New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-01-27
VHIT IS THREATENED.


The Democratic leaders of the House are try
ing earnestly to frame some definite pohcy
which shall meet the demands of their sup
porters at the West and South, aid at the same
time harmonic the party. The time Is there
fore at hand of which THE TRIBUNE has warned
the country since the Presidential election
When any other party tries to unite on
financial policy, it is certain TO agree II ut all
upon one more or less helpful to the industries
and trade of this country. But II the Demo
cratic party unites at all, 1t is certain to unite
on a policy favorable to foreign and hostile TO
American interests-ODe which threatens the
very existence of important industries. 1t Is
therefore time for those who wish to defend
American industries to be up and doing.
An effort is in progress to frame some change
of tariff to which Democrats of Pennsylvania
and other Eastern States will assent Neces-
sarily such a tariff would be One-sidcd and
partial. In order to spare the hon interest and
pacify part of the wo0len manufacturers, 1t
must cut other Industries more deeply, and
must especially injure the wool producers.
There are said to be manufacturers who are
willing to abandon the protective system in Its
vital features if only they can get some special
benefit for themselves. Such men belong with
the opposition they are not sincere and trust
worthy supporters of a system which aims to
develop equitably and tremendously all the
industries of the whole country. If there Is a
manufacturer who begins to wish that the
cotton manufacture in Georgia could be
strangled, or the iron manufacture in Virginia
and Alabama, in order to secure a larger bust
ness or larger profits for himself, he ought to
tho in po-tt nd NVil
exactly what he will get from that body. Such
men are not numerous nor are they influential.
Their own workmen will not support them, for
the men know that the only true basis of pros
perity for each interest is the prosperity of all.
1t is also proposed, as was expected, to force
the Secretary of the Treasury to pay out
$50 10000 of the money he holds in redeem
ing United States bonds. But for the meal
culable harm which such bill would do to the
business interests of the country, it might be
well to have it passed. The President could
not sign it without fatty contradicting all his
professions in the letter of February, $50. and
in his message, nor could lie sign it without
consciously aiding in the Reputation of "A dis
tnct and sacred obligation of the Government
which the Secretary of the Treasury has recnS-
nized, namely, that the bullion fund for re-
demptiOn of United States notes shall be main
tanned unimpaired. 1t must be presumed that
he would veto any such bill. In that case, his
veto would be sustained, and one danger would
be out of the way for the rest of his term. But
the discussion and passage of such a measure
would alarm public creditors here and abroad ;
it would disturb business to an extent which
cannot be estimated and the injustice to
laboring people would be objectionable. The
defeat of every measure of that character is
therefore duty which rises above all con
sderations of possible partisan advantage.
The Republicans of the senate and House
have before them perfectly clear path. If
they stand firmly upon the policy on which the
Government has been directed under Repub
lican administration, the country will sustain
and reward them, and the Democratic party
will be forced to split itself on questions of vital
Importance.