Los Angeles daily herald., 1888-09-19
THE ISSUE.
The Republicans Afraid to Meet

On September the 18th the following
challenge was forwarded to F. J. Gil.
more, Chairman of the Republican
County Committee:
MY DEAR SIR-Public opinion, i'm
PEELED by sentiment of respect of patri-
otism, has declared that the present
campaign shall be free from personali-
ties. and that the contest for party
supremacy shall be waged upon the
principle which pertains to the financial
policy of this great government.
The issues submitted to the people in
this campaign have been closely drawn
and clearly defined in the platforms of
the respective parties. The Democratic
party advocates the reformation of the
tariff system, and therefore reduction
of the taxes to the extent of an econom-
ical administration of the affairs of this
Government. The Republican party
vehemently opposes any reduction of the
tariff, and declares that the same should
be made higher rather than suffer such
reduction. The issue is joined and the
question is submitted to the jury of
voters for their decision in November.
In order that they may render a Just
and correct verdict they must be accu.
rately and honestly informed about the
questions in which their judgment is in
voked, and to which the leaders have
committed their respective parties.
The Democratic party has implicit con-
fidence in the justice of its advocacy OF
tariff reform. and is ever ready and anx-
ious to vindicate such confidence in the
form of debate.
In behalf of the Democratic party oi
Los Angeles county, we invite the Re-
publican party, which you represent, to
meet us in joint debate upon the ques-
tions involved in this canvass. We ex-
press the wish and respectfully urge that
you accept this challenge with least pos
sible delay.
We request that you will advise us of
your decision in respect to this matter at
your earliest possible convenience. If the
challenge is accepted, all necessary ar
rangements can be made hereafter by
our respective committees.
Awaiting a favorable reply, we are,
sincerely yours,
EUGENE GERMAN,
Chairman Democratic Central Committee
w. s. WATERS, Secretary.
R. A. LING,
Chairman Committee on Speakers.
The following reply has been received
by Mr.. Eugene German:
DEAR SIR-Your favor bearing date of
18th inst. duly to hand. In reference to
same would say:
First, That I entirely concur in the
sentiments expressed in your communi-
cation as to "Public Opinion"
Second, do not agree in full with the
premises laid down by you in the second
paragraph of your letter. l most EN-.
phatically deny that the Republican
party vehemently opposes any reduction
Of the tariff, and declares that the same
should be made higher rather than suffer
such reduction.
Third, entirely agree with the third
paragraph of your letter and believe that
the party to which have the honor to
belong is honestly informing the voters
about the questions in which their judg-
ment is invoked.
Fourth, The fourth paragraph of our
communication seems to me (pardon the
expression) mere campaign talk.
Fifth, in regard to the fifth paragraph
of your letter, in which you invite the
Republican party to meet you in joint
debate, the proposition is most respect
fully declined, for the reason that our
political meetings areswell attended and
we see no reason in all due Difference to
you and your committee as individuals,
why we should aid you as our political
opponents in obtaining an audience. Our
meetings are held with open doors and
all are invited irrespective of political
creed and to which you and your friends
are cordially invited. Very sincerely
yours, F. J. GILMORE, Chairman.
This is not the only refusal that the
Republicans have made to meet the
issues. Their candidate for Surveyor re-
fused to meet the Democratic candidate
for Surveyor, the Orc Fino Club refused
to meet the Iroquois Club, and the San
Pedro Republican Club refused to meet
the San Pedro Democratic Club.