New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-10-29
DEMOCRATS BECOME PROTECTIONISTS.
THOSE WHO VOTED FOR CLEVELAND DID NOT
WANT FREE. TRADE-NOw THEY WILL WORK
THE HARDER AGAINST IT.


THE HARDER AGAINST 1T.
That Mr. Cleveland was elected in 1884 under
false pretences becomes the more evident as men
who voted for him then are now eager to aid in
preventing the attempted introduction OF free
trade into the country. The business men whose
opinions are given herewith outsr ken in their
denuncation of his policy. They see that the
Mills bill is a step toward free trade, not a re-
duction in the tariff. They declare that re-
ducton in the present tariff means stib at
home industries and they raise their voices against
the English theories of Mr. Cleveland.
ARTHUR T. SULLIVAN SPEAKS OUT
Arthur T. Sullivan, of the well-known woollen
firm of Sullivan, Vail IL Co., was one of the most
energetic and outspolSen supporters of Cleveland
four years ago. Outside of his extensive business
connections Mr. Sullivan will be recognized by
many citizens from his prominence in the club
life of this city. 1t is generally known in club
circles that he is a member of the Union League
Manhattan, New-York, Racquet and Newly orI
Athletic clubs, as well as the Lienerkranz Society
lie is the agent aud representative of a number
of the leading woollen manufacturers of the country
and he speaks by the card when he discusses the
effect of the proposed changes in the tariff
on the woocn industry. Up to the present time
Mr. Sullivan has declined TO say anything on
the subject for publication In giving his
views to the reporter he said that the manufac-
turers for whom he acted were enthusiastic sup
porters of Harrison and Morton, and that he
would follow their action Oh the strength of
their experienced judgment, if for other reason.
My feelings I'm regard to the present Presidential
contest, said Mr. sullivan, were expressed in the
remark / made TO man an hour ago, when told
him that II George Washington was running on the
present Democratic platform he would not be elected.
Four years ago supported Grover Cleveland as
vigt rously as could but did not mean to support
free trade then and do not mean TO do so now.
AS yet, have failed to hear Randalfs voice vouching
for Cleveands friendship for our system OF protec
tion and 1t would make no difference II did. Ac-
lions speak louder than words, and Mr. Cleveland has
spoken through his message ana the Mus dr. which
IS the practical outcome Of IT, see that some Of the
papers are twitting the woolen Interests because
obliged 10 close their factories II Cleveland was elected
The truth Of the matter Is that they dreaded Just
such measure as the Mills bill, ana can see that
to escape It during the first portion of cleveland's
have been fortunate enough Lcep the Republican
tariff intact up TO the present time, aud we should
are not realized by Clevelands reelection. / know
have made In manufacturing since the protective
tariff was put on at the beginning of the war.
thai no one cared 10 buy American woollens Now
our American woollens good any made in the
world, and some kinds of our cloth are better The
other day a gentleman asked me II certain piece
Of goods was domestic or imported, and ! told him
that i only could not tel but that / would
defy any expert manufacturer 10 do 80.
All this has come about under the fostering
OF protection, but suppose should take the duty
OF wool the only article for which the farmer asks
protector. See what the effect would be I'm Ohio
indiana Michigan. and Wisconsin, four OF tho great
woodworking States ~ would make Free Traders OF
them. They would turn around and say You have
taken the duty OFF wool. take IL OH everything elsa
What DO we care for the manufacturers OF the East
and Their worllngmenl' And this Is precisely the
object Of the Mills bill II Is the old dodge Of the
Southern planters TO array one interest against an
other for the purpose Of breaking down the tariff by
attacking II in detail. II the Mlls bill and Cieye-