New-York tribune., 1888-03-27
TIE FARMING FROM WASHINGTON

HE HAHNlNu Ihc<n
The Administration is doing its worst. Close
observers at Washington report that the Presi-
dents patronage, used 10 the utmost 70 secure
the passage of the Mills Tariff bill, is rapidly
overcoming the fidelity of Democratic mem
bers to the interests of their constituents. They
believe that Mr.. Randall's Democratic sup
porters are melting awayj one after another
these Democrats visit the White House and
come away convinced. The warning is chiefly
for Democrats Republicans are not expected
to favor such measure. If the millions whose
wages and interests would be affected by it do
not want it passed. it is time for them to make
themselves heard at Washington, and that
without delay. This is the judgment of able
defenders of home industry who have means
of knowing how patronage and partisanship
are breaking down Democratic opposition.
There has been far too much confidence in the
Democratic members who have professcd
fidelity to principles which the Republican
party only has faithfully upheld for the past
thirty years, and which the Democratic party
has constantly assailed. The constituents of
members can only terminate their service in
Congress- the President can provide not few
with comfortable offices for life. OF his intense
carnestness in this matter there is no room to
doubt; he thinks his own future depends on
il. All the passionate partisanship of Demo-
Gratis is appealed to now. and they are told that
tho party is ruined and doomed without Mr..
Cleveland as its candidate. and ruined with
him if it fails to sustain the measure On which
he stalted everything by his message.
II Republicans were as INSCRIPTIONS and as
Indifferent to duty as their opponents represent
they would take care not to hinder this Demo-
cratic measure. In its present attitude, the
Democratic party needs only rope enough to
end as Judas did. Manufacturers who have
been trusting the " conservatism" of Democrats
would be richer In wisdom. if not in pocket
after years experience under the pending
measure. Whether workingmen and business
men can afford to buy experience just now is
for then. to say. II is their affair. and If they
do not care to defend their interests by their
influence and then by their votes. they may
be very sure Democratic politicians will not
sacrifice much for their sake. It has grown
the fashion with many workingmep Of late to
trust their fate entirely to the strength of their
organizations. They forget that when mis-
fortune comes upon industries they find their
organizations utterly powerless to help them.
Within three months two of the most powerful
have been defeated and crippled; since No
vcmber 1, just before the Presidents message.
the weekly output Of pig iron has already de-
creased one-ffth or more. It would bo the
part of wisdom for workers. through their
organizations and by every other proper means
to make Congress understand that the passage |
Of this bill would defeat the Democratic party, |
but it concerns them more than anybody else |
in the land.
It has become the fashion, too for business |
men to treat with indifference the warnings of |
political leaders and public journals, and to |
indulge an optimistic faith that this great |
country will prosper. as it has prospered these |
many years. They may as well remember |
that prosperity, these many years has resulted |
from measures to which all the industries of |
the country have become adjusted upon which
they have come to depend. and which are now
assailed. 1t is not trading in Wall Street or
White Street that has made this country thrive,
but growth in productive industry stimulated
by wise laws. Break down those laws. and let
English competition arrest that industry, and
he commercial world will search in vain for
defence against disaster.
Whatever happens, it is to be expected that
Republican members Of Congress will do their
pest to defend the industries of the country.
Not one Of them can afford to share response
,ility for results to which fat Offices may make
some Democrats Indifferent. The course Of the
Republican party in the next Presidential con-
est will not be ecuivocal: that is as certain as
. the platform had already been adopted. IL
viii appeal TO the country against this measure.
md necessarily against those who fail to do
heir best to defeat it. The precise method Of
lefeating it is not Of the highest importance
I is not the duty of Republicans to frame a
ariff, until the country entrusts them with that
But they will not fail to use
shat power they have. If their united vote
viii effect repeal of the tobacco taxes. and
'art OF the whole of the sugar duty with pro-
'ision for encoura cement Of home production,
hey will be heartily sustained by constituents
n disposing Of the surplus in that way. But
hey have no occasion to worry themselves, il
he majority gives them no chance to propose
r carry anything, and insists upon tariff re-
uction or no reduction Of taxes. Republicans
an afford to 90 to the people on that issue.
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