Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-10-07
STANDARD OF LIVING OF AMER
ICAN WORkINGMEN


One fact that should be a matter of
great satisfaction is that the standard
of living of the working people in the
United States is far above that enjoy
ed by the same class in other countries
|of the globe. The American laborer,
is better clothed, better fed, better
housed and has more of the numerous
little comforts of life than any other
wage Garner.
In considering the questions that
pertain to his welfare the politics that
have raised the American workman to
his present high standard of life must
not be forgotten. In planning for the
future prosperity the principles that
have given the advanced position to
the laborer must not be abandoned 1t
is automatic that protection is at the
foundation of prosperity.
Protection has been one of the great
guiding principles of the republican
party during the years of its history.
Since its organization almost half a
century ago, one of it's greatest cares
has been the welfare of the working
people. Its leaders have recognized in
these stalwart citizens the foundations
for most stable and powerful nation.
They have seen in the continued pros.
perity of these men and women the
greater prosperity and the widened in
fiuence that has come to the United
States as nation among nations. To
bring about this condition has been
the avowed purpose of the republican
party. To maintain prosperity and to
do all in. its power to bring about CON
ditions that Wilt make it possible for
the workers to enjoy still further adj
yancement is the determination of the
present republican administration.
President Roosevelts position on the
matter of giving to the laborers the
greatest possible advantage was most
clearly outlined In his address given
at Logansport, Ind, when in speaking
OF the tariff revision he said:
THE one consideration that mus
never be omitted in a tariff change is
the imperative need of preserving the
American standard of living for the
American workingman. The tariff
rates must never fall below that which
will protect him by allowing for the diff
ference between the general labor cost
here and abroad, so as to at least
equalize the conditions arising from
the difference in the standards of labor
here and abroad-a difference which it
should be our aim to foster in SO far
as it represents the needs of a better
educated better paid, better fed and
better clothed workingman of a high
er class than any to be found in for
eign country"
Then as if there might be slight
possibility that he had not sufficiently
emphasized the position of the republi-
can party in the matter of the support
of the workingman,. he further states:
cat all hazards and no matter what
else is sought for or accomplished by
changes of the tariff, the American
workingman must be protected in his
standard of wages, that is, in his
standard of living, and must be secur--
ed the fullest opportunity of employ
ment
Certainly this position can be ap--
proved by all workingmen. The re-
publican party stands today where it
has always stood. Protection to Amer
lean labor is one of it's cardinal prin--
ciples. Its greatest leaders have con-
tended for this and their wisdom has
been splendidly indicated by results.
1t proclaims its continued efforts in
behalf Of the welfare of the working.
man and refers to its accomplish
ments as basis for it's claim on the
continued confidence and support of
labor. AT least the words of President
Roosevelt should receive the careful
consideration of the workingmen.