The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1894-10-05
WILSON'S TARIFF SPEECH.

by disconnecting aud dissociating a
single paragraph from the address
made by Hon. w. L. Wilson. author
of the tariff bill that bears his name,
before the London chamber of COM
merce few evenings ago and put
ting a strained construction upon the
language he used, the Republican
press of this country are trying to
make it appear that that sterling
American patriot and tariff reformer, is
disloyal TO this country aud is pre-
dieting the overthrow of the govern
ment Evidently the Republican
press could not be fair in dealing with
the utterance of an opponent il it
tried. TO show the utter falsity Of
the aspersions attempted to be cast
upon Mr.. Wilson we quote the follow
ing from the address alluded to. The
last paragraph is the point OF the Re-
publican attack and by reading it in
connection with the preceding decla
rations IL will be seen that IL is the
highest possible compliment to the in
telligence aud constancy of the citi-
zens of the United States:
All the people saw that our system
was generating a brood of monopo-
lists so powerful as TO defy the law
and use part OF the wealth they drew
from sharing in the power of taxation
To increase their privileges, debauch
elections and corrupt legislation.
am quite sure our protective policy
has already served To prOInote the
trade of other nations, aud, # contil-
ued, it would still further promote
such trade, pre.eminently your own
SO, standing before you, u representa-.
tive OF those who are striving for
freer commercial policy Tor the Unite
States, fear ! cannot ask you to re
joice at its adoption, except as you
may prefer right principles to selfish
advantage.
Protection has seen our voluntary
withdrawal from the seas and from
the neutral markets. Our protection
lists have been building defenses TO
keep you and other nations from com
peting 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 our production OF cotton and
food products growing more rapidly
than our consumption, but we have
here today manufacturing plant
which, urged 10 its full capacity, can
in six months fully meet our demands
for year. The tariff has hitherto
given many temptations TO form
trusts, limit the output and lessen
wages. But fortunately, the way
now seems open to give the working
people more control over their wages
and to break up the monopolies which
are c)rruptinR our politics.
Without boasting, | may say it is
not in our lineage or character to
long be underlings. This is the real
meaning of the aspiration for tie
greatest reform movement in America
IL is In no selfish, eNultant temper
that thus give you neighborly warn
ing of our plans and expectations.
Now, when released from such vi
cious (so-called protection) laws,
there Will be a new era and revival
of the American merchant marine as
well as a steady increase in our ex-
ports, both of food products and man
AA6NNtAN " ~ AANAAes hN VI Nnt
world are drawing in TO nearer and
more neighborly Intercourse and the
manufacturing supremacy of the
world must eventually pass to that
nation which, having the largest sup
ply, shall apply to IL the highest in
telligence and enterprise.
We are constantly confirmed in the
belief that our supply OF materials Is
more nearly eXhaustless aud 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 appalled,. by the truth forced |
upon us that Of all human govern
nents a free government is the most |
and difficult, aud, judging |
from the worlds experience, the most |
uncertain and short lived. Your and |
1ur institutions are strong because
hey are deeply rooted in the past. II
s for you and for us 10 show that,
while other nations have been great /
n war, commerce, science. etc, we
an be great in all aud also great in
he greatness OF permanent freedom.
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