A Half Million Workingmen

The following is a letter addressed on April 26, 1888, to the Hon. Williaui McKinley by the ofticers of eight of the leading trKles organizations protesting against the passage of the Democratie Mills bill: Washington, April 26. 1SSS. Hon. William McKinley: Dear Sik- Havlng seen by the papers tliat Mr. Mills and others, in their speeches in ihe house of representatives upon the tariff bill, have assertod the wages paid to labor were no higher in the United States than in Europe. we, the undersigued, deslre to state, through you, to the menibers of congress that sucii Btatements are inisloading and false. Wages are higher in this country than in anyother in the world. Notwithstanding the fact that the Btatements havo leen made by members on the floor of the house of representatives that the tariff only benefits the mauuiacturer, and that they receive all the advantagos froin the protection given by the governnient, we know that we recoivo our share of the benefits of protection in tho industries we represent. We therefore emphatically protest winst anyrednetion of the dutjes that ui Éflfngns on a level with the Low price paid for labor in I Europe. We insist u]ion the maintenanceoí a strong protective tariff in order to maintain tio American Standard of wages for Amerbb.n workiuKinen. Kespectfnlly yours, William Weihe, President of Amaleamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers. William Jiartin, Secretary of Amalgamatcd Association of Iron and Steel Workers. John Conkling, Master Workman National Assembly Iron and Steel Workers, K. of L. John Coffey, Master Workman Glass Blowers' Assem bly 149. Louis Arrington, Master Workman Glass Blowers1 Assembly ltó. James Campbell, President Local Assembly 300, K. of L. Window Glass Workers of America. William J. Sinith, President American Flint Glass Workers' Uuion. William J. Dillon, Secretary.