The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1883-05-17
Ex-Governor seymour Talks.

The Mail and Express publishes an
interview with ex Governor Seymol
regarding the political situation. He
was asked:
"As a Democrat whom you know
Democrats revere, do you feel Tilden
is the man who could effect union OF
the Democratic elements in New
York ?n
Tilden," answered the ex Cover
nor. "is an able man, but one whose
habits of business have been such as to
render him misunderstood by the Dem
ocrats in the country, or rather difficult
for them to understand; and the same
characteristics may result i'll miscon
ception of the man, even by those
whose business habits have been simi
lar to his own" Thi. difficulty was
in the way of the unification of the
Republicans as we'll as the Democrats
There are now no clearly marked is
sues between the parties. Regarding
the tariff, he felt that this country was
surely entering upon new relation
ships with the world.
Governor Seymour further said:
"We have seen that both France and
Germany have shown All inclination
toshut out the products of our country.
If Gladstone's administration should
be overthrown and the Tory party
should come into power in Great Brit
ain, it will probably impose tariff
upon our grain and other kinds OF food
exports, for the landholders of Britain
are severely pressed hy our competi-
ton. Those who oppose free trade
in Britain are aided by speeches
and arguments by indiscreet high tar
if men of this country. All classes
now study the prospects of the export
of our products in making up their
opinions as to the business prosperity
of our country. If the policy of our
government aims at cutting off all inn
ports, it will end in the destruction of
our export trade. l think this will be
the principal subject of discussion in
the near future. In the Presidential
campaign next year | think it will be
the subject which will most occupy
the public mind without regard to par
ty platforms. / think that the true
policy is in adhering to the revenue
tariff. | am friendly to the manufac-
turing interests. L think the great
danger to their success grows out Of
the extreme views of men claiming to
be their champions. If it is true that
sound policy demands protective tar
iff here, then it is true it is demanded
by the interests of all other countries.
A discussion of this topic will be Of
goDd use IN leading men from minor
subjects OF partisanship, and will build
up d class of political leaders who will
not merely seek the spoils of office.
Men do not make discussions ; discus
sions make men, as was the case in
the days of Webster, Clay, Calhoun,
Van BuIen, and Wright. I conclude
that Beck, of Kentucky, is the gentle
man who may not be obscure in the
discussion of these questions next
year"
Seymour further said he would ad-
vocate the law of Congress making it
a crime for any resident within our
borders to plan or aid in the execution
of violent measures towards persons
in this country or any other country.
This would at once be self protection,
and at the same time an upright OBJ
servance of the relations which should
if they do not now. exist between the
United States and all other powe rs.
Governor Seymour will be seventy
years old the last day of this month.