The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1897-06-23

parties, mas largely lOSl llS influence,
aHd the representatives of agricul-
tural districts, without fear of the
old-time leaders, do not hesitate to
support measures calculated to give
some portion of the protective sys-
TEN to their constituents. | believe
that no party which advocates free
raw material and protected manufac-
tured goods can ever again secure a
strong following among the agricul-
tural classes"
what do you say, Mr.. Brigham, in
regard to the delay in the return of
prosperity"
at is hardly fair to expect benefits
from a protective system before the
law has been enacted. People should
not forget that we are still living un-
der the Wilson low tariff free raw ma
terial measure and that at present the
only Advancement or improvement in
conditions is the anticipation of the
good effects of the new measure. Pro-
gress on the bill is much greater than
has been expected by those well in
formed and familiar with the tariff
legislation, and the measure will un-
doubtedly soon become law, and not
by the votes of one party alone. But
the hue and cry against the delay in
the coming of prosperity is not prop
Il n1,n III ]o oF
the farmer and workingman on this
subject. They are pretty well in
formed. This cry comes principally
from the cheap politicians who are
striving to make capital out of the
matter. There is no sense in asking
for this promised prosperity before
the passage of a bill which will cut
off the enormous importations of for
eign stuff, and give the country Il
chance to right itself. When the rem
edy is tried and fails it is time enough
for people to say that we are mistaken
ard unable to bring prosperity"
"Wbat about the Lubin proposition
for bounty on staple agricultural eX-
ports?'
THAT is not a new subject. It is a
departure from the protective policy.
1t has been considered for some years
by the farmers, especially by the MEM
hers of the National Grange, where 1t
has been fully discussed but not yet
endorsed by majority of that body.
Some of the propositions seem to be
+ favorable, but it is doubtful whether
the giving of bounty on agricultural
products woulu be beneficial to the
farmer. There might be some tenn
porary benefits, but if it stimulated
production the effect would be disas.
+ trous to the farmer. What troubles
the farmer now and makes low prices
for his productions is the fact that he
is now producing more than the mar.
ket will readily absorb of certain com.
modities. So long as he continues to
do this he must be content with low
prices. If this bounty should stimu-
late the production and increase the
surplus offered IN the markets of the
world, it would have the effect of de.
creasing the price received by the
farmer rather than increasing it. AS
said, it is departure from the policy
of those who believe in potection. The
protective policy advocates the en-,
couragement of production in those
lines where we are now not producing
enough to supply our own people, but
are dependent to an extent on foreign
countries for our supply. The propo
sition does not have such purpose
1t proposes simply to donate to the
farmer certain bounties on product:
exported, and it is doubtful whether
il would at the most have more than ;
Temporary beneficial effect, with ten
dency to bad reactionary results"
"What is going to be done about The
Cuban matter, Mr.. Brigham?"
America" said the secretary, as hi
rose to greet a prominent member O
the Grange from central Ohio. "is gen
orally in sympathy with a peopl'
struggling for freedom from the bond
age, but the American people hav'
very great faith in the wisdom anC
patriotism of President Mckinley, an'
they believe that he is in possession
of facts not generally known to th'
country and that when in possession