THE FARMER'S WAR AGAINST MONOPOLIES. 391 



larged, but the degree was also increased, until at 

 length the tariff, which was meant to be merely protec- 

 tive and fostering as regards our own productions, has 

 become prohibitory as regards importations from foreign 

 countries. 



We do not propose to discuss here the history of the 

 tariff, or the merits of that measure ; but simply to show 

 its workings, and to call the attention of the reader to 

 its effect upon the community. 



The principal effect of the tariff, as it is arranged at 

 present, is to close the foreign market to the average 

 American buyer, and to compel him to purchase of the 

 native manufacturer. He has no choice in the matter. 

 He has no opportunity of comparing foreign with native 

 goods. He is compelled to purchase the wares of the 

 American manufacturer, the law operating so as to ex- 

 clude the foreign dealer. 



Under the operations of the tariff, the manufacturers 

 of the United States enjoy a certain and uncontested 

 market for their wares. They are not subjected to the 

 competition that is necessary to the~ protection of the 

 buyer, and they can put on the market whatever pleases 

 them. 



In a free market, the purchaser, enjoys the liberty of 

 buying just what he wants, and is not compelled to 

 purchase either an inferior article, or one that does not 

 suit him. More than this, he pays only the value of 

 the article purchased, and the manufacturer is forced to 

 rely upon his legitimate profit. Matters are very dif- 

 ferent under the system at present existing in this 

 country, and this state of affairs constitutes one 01 the 

 most serious evils from which the farmers of the United 

 States are suffering. 



