Mr. Chairman. is the crux of the tariff question. All Republicans ask is that sufficient protection be afforded to Americansto our home peopleto equalize the difference in the cost of production at home and abroad. it being understood that the cost of production at home. on account of the higher prices of labor as compared with European and Asiatic countries. is higher or the highest of any. All protectionists ask Is that duties be imposed such as will put the home producer upon an equal footing in the home market. the expenses of production considered. with the foreigner offering his goods in our home market. Such protection as this secured to home producers and home labor will preserve and maintain the :Jigher prices paid labor and the higher standards of living in this country than in European and Asiatic countries. and. I may add. in the American countries south of us. Sir.