The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1880-07-23

When the Republican congressional cau-
Gus in October, 1877, at the organization of
the called session, nominated Jamo A. Gar
field for speaker a number of Pennsylvania
him. Among the number were Judge Kel-
ly, of Philadelphia; Ru. ell Errett, of Pitts
burg; Thomas NJ. Bayne, of Allegheny and
John W. Kiliuger, of Lebanon. We pro-
duce his letter now for the information of
those who did not get to see it at the time,
and that all may understand Mr.. Garheld's
position on the important question of protec-
tion to American industry. The following
is the letter:
10 the Editor Of The Philadelphia Times
In reply to the inquiry, will say that in
the vote for speaker, we chose the lesser of
the two evils. We could not elect the speak
er, and the only significance our action had
was its indication or expression of conf
dence in the nominee on the great and vital
question of protection to our industries and
employment for our laborers. In my judg.
ment all questions are subordinate to this.
When, therefore, the caucus determined
to compliment Mr.. Garfield in this way
had to choose between sanctioning by my
vote such an action or to express my dissent
by Withholding it. Mr.. Garheld's record one
this question is well known to the country
and some of it has come under my own OBJ
servation. l could not. therefore, pass it by
as Insignificant or unmportaut. Without
meaning any disrespect to him l am com
PEELED to say that his status has been equivo-
cal, if not actually hostile to the, opin.
ions we hold in Pennsylvania. | have
never found him 10 stand squarely for protec.
ton. He would not be accepted by the Re
publcans of my district as an exponent Of
their views, and couldnot compliment him
with their vote for the speakership without
manifest inconsistency and doing violence
to all my convictions of duty and principle
No friend OF American system of revenue
and finance has ever been complimented
with honorary membership in the British
free trade leagues The object of these
leagues are well known to be Strengthening
of British influence in foreign countries
They aim to secure markets here for British
manufactures, and to that end are hostile tC
our home industries. In common with Will
liam @. Bryant, Samuel S. Cox and d. A
Wells, notorious free traders, Mr.. Garfield
stands in connection with such league. S;
long as he retains such connection and doe
not disavow its pernicious heresies, do MOI
see how to acquit him of holding the opin
{ ions of his British co-laborers 1t needed
! some resolutions to express our dissent from
the conclusions reached by the caucus. Th,
republican organization should be maintain
J ed by the party's representatives, especial.
at this juncture, when we are threatened
with disintegration in high quarters. Blu
unless we can at the same time maintain
the principles which gave value and vitalit.
to the organization, party ties will weaker
and our early dissolution is certain. So
$ chose the lesser Of the two evils in withhold
ing the vote of the 14th district from nom
inee who fails TO be in accord with its peo
pie on the greatest question before the coun
try.
j. w. KILLINGER.
II WASHINGTON, October II, 1877.