REED
IN CLOSING THE WILSON TARIFF BILL DEBATE^
(1894)
Bom in 1839, died in 1902; elected to Congress from Maine in 1877,
serving until 1899; Speaker of the House in 1889-91,1895-97, and
1897-99.
In this debate, which has extended over many weeks, one remarkable result has already been reached, a result of the deepest importance to this country. That result is, that the bill before us is odious to both sides of the House. It meets with favor nowhere, and commands the respect of neither party. On this side we believe that while it pretends to be for protection it does not afford it, and on the other side they believe that while it looks toward free trade it does not accom- plish it.
It is evident that there is no ground for that hope entertained by so many moderate men, that this bill, bad as it is, could be a resting place where our manufacturing and productive indus- tries, such as may survive, can reestablish them- selves and have a sure foundation for the future,
' From his speech in the House of Representatives on February 1, 1894, summing up the debate on this bill, as reported in "The Congressional Record."
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