You are suffering from the unrestricted imports of cheaper goods. You are suffering also from the unrestricted immigration of the people who make these goods...The evils of this immigration have increased during recent years. And behind those people who have already reached these shores, remember there are millions of the same kind who, under easily conceivable circumstances, might follow in their track, and might invade this country in a way and to an extent of which few people have at present any conception...But the party of free importers is against any reform. How could they be otherwise? They are perfectly consistent. If sweated goods are to be allowed in this country without restriction, why not the people who make them? Where is the difference? There is no difference either in the principle or in the results. It all comes to the same thing - less labour for the British working man.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Unrestricted imports and immigration both harm domestic workers by lowering wages and increasing competition. The speaker argues for consistency in regulating both goods and people.
- In plain terms
- Cheap imports and immigration hurt workers wages the same way.
- What can you take from it?
- Regulate imports and immigration consistently to protect local workers.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we balance openness with worker protection?
- Where is the line on immigration?
Another view
It equates goods with people, which raises ethical concerns about treating humans as commodities.
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