New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-03-02
FREE Trade AND FATTY POLITICS.

TO the Edifor Of The TRIBUNE.
SIR: In your editorial comments in t0-day's
TRIBUNE on the recent Free meeting In this city
you say in reference to certain Of the resolutions then
passed that it is impossible to mistake their PARTISAN
Democratic drift; that the adoption of Protective
Tariff in 1912 flowed resstlessly from the overthrow OF
Democratic ascendency 1870 aud. when that ascend
ency again subyerted in 1861 BY the secession OF tho
Rebel Representatives.. Republican Congress forthwith
reGnacted the Protective Tariff still in fcrce aud further
that every Free Trade movement IA Democratic move
laent disguise. and that every Republican caught on
Free Trade platform is stool pigeon to lure gamo into
the Democratic net.
Hits within the bounds OF proper discussion OF the
subject would like TO advert briefly TO this single point
your article. which may do with proprety, as was
the of the resolutions for the purpose of stating
what take be the position OF very Republicans
holding Free Trade opinions Believing that trade should
rs far as possible be let alone by legislation, aud that
revenue should he collected only to supply the public
needs they have for longer or shorter time, according
10 their participation in public affairs, looked forward 90
the day when great pressing National emergency would
stand in the way Of practical application Of these prn
cipes Now, there act or a resolve OF the
Republican party which called those who went with it,
and worked with it, all the vital issues for which It
contended from its organization TO thus day to sur
render or qualify these Free Trade OpuiOus Did the
passage Of the Tariff Of i5Gl when increased revenue
rates were imperayely demanded 90 supply the means
publican party commit IL 10 high Tariff. or to
an Endorsement OF the complicated and oppressive sy5
TEN which the Tariff of 1861 embodied except as an in
cident and necessity arising from the abnormal state OF
affairs and tho unparalleled eXgences OF the country
The war being ended take mp this question OF Free
Trade where it left when the disturbing element OF
Rebellion broke in upon every interest," and the great
question Of the life aud integrity of tho Union thrust
aside all others. The Tariff then force tho Pro
tectve Tariff OF 1872 but the greatly modified Revenue
Tann Of 1896 and in view OF the origin and history OF
the Republican party-all subsequent to 1861 would
ask what greater warrant has Old Line, High
Tariff Wing this time 70 fost upon
it the peculiar Protections doctrines OF Henry Cay-an
original Standardization Free-5oil. BufaO-Platform
Democrat has TO commit 1t to the peculiar Free Trade
doctrines Of William Leggett, original Abolitioni5
And why is not the present the At and proper time for
Republicans holding Free Trade principles to work yor
them just so far as they believe in Them IN with
OF all politics OF like faith this respect without
abating ot Of their fidelity 10 whatever Of Republican
principles or measures s remains to be enforced l
do not expect that the leayen Of Free Trade will
in our local Democracy as to make IL anRum. anti
Ring as TO Justify Republican votes for Democratic
candidates but do expect that, II Free Trade prnc
pies right as believe them to BEL they will prevail
In the end-that the end will be greatly fastened by fair
and open dsoussOn-and that IN making Congressional
nominations, both parties will coon feel the importance
Of selecting who fairly represent the controlling
public sentiment OF their constituencies on tins
question. Moreover and especially, expect
that legislators will vote Tariff questions
irrespective OF ordinary party affiliations. just they
have done in the past. Take two notable Instances:
This same Protective Tariff OF 1912, which you say was
the Irresistible sequence Of the Wing victory OF sO wa
In fact carried in Congress by the OF that conspicu
Gus Democrat silas Wright II passed the House OF
Representatives by only four majority When 1t came 10
the Senae, Mr. Wrghts vote necessary 20 pass H.
lie denounced II 40 4" bad bill. loaded with defects :"
but he voted for II, against Mr Woodbury. other
follow Democrats because he thought that the Govern
ment required the IL would raise. Did this vote
for Protective Tariff njure Mr. Wright with hts party
or hinder his election Governor OF the State sIi
Again: The Tarin Of 1896 which ad yaoreIn, aud
operated virtual repeal OF that OF l5l2 became law
by the casting vote In the Senate OF Vice Prcsidcnt
Dallas, given national grounds against the interests
Of his own state although. as Mt Webster said tho
raying cry VI the Democracy In Pennsylvania lad been
"POlk, Dallas, and the Tariff Of l9i2."
These plain precedents, and should suppose that
Republicans who believe In Free Trade ought 70 be at
liberty TO think and say without having their party
fidelity impoachod Tho question OF church music was
disposed Of time ago the principle that tho Devil
ought not " have All the boot lunos aD much Oh