Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-01-10

QSyOteI 20 Gemo1ettSiiExs Hum ssalASssSS
and history, the beneficial results upon the
countfy's msteiisl property, as compared
with the effects Of the free trade eres
through which it had passed. Afr quot
ing figures to show the gigantic strides
made in the 80 years from 1860 TO 1890 un-
der the operation Of protective tariff
Mr.. Hrrrows Closed as Follows:
"Yet in the face of this magnificent til
umph, il is ZOE proposed to call halt IN
the industrial msrch. and turn the column
backward over the deserted and disastrous
path way leading to free trade. The con-
mand has already been given, and conster-
nation has taken possession of all our peo-
pie. The record of this single years
disasters stands without parallel in the
history of cur country. Fifteen thousand
five hundred and sixty business failures, 80
railways, aggregsting 81 1913 miles and rep
reseniing untold millions Of property, gone
into the hands of receivers and to bank
ruptcy. Our mines and our factories are
closed smokeless chimneys stand like mon
uments above the graves of dead industries,
while an army Of the unemployed is tramp
ing the streets begging for bread.
s.Yet the half has not been told. The
record of this years industrial and individ-
ual suffering, resulting from this proposed
10 gislation, will never be made up. 1t ex-
ceeds the possibilities of human cal ulation.
81 implore you to abandon this suicidal
policy. Have you not pursued it far enough
to become convinced Of its disastrous con-
sequences: 1t is no longer an experiment
it has become public crime.
"You have it within your power instant
Iy to relieve this appalling situation. You
have only to substitute for the pending
measure Joint resolution confirmatory OF
your purpose to maintain existing law IN
full force and effect during the coninu-
ance of this administration, and business
activity would instantly take the place OF
business depression. 1t wGuli arrest the
slaughter of our focks, open our mines, re-
light the fires of our furnaces, unchain the
wheels of our industries, start every spindle
and loom; while whistle and factory balls
would call the tramping, starving millions
back from enforced idleness to profitable
EMPLOYMENT and the American republic
would leap with bound to its accustomed
place in the van of industrial nations"
Mr.. Burrows speech was greeted with
uproarious applause and cheers from the
Republican members and galleries.
Bryan (Dem.) of Nebraska announced
that the state department had obtained sta
tistics in regard to the operation of the in
come tax laws in England, Germany, Italy,
Austria and other European countries. He
gave notice that he would publish this in
the journal tomorrow.
Black Dem of Illinois spoke in de-
tense of the Wilson tariff bill. He said
that it would appear from Mr.. Burrows
speech that misery, starvation and poverty
were stalking abroad throughout the union,
but there was not place in the world
where misery and want did t
wait on incompetence and improvidence
He did not claim that the prote ctiye
tariff was responsible for all the misery ann
want of the country. IEhad resulted in
great advance in the industries of the coun-
try. But the other side should acknowl-
edge thst it was responsible for much of the
depression and want.
The picture was not as dark as painted
by Mr. BURROWS, for private and organized
charity had extended its hands to succor the
needy. 1t had been asserted by the TrJ-
teetionists' party that the Mckinley law in
creased the general range of wages, but he
doubted the statement. Protection had not
had the result of keeping the wage market
up. Three times during the ascendancy of
those protecting laws, within the last 30
years, had the industries of the country
bren i sturbed. On two of these the Re-
publican party could not make the excuse
that it was due to threatened changes BY
the Democratic party.
A reasonable explanation of the present
depression was to be found in the fact that
whereas the country in 1890 AMI 1891,
slipped to Europe exports which left the
balance of trade in our favor by nearly
$500 900, 900, in more recent years the
crops of tbi, country had fallen far below
Il G expectations, and the balance of trade
swung against us in one year S297 goo, 600.
Another cause of the business depression
ard depletion of the treasury was the waste
full extravaganza with public money which
had marked receit years.
Mr.. Black denied that the present depres-
sion could be attributed to the incoming Of
the Democratic party. The depression, he
asserted, was due to the disregard of the
fundamental law of taxation. Mr.. Black
~ oke of the protective duties against
Canadian agricultural products, although
he said, they no cheaper than similar
American products; commented upon
the fact that petitions were
presented in Congress against allowing
Canadian workmen to cross into the United
States. work all day aud return at night.
That, he said, WAS an instance of the false
position into which the public mind was
forced by long worshipping at the altar of
protection.
Mr.. Cannon (Rep) Of Illinois, asked
whether he was in favor of permitting
Canadian workmen to cross the border and
compete with American workmen.
MIR. Black said that in the case of Cans
di IN ard American workmen there was no
distraction of race or blood. He would not
interdict the coming of Canadian workmen,
until it was demonstrated that their coming
would work injury to American workmen.
Am | to understand" Mr.. Cannon
asked that my colleague would remedy
the evil by bringing American wages to a
level with the wages paid in Europe:"
Mr.. Black replied: "lf | was certain
that American workmen were being over
whelmed by vast masses of men seeking
our shores because of this belief, a fs)lscious
one, that wages are higher here. would
seek to repeal these laws which mad wages
higher snd would let wages have natural
plane all over the world" Democratic
applause.