The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1895-04-13
Manufaetnrerg. Free-rrade League.
From the Baltimore sun.


The interest taken by manufacturers IN all
parts Of the country in the success of the Manu-
iactarers' Free-Trade League IS a striking
indication of the progress of economic thought
among intelligent manufacturers in recent
years. Time was when politicians were able
TO rally nearly every manufacturer 70 their
support by promises Of large profits and sure
prosperity, but experience of high tariffs on
raw materials and of markets glutted with
goods too dear for either the home or foreign
market has disclosed the faliacies Of protee-
ZIONIST logic. Il has been seen just where the
shoe pinches and how futile It is to expect per
manent benefits from a tariff system which
nullhes in one schedule the advantages offered
in another. Manufacturers the more far
seeing of their number-are accordingly organ
izing to secure freedom for their industry, and
at the meeting held recently at Washington
adopted constitution which sets forth their
objects in these terms
IL To foster. disseminate aud give effect
in every possible way, direct and indirect, to
free-trade principles. , To demonstrate 10
our brother manufacturers that free-trade
would conserve and promote their real inter
ests and not ininre or destroy them. ,. To
demonstrate to the people that the independ
ent and self-supporting manufacturers ia the
United States, representing al lines Of indus
try. have no need of protection. SO called. but
believe thai such policy entails unjust and
hurdensome taxation. :. To create a national
organization thar viii. upon al occasions.
combat the monopolies aud trusts which have
been made possible By the protective tariff
system.
The utter.nces on the tariff question from
manufacturers who are pushing the league are
decidedly crisp and forcible. A manalae-
tnrer at Burlington, Iowa, puts the matter in
a nutshell as follows;
'.Why should manufacturers have 'protec-
ton when labor has no protection Free
trade would protect manufacturers from them
selves. Protection stimulates them to over
production for the home market. which Is soon
glufted with goods, and then the factories shut
down and the work people starve Frea-trade
would give this country s large export trade
and steady employment-iust what working
people need. All living expenses would be
much less and the whole country the gamer.
Another manufacturer. Of Bradford, Pa.
saws:
I'VE are in favor Of absolute free-trade.
believing it TO be the only policy that is just
to all classes: also believing that manuiaetur-
ers as class would lre benefited by an increase
Of commerce which would follow the freeing
of foreign exchange. We believe that all who
ask for protection on their product seek %
rob the consumer and ask the government 10
assist them in So doing. We consider pro-
tectionists as paupers seeking 70 live OF Of
others industries, and 10 profit by others
losses
The idea is confidently expressed that pro
lection is an obstacle to production; that II
deprives manufacturers Of cheap raw materials
and consumers Of cheap goods that BY max
ing our manufactures too expensive iorexport
il deprives Us Of foreign markets. limits our
tries Neither the public nor the manufae-
turers. as class. are benefited. il IS held. BY
MeKinleyism and It's threatened revival should
be met BY a movement for absolute free-tFAde.