Consequently trade
is bad with him, and he cannot find employment for his men. I find
here in Medchester the boot and shoe trade in which you are concerned
bad. There are thousands of you who are willing to work who are out of
employment. I go to the manufacturer, and I say to him, 'Why don't you
find employment for your hands?' 'For two reasons,' he answers. 'First,
because I have lost my Colonial and some of my home trade through
American competition, and secondly, because of the universally depressed
condition of every kindred trade throughout the country, which keeps
people poor and prevents their having money to spend.' Just now I am not
considering the question of why the American can send salable boots and
shoes into this country, although the reasons are fairly obvious. They
have nothing to do with my point, however. We are dealing to-night with
immediate causes!
"And now as to that depression throughout the country which keeps people
poor, as the boot manufacturer puts it, and prevents their having money
to spend. I am going to take several trades one by one, and ascertain
the immediate cause of their depression--"
He had hold of his audience, and he made good use of his advantage.
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