The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1884-01-02
CLARK PERSON, Editor.
THE IRONY OF poLITlCs,

1t was officially announced in the House
of Representatives yesterday, that the
Hon. Frank Hurd has been selected by
Mr.. Speaker Carlisle as the representa-
tive of Ohio in the Committee Of Ways
and Means.
This would be very well indeed, if that
committee were expressly organized in
the interest of free trade opinions, and for
the purpose of bringing about the trans
formation of the tariff on strict revenue
basis.
If the Ways and Means Committee
could be composed entirely Of free traders,
and if, in making their tariff bill, they
would do their best to bring it as nearly
as possible to the free trade line and if
the House of Representatives would adopt
that bin SO that it might go to the Senate
and be rejected there and then IL the
Democratic National Convention would
adopt it in their platform, so that the is
sue of free trade and protection could be
brought before the people and voted upon
in the Presidential election Of 1884, there
would be this good in it., that the ques-
ton would be settled for twenty-fiv
years at least, and then the Democratic
party might once more attend to its duty
of reforming the Government and restor-
ing the principles of jefferson to their
proper place as the centre and well-spriDg
of our polity.
OF course everybody understands that
such measure would be attended by the
overthrow Of the Democracy in the cleo
ton of 1884 and it may we'll be doubted
whether the proceedings of the party have
not already been carried SO far by the en-
thusiastic and passionate apostles of free
trade, such as Mr.. Watterson, Mr.. Nor
H., NJ
tain extent, Mr.. Carlisle himself that it
is already impossible to prevent a result
SO crushing and calamitous while, as the
case now appears, we are in danger of
having to endure the overthrow without
the corresponding benefit of settlement
of this pestilent question. Such is some
times the effect of impossible situations
and Quixotic leadership.
However, we have to take what is ap-
pointed for us, and accordingly we here
once more declare our respect for Mr..
Hurd as perfectly upright gentleman of
most decided opinions, limited informa-
ton, considerable oratory, and character
in every way estimable. He says and
does what he thinks right and Mr.
Carlisle likewise means to do the best
that is possible for him under the cir
cumstances. lie is doubtless handicap
ped by impulses he cannot repress and OBJ
legations he cahnot ignore aud he is not
to be blamed for the fact.
The irony comes in when MIR. Hnrd is
taken as the representative of the Demo-
Gratis of Ohio. Only three months ago
they carried their State election in Il most
gallant and surprising manner. Their
chief candidate was not only sick and
broken down, but in his appearances be-
fore The people upon the stump, it was
ey snt that his name and personality adj
ded little to the strength of the party
Yet against all obstacles, and ia the face
ofimmense discouragements, they brought
the State back into the Democratic fold.
In doing this did they receive any help
from Mr.. Hurd Mono whatever lie
was loo exclusively free trader to take
pnrt in their labors. He refused even to
make speech unless he could be per-
mitted to denounee the platform upon
which they were making their fight. Ac-
cordingly they went through it without
the least aid from bin and It is to be
said in his behalf that If he had appeared
in the canvass, he might have done in
jury to his party and it is equally GER
tain that although he was elected by the
marty, he would have been beaten If no