The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1883-12-08

The SpeaEership.
We Aave had.n confidence in Mr..
Randall's professions in regard to the
tariff.
At heart, we believe him to be a
high protectionist.
A majority of the people of West
Virginia are opposed to the high pro-
lection policy.
Outside of the First District there
is an overwhelming majority against
it.
A majority Of the people of the
United States are against it.
But as between Messrs. Randall,
Cox and Carlisle, at this time, we
have no hesitation in saying that Mr..
Randall ought to have been elected
Speaker. Not because Mr.. Randall
more nearly represents West Vir-
ginia or the popular voice Of the
country, on the tariff than his COM
petitors, but because, under tie cir
cumstances it was the best thing
to do.
If Mr.. Randall had been elected
Speaker he would have thrown the
weight Of his position and influence
against any tariff tinkcring during
the term. He would have held at
bay the extremists who are itching
for an opportunity to make asses of
themselves. He would certainly have
disappointed the expectations of the
Republican minority who are conf
IDENTIFY counting on some ground and
lofty tumbling by Democratic tariff
tinkerers at this session.
Mr.. Randall stood before the coun-
try rs the avowed foe Of any radical
tariff legislation at this session, and
we say, 1t was the best thing to do
to make him Speaker.
For, what will it avail the Demo-
cratic majority in the House if they
should spend three fourths Of the
term in revising and reforming the
tariff, while Republican Senate
waits 10 wipe it out?
What the Democratic party wants
is the confidence of the country; and
what the country wants, just now, is
freedom from unnecessary agitation,
and a wise conservatism on the part
of the party which seeks to admin
lister the Government. 1t will be
time enough for the Democrats to
reform the abuses of the tariff when
they have a Senate and Executive in
harmony with such policy. Until
then they have no responsibility.
If Mr.. Randall, as Speaker of this
Congress, would have had control and
direction OF any permanent or effec-
tive tariff Legislation we would have
rejoiced at his defeat. But under
the circumstances he would have
been mere negative quantity at
time when nothing can be accom-
plished if attempted. The Demo
cratic majority Of the House has,
however, chosen his competitor, Mr..
Carlisle, of Kentucky-an equally
able man; a man who enjoys the
highest confidence of the House, Of
the country and of his party. He is
a man of conservative views, of sound
judgment and possessing statesman
like qualities that we'll fit him for
the high position to which he has
been called.
We do not in any sense mean to
depreciate Mr.. Carlisle's abilities or
standing as a man, Speaker, or a
Democrat. On the contrary he is
probably a better representative oil
the Democratic party than is Mr..
Randall Yet he goes into the Speak
er's chair at time and under cir.
cumstances which arc liable to place
the party he represents in a false
position and create an impression
that will damage and delay the cause
of true tariff reform.
Nevertheless Mr.. Carlisle may dis
appoint some people. Let US wait
and see.
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