The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-02-24
A WORKINGMAN'S VIEWS.
Thomas j. Water Addresses Progress
Club on the Tariff.

Thomas j. Water, an Indianapolis mechan-
ic, delivered an address TO the Progress
Club yesterday afternoon, in which ne gave
the club the benefit of workingmans
views of free trade and protection. Before
finishing his paper the speaker declared
himself an out and out protectionist. Many
of his sentiments were applauded.
Mr.. Water made the unqualified assertion
that the term ''free trade" is a misnomer
Misnomers, he said, are often used by the
designer In deceiving the people for pur-
pose. Free trade, explained Mr.. Water, is
an exchange without restrictions, and this
is not what England or any other country
desires. In effect the license imposed by
State and the tariff required by nations are
similar. An unrestricted exchange does not
exist anywhere, and civilized country
without some form of tariff cannot be
found. Gladstone does not believe in its APP
plication to his own country but urges it
only to secure advantages for England.
why this lauding of thing nobody be-
lieves in?' asked the speaker. rs 1t result
OF ignorance or Of accident? If neither
through accident nor ignorance, it must be
through design. The words free trade have
a musical sound to the liberty loving. The
term tickes the cupidity of the selfish. Each
nation has its separate interest, and must
regulate its commerce TO its own advantage.
Freedom of trade, like the freedom of
people, must be regulated for the general
good. Absolute freedom in everything and
everywhere is impossible. England levies.
her tariff on such articles as subserve her
own interests. but she asks the privilege of
going into all countries and of competing
Unrestricted. England is not to blame for
her position on the tsrim but quit 1t Is nec s
motive. She is claiming the right TO sit in
Judgment on the ethics of our political
actions
The speaker denounced the phrase tariff
reform as misleading. AS used by Ameri-
cans Ii means the same free trade" as
used by the English. The theorist, the
reform" with the accent on the first syl-
liable of the second word. would be utterly
at fault in practical affairs. But protection
is the true policy. II increases the interest
of money and men, and to deny the stim-
ulating effects Of protection is TO fly in the
face of experience. No man, said the speak
er Is going to put n money IN o large manu- M.
business Is TO be a race with foreign COM
petition. 1t is protection that gives assur-
ance to the manufacturer.
Activity and industry. are in themselves
a blessing" he continued. TO secure these
Is the purpose OF protection. 1t does not
in the main increase cost. and indirectly 1t
land would not, indeed, be the best policy
for US. Why should an American favor
policy to the advantage of another which
of every competitor is to dispose of his rival
and 1t would pay England well to sell at
little profit III, by SO doing, she can destroy
the American manufacturer. Her people in
vest literally and are willing 10 wait for
returns. Ii might take two or three years,
but our factories would finally have to close
Free trade and cheap clothes Is the rally.