Eureka daily sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1871-1887, 1883-11-15


LET THIS BE THE PLANK.
Recently the Louisville Courier-Jour-
nal sent out a circular letter to promi-
nent members of the Democratic party,
suggestions Al to what should
constitute the tariff plank Of the Demo-
cratic platform in the contest next year
for the Presidency. The New York Sun
took up the circular, Endorsed its pur-
pose, and also joined in the demand for
opinions. One Of these circulars has
fallen under the notice of the SENTINEL,
and we feel inclined to submit a para
graph in relation thereto.
In the first place, no political party,
nor individual, can afford to be dishonest
in the long-run. On the tariff, as on
every other subject which concerns the
people, the Democratic party should say
precisely what it means in straight.
forward terms. 1t should not put out
anything susceptible of a double mean
ing. In pursuance of this manifestly
wise policy the SENTINEL would write
the tariff plank for next year about as
follows:
THAT the Democratic party favors the
protection of American industries and
American labor to the full extent, and no
more, of all the revenue necessary to the
support of the Government economically
administered"
That is the idea. II might be better
worded. Likewise it might be ampli6ed
by designating specifically the payment
Of pensions and the public debt and up
holding the national honor abroad.
Our resolution needs no explanation.
It explains itself. It is a tariff 'for
revenue only" There is no ambiguity
about it. 1t says exactly what all
revenue tariff Democrats land we know
oil none other mean. Why, then, not
put the only issue before the country in
language that cannot be misunderstood ?
If the tariff protects at all, a purely
revenue tariff must protect to the extent
that it goes. Then why not state our
case plainly? Why cloud the position
with tomfoolery about "a tariff for
revenue only" which is construed by the
workingmen to mean absolute free trade,
when in fact we are all protectionists in
some sense. We differ only in degree.
But there is no such difference on this
subject among Democrats as the Repub.
lican press would have the country be.
lieve. On the leading dutiable articles
there is not q difference of three per cent
in rate between the highest and lowest
tariff Democrats in or out of Congress.
On a general average Mr.. Carlisle and
Mr.. Randall, respectively, do not reflect
Indifference.
There will be no difficulty in harmon
izing the Democratic party on the tariff
issue in the great battle of 1884. If we
understand the position Of the Demo-
cratic party, it is willing to protect
American industries and labor to the
full extent of the last dollar needed by
the Government for every legitimate
purpose. Beyond this it cannot 60 while
observing the Constitution and perfect
equity among the people.
Protection within the necessities of the
Government is the doctrine. It offers q
position for the Democratic party which
is practically impregnable. But it must
be stated without evasion.
The annual requirements of the Gov
eminent hardly fall short of three hun
dred n 4fifty million. This ought to be
enough for the consumer to pay to the
manufacturer in the way of a bonus.
The now celebrated Ohio plank means
practically what we have attempted to
say in the resolution above, only it says