The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1897-06-23

ProtsetIOn's VIndIcatIonS.
Senator Vests assertion in the senate,
during the debate on the flax duty in the
tariR oil. that we are unable to produce
max in this country and that the Mime
Sota max has not been successful. is
simply repetition OF the old free trade
declaration that is made concerning
every new industry protectIoutSts seek
70 encourage in this country. In the
matter of aax it Is just as untrue Is It
was in that OF score Of other articles
which Mr.. Vest and other free traders
were sure couldn't be produced in the
United States. but whicn are now being
produced. thanks Ia the protective duties
placed on them and the fostering policy
placed on them and the fostering policy
Of the Republican party,
Il will be remembered that while the
Mckinley bill was under consideration
these statesmen were positive that we
couldn't make tin plate in this country;
the very idea thar we could was sneered
at by Senator Vest and his free trade
colleagues. Years before the same
school Of economists had declared that
TO talk about steel rail industry In
this country was absurd. You can't
make steel rails here" they said: "Lt is
impossible" The duty went on, and we
are not only supplying the demand for
rails, but at less price than we pur-
chased them for in England before the
tariff created the Industry.
The free traders used to declare with
the same posltlveness that silk. and car
pets. and woolens couldn't be made in
America and they fought hard against
every tarn measure to encourage the
establishment OF these Industries on this
side Of the Water All the prophecies
have proven false and the wisdom OF
protection has been indicated.
These numerous failures Of free trade
prophecies have served to upset god
many theories. and they have also
increased the protection sentiment in
this country. until there IS now practi-
cally no free trade party In America
The breaking away OF Democrats in the
present Congress from the old free trade
traditions Is evidence that the Indus
trial progress which has always followed
the enactment Of protective laws has
made it's impression.
Senator Vest in making his assertion
IN regard to the fiax industry. committed
preeisely the same error he committed
with regard to the tin plate and other
industries. That he was mistaken was
made evident shortly after he ceased
speaking in the senate. Senator Davis
produced samples OF fax that is being
succesafully raised in the states of the
northwest, and senator Pettlgrew de-
clared tina, the lax industry has great
future before It in the northwest II 1t
can obtain the proper protection.
What the passage Of the FAX and hemp
duty will do for the farmers OF this
country may be understood from the fol-
lowing statement from contemporary;
''The Importatlons OF max last year
amounted 10 6.53s tons, worth El.l7i,635.
Those of hemp--from which Kentucky
and Missouri farmers Will be protected
nv a $50 duty tper toni were 1886.
amounting 70 Si.OiG,6SG Blu; more i'm
portant fact Is that the total importa-
lions OF raw and manufactured fbers.
linen cordnge. etc. amounted TO Ns,Sia'-
2ls. with the compensatory duties to
manufacturers large part OF these
products can be made entirely in this
country. thus further enlarging the fax
and hemp ralsers' field It will be as TO
Iinene the tIn-plate story told over again
"a whole Industry transplanted bodily
to the United States"
In spite Of the old cry Of you can't do
Il in this country" 1t will be done, Just
as other things have been done that
the enemies OF protection were confident
would fail. II It cannot he successful
the fact Will be very soon demonstrated
and the duty can be repealed. but the
importance Of the Industry 10 be en-
couraEed warrants giving the expert
ment a fnir trial. and this will be done.