The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-09-22
Why He Is Silent.

SA1AiipiS.
Why He Is Silent.
The American Protective Tariff
league has undertaken an interesting
investigation OF the number Of wage
earners employed, and the amount OF
their earnings. during the months of
July 1892 and 1896. these dates being,
respectively, two years after the enact
ment Of the Mckinley and Wilson tar
ifs. Up to the close of last week 1t
had received upwards of $50 reports
from employers in SO different states
who. in July. 1892, afforded occupation
for 1l4,23l hands. whereas the same
concerns could only employ 7S,IOO
hands in July of this year.
The amount OF wages paid, in July,
1892. to the 114,231 hands aggregated
S3.927, 200 But the pay rolls for last
July, after two years of the Democratic
tariff. aggregated only $2,4G9,7l2 The
monthly average rate Of wages has de-
clined from s34.5o to $31 among those
who are at work. The number of idle
hands, in about $50 establishments. was
S5,53l.'. The monthly loss of earnings to
the wage earners was $1,457.4SS. The
decrease in employment has exceeded
80 per cent. The decrease in wages
earned has been 40 per cent.
No wonder Mr.. Bryan doesn't care to
discuss the tariff question. 1t will be
hot hn balnaI tn frn, n
the Wilson bill.
The Times quotes from the Salt Lake
Tribune six propositions relative to the
superior prosperity OF silver standard
over gold standard countries and
claims they knock Carlisle's five propo-
sitions, quoted yesterday, into smith
Green's" This claim might be admit
ted if the Salt Lake papers statements
were true. But they were each dis
proved in most emphatic manner and
in convincing detail by the page article
in last Saturdays Tribune which mar
rated from official sources the real con-
ditions of business and labor In the
silver standard countries. Anyhow,
we thought the Bryanites were 'bimet-
allists." Is their talk about bimetal-
lism merely CUFF for the gullible? Are
they really silver monometallists in dis
guise?
Prince Bismarck has written letter
asserting his belief in the desirability
of international bimetallism, and inti-
mating that as a means to that end
Americans ought to try the experiment
of Independent action. Shrewd old
prince! His counsel recalls Artemas
Wards willingness to solve the slavery
problem if it took all his wife's rela-
tions. Bismarck is willing enough to
let other nations burn their fingers SO
safe.
All accounts agree that Senator
Quay's utmost influences are being ex-
crted in Philadelphia in the interest
of party harmony AS a result, while
few marplots hold out fearing loss of
employment with the subsistence OF
Sllllty illt Sittt vi tHc
party in that'city is already a long
way toward reconciliation and unity Of
purpose. That is the kind of leader
ship which commands admiration.
Opening Detroit exchange the other
day we were confronted by the con-
spicuous picture of lady" advertised
as 1.-The woman pugilst'' And yet,
why not? This is the new woman's era.
What is sauce for the gander ought
according to the new dispensation to be
just as appropriate sauce for the goose
Pugilism is nowadays largely a matter
of CAB. All hail, therefore, the wo-
man pugilist!
That is fine tribute to the Republi-
can commissioners of this county which
the Democratic organ pays when 1t re-
luctantly admits that during their ad-
ministration of the county finances
there have been no serious scandals"
The taxpayers of Lackawanna county
will be likely to retain such good SER
wants rather than sanction the prob
lematical experiment of a change.
--
With Postmaster Bogert's paper prac-
tically calling Apponter Cleveland a
political traitor for not supporting
Bryan, there ought soon to be condi-
ton of interest in the Democratic pol
itics of Luzerne. But perhaps Bogert
thinks what he loses by abusing Gro
yer he will win back by cottoning to
the Boy Orator. If that be SO, alas for
his delusiOn.
The charges are multiplying so rap
idly against Minister Terrell that some
thing ought soon to be done in the di-
rection of an official investigation.
However, it will not be long until there
will be decent administration in con-
troll of the American state department,
and then perhaps public sentiment will
stand some show.
Mr.. Thacher says he Is forninst Mr.
Bryans theories, but is willing to do
what he can toward Bryan's election,
even to get the worst licking that
gubernatorial candidate ever received
in New York state. This Is the gist Of
Thacher's letter of acceptance.