Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1884-10-30

THE stone which the Democratic plat
form builders rejected has become the
chief corner stone in the political cam
paign. The Republicans did hot declare
in favor of American industries merely
for effect, but because it is ore Of the
fundamental principles Of the party. The
Republican party, since its organization,
has been an American party for the pro-
lection of American industries,ss against
the products of the pauper labor of Eu>
rope. 1t started out with this idea, and
it has steadfastly maintained it. On the
other hand, the Democratic party is for
free trade, as party. 1t is as much in
the interest of European manufacturers
as if it moved and had its being in Great
Britain but il is not united. IG is inter-
nally disturbed; and hence its liability,
whether in Congress or in its National
Convention, to get off the fence. Hence,
also, its leaders in the campaign dodge
the greatest living issue-an issue that
fairly dwarfs all others, and it is drifting
along in the contest pretty much as d
ship would drift at sea without steer
age apparatus. This is what alarms the
business interests of the country and
bring business men, outside of the i'm
porters of the Eastern cities, who are
free traders because of their pocket in
terestS, to the front in favor of the Re
publican party. Scratch a New York
Independent Republican and you will
find free trader. There is not an ex-
ception in five hundred. What re
markable spectacle is presented, there's
fore. of party contending for the con
troll of tbs Government that is not capd
ble of expressing itself ON the question
that concerns the industries of the peo>
pie; and that if elected would put the
whole country on waiting orders 10 see
what the new President, who is known
to be destitute of ideas, would do. and
what "a Democratic Congress would do.
The-induStrieS of the country are in no
condition 10 bear THIS additional and
enormous burden. Ii this were placed
upon it, business would be crushed, and
there Mould be revulSIOn IN trade, tie
dimensions of which could not be meas
ured. 1t would carry dismdy into every
workshop in the land. 1t would put
banks upon their inquiry, as they would
be forced to the verge of despair, in con
templating the IuinouS Consequences If
the adoption of the pauper labor sched-
ele CT Europe in place of the living rates
current in America, and which it is IN
policy of the Republican party to mains
tain.
On the other hand, no one needs to
ask what the policy of the Republican
party is. This has beer spread upon The
statute book through quarter of CEN
tury of legislation. 1t is found in the
National platform of the party II is
blaZoned forth upon the stump and III
the press. 1t is Indorsed by near TWEEN
ty thousand majority of the voters Of
Ohio. 1t is presented in the unexam-
pied speeches made by the Republican
candidate for the Presidency 1t is
made so plain that everybody can under
stand it. 1t is so strong that Democrats
ic speakers do not dare to combat it. All
that the latter can afford to do is to
dodge the issue. In this 1t thinks itself
successful, but at the same time it builds
up mountain Of contempt.-Cin. Com.
Gazette.