The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1894-10-03
CHAIRMAN WILSON DINED.
ENTERTAINED BY THE LONDON
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
A Significant Speech by the Congress
man. Exposing the Iniquities OF
PrOtectiOn-A Response by Repre-
sentative Straus of New York.

LONDON, Sept. 27.-The dinner given
by the chamber Of commerce of London
to Congressman W. L. Wilson Of West
Virginia took place at the Hotel Metro
pole this evening. About seventy guests
were present, including J. Sterling Nor
ton, secretary of agriculture, and his two
sons, Paul and Joy Morton; Congress
man Isadore Straus of New York, Sir
Courteney Z. Boyle, permanent secretary
Of the board of trade. and a number of
leading men in trade and commerce.
United States Ambassador Bayard and
James r. Roosevelt, secretary OF the
United States embassy. sent regrets.
Mr.. Wilson said: 'AH the people saw
that our system was generating a brood
Of monopolists so powerful as to defy
the law and which used part of the
wealth they drew from sharing in the
power of taxation to increase their priVi-
leges, debauch elections and corrupt leg
islation.
Il am quite sure that our protective
policy has already served to promote
the trade of other nations, and, if con-
unued, would still further promote such
trade and pre-eminently your own. So,
standing before you a representative of
those who are striving for a freer COM
mercial policy for the United States L
fear 1 cannot ask you to rejoice at its
adoption except as you may prefer right
principles 10 selfish advantage. PrOtec-
ton has seen our voluntary withdrawal
keJs. our prOtecuoniSts have been biuld-
ing defenses TO keep you and other ma
lions from competing with us in our
home market. The tariff reformerS are
breaking down these defenses.
Let US compete in all the markets OF
the world. Not only is production OF
cotton and food products growing more
rapidly than our consumption, but we
have today a manufacturing plant which.
urged to its full capacity, can in six
months fully meet our demands for
year.
The tariff hitherto has given many
temptations 10 form trusts, limit the
output and lessen wages. But, fOTtu-
nately, the way now seems open TO give
the working people more control over
their wages and TO break up the monop-
olieS which are corrupung our politics.
Without Boosting, | may say that it is
not in our lineage or character anywhere
TO long be underlings. This is the real
meaning of the great reform movement
in America. 1t is in no selfish eXultant
temper that 1 thus give you neigh borly
warning OF our plans and expectations"
After referring to the growth of Amer
lean trade returns, even under prOtec-
ton" Mr. Wilson predicted that now,
when released from such vicious laws,
there will be a new era and a revival of
the American merchant marine, as well
as steady increase in our exports. both
of food products and manufactured ar
ticles. The nations of the world are
drawing into nearer and more neighbor-
ly intercourse and the manufacturing su-
premacy of the world must eventually
pass to that nation which, having the
largest supply, shall apply it to the
highest intelligence and enterprise.
I'VE are constantly confirmed in the
belief" continued Mr.. Wilson, that our
supply of materials is more eXhaustless
and more cheaply handled than that of
any other people, and if we continue to
be underlings ii is our own fault. We
are being rapidly sobered though unap-
palled, by the truth, forced upon us,
that of all human governments a free
government is the most complex and diff
ficult and judging from the worlds eX-
perience, the most uncertain and short
lived. Our institutions are strong be-
cause they are deeply rooted in the past.
1t is for you and for US to show that
while other nations have been great in
war, commerce, science, etc, we can
be great in all and great I'm the greatness
of permanent freedom
Replying to the toast to the chamber
of commerce of the United States Con-
gresham Isadore Straus of New York
deplOred the fact that the tariff was
ever made party question in the United
States and he urged the formation as
promptly as possible of an international
agreement to settle the silver question.
Secretary Morton was the next speaker.
He said that Mr.. Wilson had stated what
was absolutely correct. and that the peo-
pie Of America had finally said adieu TO
the protective system. Free trade had
been used as a DOGGY with Americans, but
at last the farmers recognized that free
trade did not compel trade anywhere, but
simply permitted an American citizen to
trade wherever ii was most advantageous.
He spoke strongly in favor Of arbitration
and said that Great Britain and the
United States must soon arrange an ar
bitratiOn treaty so that brute force would
cease to be a factor. standing armies would
pass away as dew. and war would become
impossible. Goo speed the hour when
such a treaty should be ratified.
Mr.. Mortin then said that I'VE
Americans feel at home here" and the re-
mark was loudly applauded.