New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-07-06
BRIeBT OUTLOOK FOR A sHINDY.

II is evident that the free trade Democrats
will not be suppressed without struggle.
They see that Mr.. Randalps election to the
Speakership is probable, but are determined
that it shall not come to pass until the free
traders are given terms. Congressman Frank
Hurd, of Ohio, one of the few free-trade Dem
ocrats who are not afraid to stand by their be-
lief declares that Mr.. Randall cannot be
elected unless he makes bargain with the
free-traders to so constitute the Committee
con Ways and Means that it will formulate and
"present to the House bill providing for a
"tariif for revenue only" More than this, Mr.
Hurd says Mr.. Randall must give assurance
that UNLIMITED opportunity shall be given to
discuss and pass upon this tariff question" NO
man who does not agree to this can be elected
Speaker. "From the day Congress meets until the
session Closes continues Mr.. Hurd, "by day
land by night in season and out of season,
"this issue will be made paramount"
We profoundly hope that Mr. iIurd is right.
Nothing would give the Republicans of the
country more pleasure than to see the Demo-
cratic majority in the next House deyoting
its days and nights TO an unrestrained tariff
discussion. The Iroquois banquet with Carter
Harrison overloaded would be as nothing
compared to it i'll pc Mt OF fun. 1t would be
a pltriotic performance of the highest kind,
for ii would show the country what would
happen were the Democrats to be trusted
with power. But we are much afraid that
Mr.. nurd, like Mr.. Beck, underes Inmates the
influences which are behind Mr.. Randall The
whole party in its heart is in favor of free
trade, but an immense majority of its members
are in favor of keeping still about 1t till they
get possession of the Government. They
know well enough that " a day and night,
in season and out of season tariff debate
would ruin the party utterly so far
as 1854 is concerned. They will ell
deavor to make Mr. Randall Speaker
for the very purpose of suppressing such a
debate, and while they are likely to elect him;
Mr. Hurd's defiant talk is pretty good evidence
that MIR. Randall will be unable to carry ont
the contract
The outcome will be awaited with great in
terest. Never was a political party in q more
curious position than tho Democracy will be
when they assemble at Washington in Deem
Der. As Mr. Hurd says, it is committed to
tariff for revenue only" For forty years that
has been its position. and nobody doubts
but that is its real position to-day. Yet it will
enter CONGRESS with large section OF its
members saying: Hush! keep still Say
nothing about the tariff or you will shake the
"public confidence in us. Let us lie low on
that till we get into power, and then we will
make short work with protection" smaller
section, headed by Messrs. Hurd, Springer,
Carlisle and Blackburn, will enter shouting
The party is for free trade now as it always
"has Leen, and the way to win next year is
TO kick up big free-trade racket" 1t is
our opinion that both sections will score
partial victory. The Hush section will be
powerful enough to elect Mr.. Randall, and the
Racket section will be strong enough TO get
loose afterward. Tho ultimate result will be
that the party will be found to enter the next
Presidential campaign under its true colors as
q free trade organization. The Republicans
ask no better luck than that