The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1883-11-27
Democracy end The Tariff


lie party is quite harmonious on that ques-
ton, and that it occupies the only constitu-
tional ground, which is that there is no pow
er to lay and collect duties except for the
purpose Of necessary revenue, while the Re-
publicans stand ON the unconstitutional
principle that there is power to levy duties
on imports for the common defence and the
general welfare, Notwithstanding the fact
that Congress is given power to provide. for
these ends as well as others. We are COM
monty amused by reading constitutional in
terpretations by Democratic newspapers, for
inevitably there are called up recollections
and records of Democratic practices which
are dramatically opposed to the principles
that may be advocated for the time being.
The Democratic party makes pretence of
favoriDg strict construction; but no party
that ever existed in this country has shown
anything like its readiness aud it's ingenuity
In wrestling the plain terms Of the constitu-
ton for partisan ends, or in ignoring them
as might serve its occasion.
But the funniest part of the Argus article
was the assumption in view of notorious
circumstances that the Democratic party is
harmonious. 1t is harmonious to this ex-
tent that its members have no principles
they are not willing to swallow at the behest
of caucus. But that there is now differ
ence in the party is plain enough 1t has been
raging for years but it will subsde before
ssi.~ 7~5~~.ss--s e-~.s.cf: ~ VIM suusiue aIter
the choice of a speaker of the House of Rep
resentatives. The indications are that the
caucus will decide not to agtate the tariff
question any further at present. Then the
Argus will cease to demand reform of the
tariff. We shall see it arguing that the
present condition of things is on the whole
best as strenuously as it has been arguing
for months that it is wrong and intolerable.
We say it is probable that the faction
opposed to agitation will carry the day.
The indications of it are multiplying, and
the lamb-like attitude of the Argus is one
of them. 1t is waiting now to see how the
Democratic cat jumps; and it does not fail
to see that the cat is facing in another direc-
ton from what the Argus has been looking.
The fact is the Democratic party is scared,
and is trying to hedge ON this issue. For
one proof of this the course of the Atlanta
Constitution may be quoted. Until recent
date it was an earnest. not to say violent,
supporter of Mr.. Carlisle and free trade;
but 1t has suddenly seen new light and now
it supports Mr. Randall and The tariff as 1t
is. After abusing Mr.. Randall as protec-
ZIONIST and representative of all the wrongs
of an oppressive system for months, it.
astonished its readers one morning by the
declaration that there was no real difference
on this question between Mr. Carlisle and
Mr.. Randall inasmuch as both accepted the
Ohio declaration. The next morning it
came out in support of Mr.. Randall, alleging
that the election of Mr.. Carlisle would raise
the sectional question.
Another Georgia Democratic authority has
pronounced for Mr. Randall This is Gen.
eral John B. Gordon. He has written a
letter to Mr.. Randall SO valuable as an exhi-
bition of Democratic motive that we will
quote good part of it:
As stated to Judge Harris and, believe, to you.
don't agree with your policy in reference to the
tariff and on that account would, under other cir
cumstances, while feeling the warmest personal
friendship Tor probably oppose your election and
do what could for my friend Carlisle or some one
else whose views would more perfectly accord with
my own upon that question. would be glad how
ever to see you elected speaker ON the sole ground
that heliexe It hest for the fntra Democrat
ic party. cannot discuss the reasons which force
TO this conclusion in the space of short letter
must, therefore, content Iaysef with saying that
do not believe the Democratic party can win victo
ry in the next presidential contest unless it can hold
the confidence and command the support of the bus
mess public. Right or wrong, the impression pre-
walls throughout business circles, in my opinion
that any radical change in the tariff at present
would be detrimental to national progress and
prosperity. The question of tariff for revenue Or
for protection of free trade is not one which re-
quires immediate or even speedy solution. 1t Is
question which may safely be deferred until after
the next Presidential contest. Indeed the policy
Of government upon the great question is one
which all men, whatever may be their opinion upon
this subject ought to be ready to weigh with great
elaboration and settle finally conservative lines
While am theoretically, a tariff man for revenue
only, would net, if had the entire power in my
own hands, make radical and sudden changes A
few years nothing in the lifetime of govern
ment, and do not see the necessity for endapger-
ing the success of party in great contest, only
one year hence in order to inaugurate change of
policy in one house while we have no power to en-
force the DEGREES Of that house in the Senate or
with the Executive Especially do consider it un-
wise at this time to make such an attempt in view
of what have already said in reference to the
opinions of that.very strong class whom denomi.
nate business people. For these reasons, having
many others which wish I had time to develop, 1
hope TO see you elected speaker.
u it not true that the Democratic party is
scared2 But this is not all. The National
Grange has been in session at Washington,
and, can it be believed? delegations of
these representatives of the farming inter
ests, the very class in behalf OF whom the
free traders and revenue-reformers pretend
to be working, waited upon Mr.. Randall and
assured him of their sympathy. These OBJ.
stinate people will not see that policy
which builds up home market for agricu!-
tural products is not running them They
are SO unwise as to suppose that policy
which would paralyze the industrial inter-
ests of the country would affect unfavorably
the demand for what farmers produce.
Some of them have a notion that if England
was permitted to have a monopoly of the
great manufactures they might not get their
machinery and clothing much cheaper than
by fostering home competition, and that if
all Americans were farmers the chance of
getting ahead in life would not be i'm
proved.
Mr.. Carlisle, however, is not in favor of
retreating. AS appears from his letter to
Professor Perry ons of the staunchest of the
free-traders, and it is avery manly letter, he
does not favor a policy of humbug. He
must have very hearty contempt for Demo
Gratis of the Argus and John B. Gordon
stamp who are so much afraid of their own
principles that they are ready to abandon
them at any moment, and adopt any others
that may seem likely to get votes for the
party, democrats who do not care so much
for principles as for spoils, and are ready to
cry good lord, or good devil, as may seem best
for the time being. But it must not be for
gotten that the Democratic party, if it pre-
tends for the sake of Office to be regard