The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1896-04-13
w DOL and Protection.
2 Editor of the Press:

o the Edlt0r OF the Press
During the session of the United States
Senate, April 9th, the Dingley bill came
up FOR discussion; and Mr.. Mills of Texas
made the statement during debate, THAT
statistics are made by sheep men; they
are under the delusion that the proteo-
tive tariff on wool is of some benefit to
theln. The sheep men are right concern
Ing Vhelr views of protection; and Sena-
cor Mills is the one in this case who is
iaborlng under a deIusion. When the
Mills Dill was under consideration in
Congress in 1888 not only were the sheep
mon deeply concerned; but wooden man
ufacturers as we'll
The Maine clip of fleece wool was
bought that spring and summer for 20
cents per pound in anticipation Of the
passage of the bill. AS soon as the bill
was defeated wool sold quick at 81 cents
per pound; in the grease. The confidence
of the wooden man ufscturers was at once
restored and they could safely calculate
on the future of the wooden goods market.
Up to 1899 when the last Presidential
election occurred both the sheep men and
the wooden manufacturers enjoyed good
degree of prosperity, sharing OF course
with all others who compete in our
markets.
AS soon as the election of 1899 was
settled which resulted in giving the DEM
ocratio party full possession of governs
ment affairs, the price of wool began at
once to decline; for looming events cast
their shadows before" The spring fol-
lowing the election, wool dropped to 20
cents and here ID remained through the
season; subject of course to the market
fluctuations.
In the spring of 1893 wool started at 30
cents but before the season closed it had
fallen perceptibly and in one years time
the price was down to 12 cents. Does
any Intelligent man believe the sheep
men are under a delusion. During the
past three years with our markets prac-
tically open to the world our domestic
mills have hal rnce for life. Stocks
that enter into the construction of goods
have been low and immense quantities
have been produced and the wooden
goods markets are now in the condition
of a boy who has boen visiting his grand
mother-full to repletion.
Every week reports CONS of failures
| among the clothing men; and the clos
| ing up of our wooden mills, simply be-
eign manufacturer. An English meT-
chant recently in this country was 1T
tracted by seeing some very handsome
stylish suits for boys. Thinking they
might take well in his own country no
purchased few samples and took them
home. There he found the English mer-
chant could sell as good suit for one
dollar less, and his contemplated snecu-
lation fell through. The difference in cost
was wholly in the line of labor, for there
was no competition in the way of getting
the raw material make no claim to
craftsmanship or superior knowledge,
but facts are stubborn things and are not
easily refuted. Recent advioes from some
OF the best manufacturing establishments
In this Country will fully confirm all
have stated in this communication. The
success or failure of our cotton and wool
en- manufacturing will depend largely on
the kind of legislation we have at Wash
ington, and the kind Of legislation we
have there. will depend upon the kind
of men who make our laws and shape the
policy Of this country.
The remedy for all these ills is with
the people and when they have the oppor-
tunity next November believe they will
apply it.
This weeks American Wool and Cot
ton Reporter contains the following adj
vice to western wooimen: TT is high
time to inform our western friends that
the depressed condition of this market is
a fact, and not device for the purpose
of del reciating prices in the wool section.
The simplest and best advice which can
be given them is to hold back their wool
until the atmosphere is good deal clear
er than at present.
Respectfully yours,
E. D. WINSLOW.
Portland, April II, 1895.