ANXIOUS for British monometal-
ism as for British free trade, stolidly
refused to think of compromise Moth
ing but the utter humiliation of the
silver mining industry would be &C
ceptable to him. After a test of
endurance, " "compromise" is ar
ranged with themselves. The silver
purchasing 'iniquity" to be contin-
ued another year and fiat money, a pet
scheme Of the Democracy, to be foist-
ed upon the country,
Is it any wonder the business world
stood aghast?
The bold stand against the compro-
mise scheme by Republican Senators,
the press ofthe Nation, without regard
to party, and the business interests,
caused it TO fall fiat before it reached
the floor of the Senate. Once more is
shown the utter incapacity of the wis
est members of the party in power to
devise or even suggest measures not
detrimental to the people. Repeal is
now probable.
But that is not all In the crypt of
the Capitol, among the bats, hidden
away from the bright sunlight of crit
icism, we are told William l.. Wilson
and his confreres on the WAYS and
Means Committee are wrestling with
the problem of reducing duties for the
purpose of increasing the revenues.
Ne shall caa io,u ,.-afi &lo.. s..I