The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1884-01-02
JOHN GRIFFIN CARLISLE,
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRE-
sENTATIvEs-sKETCH OF HIS LIFE
- WALK OVER IN THE CAUCUS
HIS VIEWS ON THE TARIFF.

ace, and has served seven years in the
House with increased distinction each
term. Soon after his entry into this
body in 1876 it was conceded by the
older members that Mr. Carlisle was
destined to become central figure in
national politics, and time has verified
the prophecy by his elevation to the
Speakership.
The contest from which Mr.. Carlisle
has just emerged so successfully has
given him victory that brings him
into formidable prominence as prob
able candidate on the Presidential
ticket of 1884. Within an hour after
his selection by the causus for the
Speakership there were not few en-
phatic in their opinions that the pres
ent honor was only stepping stone
to the Presidency of the Senate in
1885.
In other words it is claimed that
Carlisle will be the Democratic nsrni-
nee for Vice-P President next year, in
combination with some Northern man
for the Presidency, thus uniting the
two great sections of the party, North
and South. The Northern candidate
is not yet named.
CARLIsLE's TARIFF VIEWS.
Your correspondent sought an inter-
view with the new Speaker and found
him willing to frankly express himself
on subjects fol. future Legislation.
'Mr. Carlisle, do you consider your
selection for Speaker an Endorsement
by the Democratic party of your views
on the tariff"
Most emphatieally, yes. I was the
only candidate for the honor represen-
ting my partys policy on. Tiff, Messrs.
Randall and Cox both holding views
Inconsistent with our position on the
purposes of tariff"
'Do you mean tariff for revenue
onlyw
"That is the constituent principle,
to be regulated, however, so as to pro-
test our home industries without fos-
tering monopolies. For instance, we
should have high tariff on manufac-
tured products coming in competition
with home industries, with a low tar
if on raw materials not attainable in
our own country"
"Do you anticipate any attempt in
the present Congress to revise the ex-
listing laws on this subjectW
"There will probably be no effort
of the kind until change in the po-
litical complexion of the Senate oc-
ours. l believe, however, that the
question will be sooner or later intelli-
gently approached and for the best in
terests of the country at large.
ECHOES FROM THE CAUCUS.
"You had quite a walk-over in the
caucus, Mr.. Carlisle"
''Just what | knew would take place
sir. Mr.. RandalPs argument for sup
porters was based on so called 'busi-
ness interests Heavy Pennsylvania
capitalists and high protectonists came
down here and said to their representa-
tives, you must vote for Mr.. Randall
or the mercantile interests of the coun-
try will suffer. Our workingmen and
we as the employers expect you to dc
it, 1t was the threat of the ballot box
that holds the votes the workingman
casts to elect Congressman, and il
worked very nicely with about fifty
members, but over one hundred of my
supporters and thirty of Mr.. Cox's
thought differently and the result i:
what has been a certainty for severa
days"
'In courtesy to your antagonist
will you place Mr.. Randall and Mr.
Cox on the most important commit
teesW
II have not given the subject o
committee organization much thought
but my distinguished competitors vii
receive due recognition in that matter
In my canvass for the Speakarship
refrained from making any promises
and shall re-organize the committee
with material that will inure to tn
good Of the country without partisan
benefits"
'What have you to say about tn
sectional cry that was raised agains
you during the canvassw
Nothing more than the day ha
passed when such tactics in polite
will aid the cause of any tactic
springing such question. The wa
is over and the people are satisfied tina
Mason's and Dixon's line has lon
been obllterated."
A SKETCH OF MR.. CARLISLE'S LIFI
MIR. Carlisle was born September
1885; in Kenton County, Ky. FL
early days were spent in securing a
education such as the country schoo
of those days afforded, at the sam
time supporting himself by his own |;
Dor. An opportunity was presente
end young Carlisle began the study
law in Covington. AT the end of tw
years he was admitted to the bar,