If tariff charges do not enhance the price of products. they certainly do not benefit the manufacturer. and do notenable him to pay his employds better wages. If they do enhance the price of the finished products. the laborer has to pay more for the proportion of them which he consumes than does his competitor. and hence it is. very doubtful if our mechanics do really receive better wages than do foreigners of equal skill engaged in the same callings. A strong evidence that they do not is found iT the fact thatvery few mechanics immigrate to the United States. As our laws are much more liberal than those of other countries. especially in the educational advantages afforded the poor. if we were paying much better wages in mechanical pursuits than could be obtained elsewhere. we would receive a large immigration of skilled workmen. but nearly all of our immigrants are either farmers or laborers who engage in other avocations in which they. nn realize no benefit from protection. Another consideration of the greatest importance to all persons.and particularly to those whomust depend upon their wages to maintain themselves. is the steadiness of their employment. If a mechanic obtains a very high price for his work. but is idle most of the time. hb will soon consume all he has earund while he was engaged.
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