Welsh Newspapers

Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles

Hide Articles List

9 articles on this Page

Tariff Reform Meeting at Porth-

News
Cite
Share

Tariff Reform Meeting at Porth- The Old National Schoolroom, Cymmer, Porth, was the venue of a strong meeting, under the auspices of the South Wales Tariff Reform Federation, on Thursday evening, the 12th inst., under the presi- dency of Mr. E. S. Williams, M.E. The principal speakers were Alderman Lewis Morgan, Cardiff; and Mr. Henry Long- staff, Newport. In opening the meeting, the Chairman expressed his pleasure in presiding over a gathering in connection with the Tariff Reform Federation. He would like to dis- abuse their minds, however, of one phase of the question, and it was this—that, although a Tariff Reform meeting, it was not necessarily and essentially a Conser- vative one. The Tariff Reform movement generally was not essentially associated with the Conservative cause. There were thoroughgoing Conservatives, as a matter of fact, opposed to it while, on the other hand, there were strong Liberals in its favour (applause). It was good to s so many interested in Tariff Reform. He would not waste their time in a lengthy introduction of Mr. Lewis Morgan, as he was a veritable Peter among the Tariff Reform Apostles (loud laughter and cheers). Alderman. Lewis Morgan received an ovation on rising to speak. He said he had intended explaining, as Mr. Williams had, that Tariff Reform was not a Con- servative question. It was refreshing to one who so often dealt with party politics to undertake to deal with a distinct sub- ject. He intended dealing with it from such a completely detached standpoint that there was a danger that a, section of the audience might leave under the im- pression that he wa.s a strong Liberal (laughter). He would not risk giving them a headache by recapitulating a host of intricate and wearying figures, but would treat with points of agreement. One point was-and an indisputable one—that unemployment in this country was a problem of alarming growth. The present Prime Minister—with whom they all sym- pathised in his present illness—(applause) —had stated that three millions of people in this country were on the point of starvation. This was considered correct, because of the overcrowded state of the workhouses and the number of people who received outside relief. Also there were strenuous efforts in every direction to pro- vide work for the unemployed and to relieve their distress. These facts tended to show that all was not well in the land; that there was some mistake which wise men ought to be able to rectify (applause). One heard the remark sometimes that some men liked work so very much that they could lie down beside it. He didn't think, however, there were any of this kind in Porth (laughter). He had nothing to say concerning this sort of workman; buo he believed that every healthy work- ing man should be able to find some (hear, hear). As Tariff Reformers, they were convinced that Tariff Reform would do away with a very large proportion of un- employment (applause). The investment of capital resulted in wages. The more industries there were, the more work would be found. He, therefore, impressed upon them the fact that British manu- facturers were investing large sums of money in France, Germany and other pro- tective countries, erecting factories, &c., and getting foreign workmen to do their work. They did this in order to dispose of their commodities in those countries un- restricted by protective tariff, and at the same time they could send them into England free (" Shame "). This meant an immense loss to this country in ratable values and wages. The burden of taxation was becoming greater and greater. The Chancellor of the Exchequer was seeking new things to tax so as to increase the revenue. There was a suggestion that they should pay more for their beer. Per- sonally, he thought they had to pay enough already (laughter and cheers). The necessary increase should not come from the pockets of the working men, nor their employers, but from those who at present sent goods to Britain free of charge (applause). It was said that Tariff Reformers wished to tax the people's food, but this was all cant, as many articles of food-including currants, raisins, tea, cocoa, coffee and chicory—were already taxed (applause). Taxing these things, which could not possibly be produced in this country, increased the price of food without assisting our own manufacturers at all. Something should be done to safe- guard our own industries from foreign competition. Many were already crippled. Britons could always turn out better work than other workmen, but by getting their Governments to subsidise them, foreign competitors were able to sell cheaper and compete unfairly with British workmen. They were all believers in Universal Free Tra "C. They welcomed German competi- tion, only let it be fair competition (cheers). Tariff Reform was making head- way. People were beginning to think for themselves. Devon, Hereford, Hastings, and Worcester proved this. It was no small matter, but one of terrible import- ance. It was the only means of removing the skeleton from Britain's cupboard. Britons were proud; they wanted work, not charity. They should not have to immigrate to foreign lands to find that work (applause). The future settlement of this question rested with the electorate, concluded the speaker. Are you going to demand fair competition, or are you going to allow British trade to leave this country? (Loud applause). Mr. Henry Longstaff, who followed, pointed out that there was a tariff on many articles of food already. On an ounce of tobacco, costing 3Jd., there was

Advertising

is Spring Rash" and Bad IBlood.

Pupil Teacherships Examination.…

The Property Market.

Band Recital at Porth.

A GREAT CORRECTIVE.

Advertising

Tariff Reform Meeting at Porth-