The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-06-14
LATEST
IN The SENATE.
Padrone System Explained
by Senator Chandler.
Henry Cabot Lodge Protests Against
Putting Wool on Free List.

WASHINGTON, June 14.-The resolution
introduced by Senator Chandler (Repn.,
N. H. yesterday was presented as the re-
suit OF consultation with Baron
Fava, the Italian Ambassador, who
requested the assistance OF the United
states government in stamping out the
padrone system as far as possible.
Mr.. Chandler was also Influenced by the
movement which originated in Boston
some time since in behalf OF the Italian
immigrants in this country.
Speaking of the subject Senator Chand-
Ter said:
"Recently the Italian Government has
shown deep interest in the suppression
OF the padrone system in this country
under which Italian immigrants fall
into the control OF agents and
bankers who keep them in state of half
service large portion OF every days
wages, which they earn by severe and
honest toll. The energetic and
courteous Italian ambassador, Baron
Fava, has made such representa-
tions to our Government that renewed
efforts are being made by the President,
the Secretary OF State, and especially by
the Secretary OF the Treasury, and the
efficient superintendent OF immigration,
for the determination Of the vicious sys-
tenn"
Senator Chandler says that his object in
introducing and urging the passage of the
resolution was TO bring public attention
ments and with view of securing addi-
tional immigration legislation II neces-
sary.
'1t WILL" he says, .'be impossible to
completely destroy the Objectionable
padrone system until sentiment hos
tile to its continuance is avowed
among the better and wealthier class of
Italians who have become residents in
this country and who ought to
be willing to render their assist
ance through organized effort. Senator
Chandler says that Baron Fava wants
special inspectors appointed by the United
States Government To see that Italians
coming to this country do not fall into
the hands OF the padrones.
The Tariff Debate.
Some routine business preceded the
res umption of the tariff debate
in the Senate TODAY. At l0:3O,
the tariff bill was laid before the
Senate and Senator Lodge (Rep., Mass,
took the floor with an argument against
free wool.
"Wool," Senator Lodge said, sought
TO be the first to receive and the last To
lose the protection of the Govern
ment. For centuries wool was
regarded as the foundation of England's
prosperity. The woolsack on which the
Spshher Oh lne Rouse OF commons SlLS
today was the symbol of the source OF
Great Britain's commercial and financial
greatness"
Senator Lodge proceeded to call atten-
tion to the fact that in the early days of
the Republic, the fostering of the
wool-growing industry engaged the
attention OF Washington and other
statesmen, not merely because il was re-
garded as a useful industry, but because
its production and manufacture was
considered one of the greatest necessi-
ties of an independent nation. In case
OF war IL was as essential that soldiers
should have clothes as that they should
have arms and food. Yet, he said, it was
proposed TO destroy this vast industry in
order to furnish valuable campaign cry
for the Democratic party. There is no
trust in wool raising.
The growers OF sheep were widely scat
tered. They cannot concentrate their
forces to come here and secure protection
for their products.
Senator Lodge characterized the demand
of some wooden manufacturers for free
raw material as utterly selfish and short
sighted. Moreover, he denied that any
large proportion of the manufacturers
shared in this demand.