The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1888-09-29
ETADING THE ISSUE THEY HAVE
MADE

MADE.
The work OF tariff reform just now re-
quires pretty vigorous exercise ON the
part Of the votaries. Realizing the over
whelming drift ofpublic sentiment against
acceptance of their suggestion To remodel
the fiscal policy Of this country after the
English pattern, the free trade workers
are now busy explaining that nothing like
free trade was ever intended. Even the
president, whose denunciation OF ourpro-
tective policy as n vicious, inequtable
and illogical source Of unnecessary taxa
ton" rallied to his support every
prominent free trade writer and speaker
ON both sides OF the ocean, now deems il
advisable TO demand that he shall not
be called free trader.
In view ofcertain precedent circumstan-
ces, however, there are likely to be found
those who will hesitate TO admit the
adequacy OF this eleventh-hour protest.
The past attitude OF the president and
his party are likely to be deemed quite as
safe criteria for conclusions in this direc-
tion as are present assertions, known to
be brought forth under pressure OF ex-
IRENE party emergencies. And what does
such retrospect reveal, but sympathy
and consistent concession to those who
have long been recognized advocates Of
free foreign trade?
Going back 20 March, 1885, the pres
ident il found signalling the advent OF
his administration by the appointment
rs his counselors OF two members OF the
Golden club of Fngland-Mcssers Bayard
and Lamar. One Of these he put at the
head Of his cabinet, and the other. he
subsequently, promoted to the Supreme
bench. a number OF other members OF
the same free trade organization are now
doing service M foreign consuls, aud still
another, Mr.. Morrison, has been appoint
ed on the Inter State commission in
charge Of the internal commerce OF the
country. The party majority in the
| lower House OF Congress, with the pres
iden't approval, II not at his dictation,
elected as speaker another Golden club
member, Mr.. Carlisle, who placed at the
head Of the Ways and Means committee
a representative who several years pre-
viously invoked blessings upon u country
dedicated TO free trade, and who evidenced
consistency by formulating the Mills bill
which puts ON the free list a long array
OF articles heretofore recognized as pro
perly subjected TO duties, and materially
reduces the protection to nearly every
product OF domestic manufacturers.
Getting outside OF the cabinet and Con
gress, the record for free trade is found
equally clear, the support OF free traders
equally strong and consistent. The con
vention that named the president for re
election placed at the head OF its platform
committee Mr.. Watterson, member o
the Golden club, and applauded TO thu
echo the work OF thatcommittee and th,
still more radical speech Of it's chairman
II named for vice-president man who
since denounced the policy OF protection
Go home industries ms N dc, option ans
branded as "bumbugs" those who believ'
that protection il n benefit TO the labor
ing men OF this country.
Attracted by the consistent record thus
made, withiaith in the sincerity Ola part,
} thus fortified, Mr.. Henry George, Mr.
, Frank Hurd, and a number Of other fire.
trade apostles, are already on the stumI
advocating the presidents reelection n
long stride toward the goal Of thei
ambition. Every foreign mail comes
loaded with praise Of their work, and
rumor Is TO be believed there il not want
; ing even more substantial evidence O
; British sympathy and interest in th
success Of the present crusade agains