Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1882-12-05
Especial Telegram to the Globe. |

with Senator Voorhees, this morninp he
was asked by GLOBE representative for
| his views on some of the leaCing topics
now prominent. He said he had no advice
to give to the next house as to the election
of speaker. The members elect of that
booy were doubtless equal to the task of
organizing it in harmony with the prin-
ciples of the Democratic party and the
best interests of the whole country. He
knew both Carlisle and Randall during
many dark and trying years for the Dem
ocracy. a gamier, more fearless Demo-
crat than Randall never lived. He also
has first-class record for economy as a
legislator, and ne made a good speaker"
''As to Carlisle continued Mr.. Voorhees,.
Il regard him as one of the very ab,est
public men I have ever met. have tried
cases with him in court and I knew him
here in congress. and l can truthfuIly say
that in my opinion I never met a clearer,
better balanced intellect. Of course. he
would make an excellent speaker, and so
would Randall. 1t may be, however. that
neither of them will be chosen. think
highly of Convers, of Ohio, whose name 1
have seen mentioned. Iwould not be sur
prised if he should be strong.
AS to the tariff issue, which appears to
affect both Randall and Carlisle, the posi-
ton of the Ohio Democracy and on which
they won their great victory, is the true
and safe medium ground between the two
extremes. 1t might be well to look at
their state platform of July last. 1t con-
tains the following sout and sensible
plank on the tariff:
"Resolred, That we favor tariff levied
to meet the actual needs, and so adjusted
in its details with a view of equality in the
public burdens as to encourage productive
industries and afford labor Just compsn-
sation without creating rnonopolies."
II think a Democrat standing on plat
form like this might not only be elected
speaker, but he might very easily be elect
ed president in 1884. The tariff plank of
the Indiana platform, and on which the
Democracy carried the state in November,
Is substantially the same as that of Ohio.
We declared for revision of the present
unjust tariff, that the constitution con-
| ferred power to establish tariff for reve-
nue., and as just and proper exercise of
that power we favor such an adjustment of
Its provisions within the revenue standard
as Will promote the industries of the coun-
try and the interests of labor, without Gre
ating monopolies.
"On theset authoritative declarations of
principles the two great states of Ohio
and'Indiana have just been carried by the
Democratic party, and in my Judgment
they cannot be carried on any other. The
truth is, single pound of common sense
and practical experience is worth more in
determining what is best for the public
welfare than hundred tons of theoretical
speculation. All talk about free trade in
this country at this time is the sheerest
folly. In fact, there is nobody for it..
Even the men who spin their theories
about it most will fly from it the moment
they are put to the test. Free
trade means no tariff at all.
trade between this and foreign countries
without any import duties for revenue, or
anything else. Then the $2OO,OOO,OOO and
more of revenue now raised every year by
the tariff, must and will be supplied by
direct taxation, by droves of federal tax
gatherers swarming over the land, and COL
lecting, in the state of Indiana, not less
than S8,O00,O00 year. A party that would
favor such system might be respectable
IN character, but it would be extremely
small In numbers. 1t could not poll an
average of ten votes to the township in
any state where the issue was understood.
"What we greatly need at this time in
the minds of public men
is constant recurrence to
the American ideas of Jefferson, jackson
and Polk, and less toleration for the British
principles of the Golden club. Every
president ever elected by the Democratic
party. from Jefferson to Buchanan, enter
tanned the views set forth on the Ohio and
Indiana platforms on the subject of the
tariff, and I defy any one to show the con-
trary. Of course, every Democrat and
Republicans are in favor of a thorough
revision of the present unjust and unequal
tariff. That goes without saying, but
when the attempt is made to saddle the
Democratic party with free trade, say
that it is false issue. In revising the
present tariff every article of Necessity
should be released of tax as near as posi-
BILE. In illustration o. my meaning take
the article of salt. From the day laborer
to the millionaire its necessity ia as
universal as water, and it ought to bs as
free from tax. Without it no man pre-
pares his bread and meat. During tho
last session of congress, voted to put salt
on the free list, and as fast and far as pos
sible, consistent with revenue, the duty on
other articles of prime necessity should be
taken of, in whole OF in part"
Mr.. Voorhees, was asked..what he thought
of abolishing tho internal revenue system.
Il think" said he, 'sthere are numerous
other reforms needed before relief is given
to the banks, perfumeries, patent medi
cines, matches, playing cards, whisky and
tobacco. I would gladly get rid Of
the whole system, with its annoying ma
chinery and its hordes of federal officials,
but I think it ought to be considered only
in connection with proper revision of
the tariff"
The subject of civil service reform be-
ing mentioned, Senator Voorhees, said: