Speech #630005647

That Robert J. Walker. away back in the first half of thA last century. saw the wage question in its true relations. and I that he most effectually disposed of the protectionist claim that wages depend upon tariff schedules. is shown by the re port le submitted to Congress as Secretary of the Treasury. In that repprt he said. among other things: It Is an argument urged in favor of the tariff that we ought to protest our labor against what Is called the pauper labor of Eurol)e. But while the tariff does not enhance the wages of labor. the sales of public lands at low prices and In limited quantities to settlers and cultivators would accomplish this object. If those who live by the wages of lybor could purchase 320 acres for $80. 160 acres for $40. 80 acres for $20. or a 40acre lot for $10 the power of the manufacturIn. capitalist it reducing the wages of labor would be greatly diminIshed. becauise when these lands were thus reduced in price those who live by the wages of labor could purchase farms at low rates and cultivate the soil for themselves and families instead of working for others 12 hours a day in the manufactories.