The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1884-04-03
DEMOCRACY AND THE TARIFF.

The Democratic party has, as VIC expec-
ted, placed itself in most unfortunate
position before the country by the futile
and inharmonous agitation Of the tariff
question at this session. There has never
been any prospect of passing tariff re.
form measure this year, and the useless
agitation Of such an issue where the par.
ty is divided, as the Democrats now are,
has promised from the beginning nothing
but TO holp defea: the next Democratic
nominee for President. The enthusiasts
Of the party, however, decided to push
the tariff as the leading issue Of the
campaign, and 10 that end introduced
the Morrison tariff bill, which would bs
a great improvement on the present tariff
law if adopted, but which, as we have
said, has never stood any chance of be.
coming law at this time. After the
introduction of this bill such differences
of opinion arose among the Democratic
members that tho enthusiasts determined
TO force their views upon the minority by
caucus action, and accordingly caucus
was called. TWAS, however, clear that the
minority, lead by Mr.. Randall, would not
be driven into submission, and therefore
wher the caucus met it proved very
tame and unimportant affair, go far as
the tariff bill Is concerned, though it did
some work which, we fear, will still fur.
ihar iniure Democratic prospects. The
work of the caucus may DO briefly sum.
med up in the following resolutions which
were adopted:
Resolred, That the bill commonly
known as the Morrison tariff bill shall
be taken up for consideration ut the ear.
liest practicable day, and reasonable
time for debate allowed thereon, and
after such debate that bill be passed for
the reduction of duties and war tariff
taxes.
ResofveI further, That the adoption OF
this resolution shall not be considered
binding in controlling the individual
action of Democrats, except 10 the extent
that each member may feel that he ought
10 10 influenced by the expressed opinion
of the majority of his associates.
Resolved, That in order to reconcile
conflicting opinions and to secure legisla.
ton reducing taxation, the plan for the
reduction of taxes at the present session
of Congress shall embrace provision
repeating all internal revenue taxes on
tobacco, snuff aud cigars and special tax.
es therewith, and also reducing the tax
on brandy distilled from fruit to tan cents
per gallon. Provided, that such repeal
and reduction shall not be made except
IN connecssos, with reduction OF earitf
duties.
The first OF these resolutions was adop.
ted by q vote Of 1l4 to 81, and the third
by q vote Of S8 to 57. 1t will, therefore.
be seen that the Democratic party will
60 iato the next canvass divided on the
tariff and upon the question of Internal
taxation. It is heavy load for the
party to carry, and the leaders who have
placed it ia such position for the sake
of d hopeless agitation have eyinced the
poorest Of judgment and total absence
of generalship. The trouble may yet be
corrected to d cotaiderable extent by
jndicious action in the Chicago Conyen.
tion. Hendricks, or Bayard and Hoad.
ley would in all probability wiz.