Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 October 1892 — LABOR AND PROTECTION. [ARTICLE]

LABOR AND PROTECTION.

T. V. Powdnrly, Grand Master Workman of the Knights of Labor, on the High Tariff Policy. The Carnegie Steel company and like concerns owe their prosperity to the protective laws of the United States. These laws were passed in the interest of labor. During discussion on the tariff laws it was never advanced as a reason why they should be passed, that capital would be protected—the argument was always that labor would be protected. The workman has not been protected from foreign competition by the govern ment. He has had to fight the battle foi himself through the labor organization, Not only has he had to fight against foreign competition, largely attraoted by our delusive tariff laws, but he had to wage war with the employer for a share of that protection which his government decreed bylaw that he should have. Our government has enaoted protective legislation in the interest of labor, if we read congressional speeches aright, hut it quiescently allows the manufacturer to absorb the bulk of protection, and then throws Its armies around the establishment at the slightest provocation when the workmen ask for what their government admitted that they had a right to enjoy. What would have averted this trouble at Homestead, is asked ? Industries which are protected by tariff laws should be open to inspection by government officials. When the managers of .such concerns seek to absorb all of the protection the government should in. terfere on behalf of the workingmen. If we must have protection let us see to it that it protects the man who works.— Extract from Mr. Powderly’s Article in The North American Review for September, 1892.