Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1883-07-12
IN. Y. Tribune.
Bright Outlook for a Shindy.

1t is evident that the free-trade Democrats
will not be suppressed without struggle.
They see that Mr. Randall's 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 Democrats who are not afraid to stand
BY their belief, declares that Mr.. Randall can
not be elected unless he makes a bargain
with the free-traders to SO constitute the
Committee on Ways and Means that il vii!
formulate and present to the House. bill
providing for a tariff for revenue only"
More than this, Mr.. Hurd saws Mr.. Randall
must give assurance that UNLIMITED oppor-
tunity shall be given to discuss and pass up
on 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 and by night, in session and out Of ses-
sion. this issue will be made paramount"
We profoundly hope that Mr.. llurd is
right. Nothing would give the Republicans
OF the countr, more pleasure than to
the Democratic majority in the next House
devoung its days and nights to an unie-
strained tariff discussion. The lroquois
banquet with Carter Harrison overloaded
would be nothing compared to it in point
of fun. II would be a patriotic performance
of the highest kind for it would show the
country what would happen were the Demo
Gratis to be trusted with power. But We are
much afraid that Mr.. Hurd. like Mr.. Beck,
underestmates the influences which are be-
hind Mr.. Randall. The whole party in its
heart is in favor Of free trade, but an i'm
mense majority of its members are in favor
of keeping still about it till they get posses
sion Of the Government. They know well
enough that "a day and night, in sea
son and out of season" tariff debate would
ruin the party utterly so far as 1884 is con-
cerned. They will endeavor to make Mr..
Randall Speaker for the very purpose Of
suppressng such debate, and while they
are likely to elect him. Mr.. Hurd's defiant
talk is pretty good evidence that Mr.. Ran
dali will be unable to carry out the contract.
The outcome will be awaited with great
interest Never was political party in
more curious position than the Democracy
will be when they assemble at Washington
in December. As Mr.. Hurd says, at is
committed TO tariff for revenue only" For
forty wears that has been its position. and
nobody doubts but that is It's real position
to-day. Yet 1t will enter Congress with a
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 in
to power, and then We will make short work
with protection. A smaller section, headed
by Mes'rs. Hurd. Springer, Carlisle and
Blackburn. will enter shouting: 1.-The par
~ Is for free-trade nov as IL ALWAYS has been
and the way 10 win next year is to kick up
a big free-trade racket" Ii is our opinion
That both sections will score partial vic
tory The Hush section will be powerful
enough to elect Mr.. Randall. and the Rack
ct section will be strong enough to get loose
afterward. The ultimate result will be that
the party will be found TO enter the next
Presidential campaign under lis true colors
as free-trade organization. The Republi-
cans ask no better luck than that.