Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1884-05-02
lancaster .0ntelltgenrcr.
FRIDAY RvENTNa, May Q, 1884.
A SeasibIe Man,

MFR. Eaton made an eloquent and ef-
fectiye speech to the House and country
Yesterday, upon the question of the
tariff and the course Of the Democratic
majority IN urging its present revision
and by the slatternly methods proposed
by the ways and means commit
tee. Mr.. Eaton had strong opinion
upon these matters and expressed
them clearly and forcibly. He is
of the opinion that the Democratic
majority have erred in pressing the con-
sideration Of this question at the open
ing OF political campaign and when 1t
knows that nothing can be done owing
to the opposition of the Republican Sen
ate. Mr.. Eaton has the belief that the
tariff should not be political issue,
or at least that the proper time to form
u,ate It is when political feeling runs
lowest. In this his good sense Is con
spicuous. We do not think that the tariff
should now be an issue in politics ; be.
cause it is not a question upon which the
right lies either with the free trader or
the protection St. Whatever may be the
original merit Of free trade or protec
tive policy, 10 is clear that the policy OF
protection, which has so long prevailed
in this country, cannot be swept hastily
aside. 1t is equally clear to us that the
interests of the country are taking it
towards free trade policy, and that its
tariff should follow along in the direc
IN, nh hn int
taking It. Our legislators need to note
the material condition of the country
and to arrange the duties upon our i'm.
ports according to the changing demand.
To do this they need to bring to the
contemplation unprejudiced and nom
partisan minds.
Those men are right now who are
neither free traders nor protection
lists. Mr.. Eaton says he is denounced at
home, where the protection feeling is
strong, as free trader; and by his
Democratic colleagues in Congress, who
are mainly free. traders, as protection
ist. Nothing could more clearly demon
strate the soundness of his position. In
all his long public career he has been
notable for the independence and the
souudnesS of his judgment. In the elec.
toral commission he stood alone and
right. 1t is the crowning glory Of his
legislative life. 1t was but the other day
that be voted against increasing the
duty on wool,in perfect consistency with
his present position III favor OF retorma
tiop Of the tariff that leads to lower
duties 10 preparation for the cycle of free
trade with the world which our growing
industries will shortly demand for thei
due expansion. Mr.. Eaton denounce
the Morrison method of tariff refOrma
tion in burning words. He has no pa
tience with a Democratic proposition o
reform which can suggest nothing bette
than the slashiDg of of slice from th
Republican tariff law. The tailor VIII
would set 10 work to alter garment tina
was too biz by cutting off horizon
tai slice at the tail or neck
would not he much Of an artist
but this 10 Mr.. Morrson's style of deal
ing with the present tariff. Mr.. Eator
says he will have none of it, and the
Democratic party will have none of it,
He has spoken rs judiciJusly as boldly,
in thus proclaiming the Democratic
revolt from the silly policy that the ma
Jority OF our representatives in Congress
favor. In the national convention
there will be- different feeling. Con-
ventions give the Ouly true expression
OF the policy OF party. Every section
OF the Country IS represented there,
as well the states aud districts,
in which the party has the majority,
as these in which it is in minority,
and therefore is debarred from repre-
sentallon IN Congress. Mr.. Morrison
and other Democratic congressman
who represent districts steadily Demo
cratic, are not well lifted TO make a poll
cy for the party in the country, which
needs TO be sound to win and make the
PARTY successful in administration. IL
results in giving a braShness OF
thought and action to our repre-.
sentatives which is not wholesome
We soTely need such sensible, sturdy and
firm leadership as men of Mfr. EAtons
stamp only can give us men who are
wise, honest and earnest, with 10 bees in
their bonnets or axes to grind. Mr..
Morrison in this Congress has been a
great disappointT eut to the party. His
bill shows him to be weak as a tinancier
and his lnsstance up it, when he was
offered in its stead as Mr.. Eaton says,
measure upon which the party would bt
unanimous, makes him small as states
man.
Or the states which held convention!
yesterday the Maryland, California, Ne
vada and Minnesota Republicans were
for Blaine; Wisconsin divides between
Blaine and Edmunds equally, with a
contingent for Arthur the Florida
Black Republicans had row; the
Michigan Greenbackers are clamorous
Tor Butler, ana the colored folks at
Plttsours declare for protecton-of the
negro. The politicians and newspapers
post the books of the Republican dele.
gates thus far chosen with VARYING ra