Rensselaer Republican, Volume 23, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 October 1890 — Workingmen Must Protect Themselves. [ARTICLE]

Workingmen Must Protect Themselves.

The first political speech which I delivered after more than a year’s absence in Europe was in this great city, last month. 1 then warned the laboring men of the United States that a protective tariff was their shield and bulwark; that they could break it down with votes, or they could sustain it with their votes. I repeat that admonition in the satpe great city, here and now. It the great army' of wageworkers in this country will not protect themselves, there is nh other power that can protect them. A century’s!' experience of tliej tariff should be tfheir warning and their guide. t is for you to say if a century’s ex* perience should be a light to your feet. It should teach you the great and use* fill lesson that if you do not maintain your own ground no one else will maintain it for you. The power is in your hands. It may be wielded for your destruction, or it may be wielded for your protection and for yonr safety, [Loud and >prolonged cheering, and waving of hats, Hags and canes.] - James G. Blaine.