Huntsville gazette., 1894-01-13

intarests of the farmer seem to have been
selected for special assault and destruc-
tion, as nearly oue-han OF the items
embraced in this proposed transfer
are the products of domestic husbandry. The
bill is free donation to foreigners at time.
too. when the treasury OF the United States is
in pressing need OF increased resources. There
is not in 1t even suggestion OF reciprocity by
which some concessions might be secured Tor
our surplus product in the markets OF the ma
tions thus favored or free entrance into our
own. 1t is bold free-trade gift-the price
paid for democratic theory. Such PROPOSE
tion would at any time arrest public attention,
but to be made in the presence OF
depleted treasury and with its secretary
asking to be clothed with authority
to issue bonds which he may Dor
row money to meet the current expenses
of the government, it is a proposition so star
tling as to challenge the credulity OF mankind.
There Is only one explanation possible, and
that is found in the exclamation OF an English
statesman: 1t is free trade God made The
present free list ought to be sufficient to satisfy
the demands of the most advanced free trader
The act of 1899 enlarged it TO the very limit OF
safety to American industries and Amerlcan
labor. When you have completed TINS proposed
transfer to the free list it is the beginning OF
the end of the protective system In the uhlteu
States; and | apprehend it is the knowledge oil
this fact which inspires the free trader OF TO-
day with unflagging zeal in the advocacy OF
free raw material
Mr. Burrows quoted from leading authorities
as to the advantage of specific duties. he
added:
starving families, clutching for the last
morsei of food can not be lulled into forgetfrl-
ness of present misery by the announcement
of lower advalorem duties on the necessaries
of life Tramping the streets. out OF employ.
ment receiving aims, lower advalorems VIII
not heal the wounded pride OF the brave men
who never before we're dependent upon public
charity The laboring people OF this country
ask not ad valorems, but work. They prefer
high ad valorems, constant employment ana
abundant wages to low ad valorems, idleness
and want.
After showing the growth of the country
in recent wears Mr.. Burrows concluded as fol-
lows:
THE YEARS RECORD.
"Yet in the face Of this magnificent triumph
1t is now proposed to call halt in the INDUS
trial march and turn the column backward
over the deserted pathway to free trade. The
command has already been given and conster-
nation has taken possession of all our people
The record of this single years disasters
stands without parallel in the history of
our country. Fifteen thousand five hun
dred and sixty business failures;
seventy-three railways, aggregating 5l.sl'
miles and representing untold millions OF prop
erty have gone into the hands of receivers and
to bankruptcy. Our mines and factories are
closed. smokeless chimneys stand like monu-
ments above the graves OF dead industries
while an army of the unemployed are tramp
ing the streets begging for bread. The record
of this years industrial and individual suffer-
ing resulting from this proposed legislation
will never be made up 1t exceeds the posi-
bility of human calculation, and implore you
TO abandon this suicidal policy. Have you not
pursued it far enough to be convinced OF It's
disastrous consequences?
1t is no longer an experiment; 1t has be-
come public crime. You have it within your
power to instantly relieve this appalling situa-
tion. You have only to substitute for the
pending measure joint resolution declaratory
of your purpose to maintain existing law in
full force and effect during the continuance
of this administration and business activi-
ty would instantly take the place Of business
depression 1t would arrest the slaughter
of your flocks. open our mines rel1ght the fires
of our furnaces, unchain the wheels of our in
dustries start every spindle and loom. while
whistles and factory bells would call the
tramping starving millions back from en-
forced idleness to profitable employment and
the American public would leap with a bound
to it's accustomed place in the van Of indus
trial nations