Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1886-06-19
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LANCASTER. JUNE i9. 1885
A Strong Position.

The vote on the Morrison tariff bill
shows that the Democratic party in the
Middle states, il correctly represented by its
members of Congress, is not in accord with
the Democracy of the rest of the country
upon the question of tariff reduction. The
vote shows that the Democratic party of the
nation desires reform in the tariff laws
and reduction, of some kind and in some
direction, of the duties now laid.,; because
the large majority of the Democratic men,
bes voted this way. 1t shows that the Re-
publican party is not in favor of a refor-
nation of the tariff, because nearly all the
Republican representatives voted against
IL.
The two parties are therefore nationally
arTayed In opposition to each other on
this question and the fact the majority of
the Democratic representatives from the
middle states voted with the Republicans
on the issue, does not change this position of
the parties. 1t simply shows that there is
an important democratic minority that is
not in accord with the party majority. 1t
prevents the issue being made distinctly a
party one at this time and it leaves the
Democratic party in the politically strong
position of representing by its majority the
idea of a reduction in the tariff, while
having considerable minority acting as
brake upon its too radical movement and
preserving to it the members of the party
in the manufacturing states who live in
an atmosphere of protection and are dis
posed to be its thick and thin advocates.
s The fact that this important Democratic
element is opposed to its party majority
will have very good effect upon the coun'
try In tending to obtain such non-par
tisan consideration of the tariff question
as is very necessary to secure beneficial
settlement of the yexed question. 1t is one
which should be considered intelligently
and dispassionately and when so handled
its difficulties will be sure to disappear.
There is no wise person in this country
who demands free trade for it in its pre-
sent condition. The interests that have
been fOstered must continue to be given
sufficient protection to preserve them from
injury. The question is as to what protec
ti0n is needed for their prosperity. Some
Of these days they will not need any and
when this time comes we will want to
reach out into foreign markets, and free
trade will be the.manufacturer' necessity.
1t can hardly be disputed that the tenden-
cy is in this direction. The natural ten
dency is steadily towards lower imposts :;
and the Democratic party is put abreast
of this position by its representative ma
j0rity in Congress while the opposing
party minority guarantees it against too
radical movement. Its position thus
seems to be politically strong. The denun-
ciati0n which is visited at some hands
upon the Democratic representatives
from Pennsylvania, New York and
New Jersey, may well be spared.
It can hardly be denied that they rep
resent their sections, though their sec
tions be wrong. 1t is not safe for the rep
resentative always to be wiser than
his constituents. Tariff reform is the idea
Of the national Democracy without doubt :;
aud we believe it to be good idea. We will
get to it with our section in good order and
in due time, when it is properly shaped.