It is not in any exulting spirit that we refer to a protective tariff,
but rather because it is a great and underlying principle of national
prosperity; a principle bequeated to this nation by Washington, upheld
by Henry Clay, fostered by Abraham Lincoln, championed by William
McKinley, and supported by the reciprocity of James J. Blaine. Prior to
the free trade crime of 1892, we heard nothing about a diminished gold
reserve.
IN THOSE HALCYON DAYS CONFIDENCE FLEW ABROAD IN THE LAND ON THE WINGS OF
PROSPERITY.
Capital was freely invested and labor employed at the highest wages. The
gold reserve occasioned no uneasiness and required no thought. Instead
of acting as an alarmist it steadily grew, acting as a balance wheel to
an ever-increasing confidence. The surplus was employed in paying off
the national debt; and during President Harrison's administration
our national indebtedness was reduced almost as much as it has been
increased by the present administration. What has happened during the
last three and a half years of grace?
THE ALLURING AND MUSICAL HUM OF INDUSTRY IS NO LONGER HEARD IN THE LAND
OF FREEDOM. THE PENDULUM OF TIME HAS SWUNG BACK AND REVEALED TO THE
AMERICAN PEOPLE THE GHASTLY SKELETON OF WANT AND FORCED IDLENESS
CONCEALED IN THE FREE TRADE CLOSET.
Our great commercial institutions have fallen into a most deplorable and
unhappy state, misery and want, with pinched and sorrowful countenances
are walking hand in hand up and down by deserted workshops. The honest
face of toil blushes as hunger drives him to eat the bread of charity.
The stilled wheels of industry throughout our land, and deserted
and idle farms are indeed eloquent in their silence in behalf of a
protective tariff. (Applause.) Capital that was formerly employed in
manufacturing enterprises has been withdrawn, while the balance of trade
with other nations is frightfully against us.