The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1888-09-26
HARRiSON'S LETTER.
A Reader of "The Sentinel" Who Is Puzzled
as to Its Real Meaning.

To THE EDIToR-Sir: Your correspondent
has been watching the course of events with
interest tor some time. / read carefully
the presidents message, and fully eompre-
hended the policies as boldly set forth by that
document Mr. Blaine from Paris gave the
counter part in language about which there
need be no misunderstanding. He clearly
shows his opposition to a reduction of the sur
plus in the treasury by such a plan as is now
proposed by the Mills BILL and recommended
that it be done by taking the tax off of tobacco.
Mr.. Sherman who at the time was making bids
for presidential hOnors, declared in favor of
reduction OF the surplus IN the treasury by TAX
ing the tax of of liquors.
When the Chicago convention met and
formulated platform, il gulped down both
propositions rather than cheaper food, shelter
and clothing. All this understand perfectly
well The policy and intention are fully set
forth in language that can be understood and
cOmprehended by anyone.
But what of Harrison's letter of acceptance.
l have read and re-read over and over again
and puzzled my wits in many ways 10 deter
mine what he means and what his policy and
intentions are. l have watched comments OF
both democrat ana republican papers with q
hope that some would translate IL into English
thought and composition. But it has been ell
in vain. No paper, correspondent or philOsO-
pher has ventured thus tar TO interpret It's
meaning. Is he in favor of a reduction
of the surplus in the treasury or is
he not? Does ne favor the cheapening OF
food. clothing and shelter, or that of tobacco
and whisky?
Your correspondent has asked that question
time and again of both republicans and demo-
Gratis, and not one is able TO give an answer.
For example, he says: "a proper reduction Of
the revenues does not neceSsitate, and should
not suggest, the abandonment or impairment.
of the protective system" "The methods sug-
gested by our convention will not need to be
exhausted in order TO effect the necessary re-
ductiOn."
Necessary reduction Yes; that is his
language. I'VE not likely to be called
upon, ] think, 10 make present choice be-
tween the surrender of the protective system
and the entire repeal of the internal taxes"
He virtually submits the proposition. by the
words necessary reduction" and proper re-
duction," that the surplus in the treasury
ought 10 be reduced, and at the same time he
showed himself opposed to the republican plat
form in offering 10 reduce IL by cheapening
whisky and tobacco. lie also condemns the
democrat plan of reducing it by cheapening
food, clothing and shelter instead of whisky and
tobacco. What does he want? What is his
plan? What will he do if he should be called
upon as president of the United States to de-
termine what he calls necessary" and prop
er reduction?
There is but one thing certain in all his letter
of acceptance, and that is, that he accepts! Yes,
he dcceptsg Your correspondent is persuaded
that if he had postponed his letter two weeks
more, that even that would have been so mud.
dI %a Ss S%4si sep ao9 20 Of MS intentions
If our correspondent will read Harrisonf
letter again he will find that the republican
candidate proposes TO reduce the surplus by
handing it over TO the bondholders That much,
at least, he makes plain.