Speech #510140667

It could not have been general labor. for even of that there was scarcity and want. Mr. Harrison in his letter of acceptance recognizes the condition which existed when he declares thatIn the earlier years of our public history public agencies to promote immigration were common. The pioneer wanted a neighbor with more friendly instincts than the Indian. Labor was scarce and fudly employed. It is thus demonstrated that the inauguration of our tariff system. while it had primarily for its object the raising of revenues to support the Government and meet its obligations. was aimed in its protective features. not to the advancement of labor. but to the establishment and maintenance of manufactures. It is as true now as it was true then that. while the duties amounted to a restriction upon foreign competition to the manufacturer. the employers of labor. by the immigration societies to which Mr. Harrison alludes and by other processes. were looking to all the world for cheap and competitive labor as they are looking today. The theory and purpose of this original bill were followed for years in subsequent enactments.