Democratic Sentinel, Volume 5, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 September 1881 — Paper-making Politicians. [ARTICLE]

Paper-making Politicians.

In his recent speech at Saratoga, Warner Miller said “it seemed natural for paper makers to go into politics.” He did not tell the association that William A. Russell of Massachusetts and himself both members of the last House, both re-elected to the present Congress, and both manufacturers of paper on a large scale, went before the Committee of Ways and Means to prevent any change in the tariff which would disturb the price of paper. Petitions had been sent in from every State in the Union asking that the onerous and unjust duties levied on wood, straw and other pulp, and upon soda ash, principally made abroad, should be abolished, so that the door of competition in the manufacture of paper might be opened wide to enterprise and industry. Miller and Russell, who were then, as now, enjoying special privileges and enormous profits by heavy taxation on newspapers, school books and Bibles, exerted all the political and the personal influence derived from membership to defeat this popular dem ind. In order to accomplish their object, combinations were formed with different interests by threatening them with hostile legislation unless they made common cause to prevent any change in the duty on paper. Other persuasive arguments, too common at Washington, may also be imagined. The existing tariff favored huge monopolies. It was passed in the confusion that followed a civil war, when schemes of reconstruction were agitated. In war or in peace, the interested parties never lost sight of the main chancej and their patriotism was stimulated in proportion to the increase of their privileges and of their profits. With this success in the last Congress, Mr. Miller now finds it “natural for paper makers to go into politics.' at is a paying business—far better than officeholding or any other that he can now engage in, with money wanting permanent takers at 3 per cent, a year. By' adroit management in a House of 293 members, Messrs? Miller and Russell, representing a rich monopoly in the manufacture of paper, were able to stop the desired change of duties which yield only a nominal revenue and are maintained solely to exclude competition in that branch of industry. Mr. Russell is a member of the present House, with a Republican majority

committed to special interests. Any Speaker on that side, East or West, will pack the Ways and Meana adversely to reform of the tariff. If there Bhottld be a close vote, Mr. Russell knows how obstacles may be removed. Places on that important committee are openly sought, because they may be turned to valuable account by corrupt members. It has been publicly charged that SIOO,000 was paid by sugar manufacturers in the last Congress to prevent adverse legislation. If Mr. Miller should be allowed to take a seat in the Senate without question, he will have a much smaller sphere for his active ability as a manipulator of legislation. He will be sure of a hearty welcome by the corporation Senators. The Finance Committee organized at the recent extra session excludes any reasonable hope of escape from existing tariff abominations. With the Senate and the House of Representatives in Republican hands, corporate power and manufacturing monopoly will have full swing. And with the Executive and the Supreme Court standing behind this combination the country may know what to expect. Therefore, without any reference to political considerations, it is of the first consequence that the rights of Messrs. Miller and Lapliam should be investigated before they are allowed to take Beats in the United States Senate. If their credentials are smirched, that fact should be examined with care. —New York Sun.