Mr. KASSON. Between those 2 extremes are 2 classes. One of them wishes simply to foster the incipient indnstries of America, until they are able to take care of themselves without help in fair competition with the in dnslrics of foreign countries. To that class of free traders I belong. The other is a class of men who also call themselves protectionists, who wish to build up monopolies in this country at the expense of the consumers, and of other industries in which they are not concerned. Now, sir, I do not pretend to say to which of these 4 classes any gentleman in this House belongs, except myself: but I do distinctly nfiirm that I stand for the fostering of the infantile interests of America: and so knows the Free Trade League of NewYork, or any other Free Trade League that regards me as committed to their interests. Until those interests can stand alone, encourage them, discriminnte in their favor, strengthen them. But when they have become vigorous, strong, rich, and skillful, then we say, “Hands off, ” open to the people of the country the privilege of a respectable competition: of markets, of buying where they can buy cheapest, and selling where they can sell dqzrest. If you were to pass a jaw to compel us at the West to buy our goods from Philadelphia by imposing a discrimination against the goods shipped from NewYork, every sentiment of justice would revolt at it. Cross an imaginary line between Nova Scotia and NewEngland, and you say you will not apply the principle of free competition in trade for the benefit of the people of this country. Both countries then assert that the people shall not buy where they can buy cheapest and sell where they can sell dearest, even in competition between well established interests. Now, sir, if advocating measures' against aggression on the industries of our own country, while they are in their infancy and need support, but allowing free competition for the benefit of consumers, who are the masses of the people, when those industries are able to take care of themselves if that be free trade then I glory in the word. Ouc remark in regard to railroad iron. when you tell the western people that they are get ting railroad iron cheaper with every additional duty you put upq it if) imported from abroad, l all I have to say is, that our people cannot see it.. [Here the hammer fell.]