Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-02-13
ClsvoIandism in North Carolina.

An intelligent and prominent citizen OF
North Carolina, now on 4 visit to Europe,
writes home to the Asheville Advance, his
opinions Of Cleveland's Free Trade mani
festo and the way it is regarded by the
foreigners who wish to obtain the adj
vantages Of our home markets. Mr..
Richard Pearson, whom We Judge, by the
tone of his letter, to be Democrat,
writes from Nice, France, under the date
Of Dec. 10, 1887, as follows:
have Just read President Cleveland
Message. This document is 90 astounding,
and its effect in Europe 80 extraordinary. that
it forces me to break the silence which sx-
pected to maintain during my stay abroad.
1t seems that foreigners understand the mes
sage better than Americans. While there is
some difference Of opinion at home about its
meaning and effect, observe that the Eng
lish, Frensh, German, Belgian and Austrian
newspapers applaud Mr.. Clevslsnds platform
with alarming unsnimity.
The message 10 to be distributed broadcast
throughout Great Britain by the Free ira 1ers,
and it is already and seriously proposed to
erect statute to Grover Cleveland to be
placed by the side of that of Richard Golden,
the great apostle Of Free Trade.
While Europe in pleased with Mr.. Cleve-
lands argument in favor Of Free Trade,
imagine that the Democrats Of North Caro-
lima are dumb found, not to say knocked deaf
dumb and blind by his positive declaration in
favor Of maintaining the present internal
revenue system:
Mr.. Cleveland's startling declaration forces
North Carolina Democrats into dilemma in
which they are bound to rspudiste their
leader or their principles.
The frst article Of Democratic faith in our
State is hatred implacable and unalterabls Of
the whole internal revenue system.
The arguments firmly lodged in the minds
of our people.
Every Democratic organ in the State for
twenty years has denounced the system.
Every General Assembly in the State for
twenty years has passed resolutions praying
for its immediate and unconditional repeal.
Every Democratic State convention has pro-
nounced and proclaimed against it-except
the convention Of lsS6-and in that year of
our Lord the party lost the State BY over H.
600 majority. Every Democratic orator in
the State for twenty years has turned red in
the face depicting the horrors and atrocities
Of this system.
speak with authority on this point for
have turned red in the face myself As showed
up the iniqsities Of this despetic system, and
promised my indignant countrymen, with all
the fsrvor Of honsst faith, that the entire sys-
tenn would be wiped out root and branch with
the advent Of . Democratic President.
We denounced the system when the reve-
nue. arising therefrom was needed in the
national treasury, hsw can We now approve
il, when the revenue not only 10 not needed
in Washington, but 10 positive burden and
embarrassment inviting corruption and ex-
Brethren, We can't do it, unless We are
willing to swallow our words and get up be-
fore the congregation and acknowledge that
We have lost all sense Of shame. all love of
truth, all respect for consistency.
- .
Mr.. Cleveland has forced q sharp and I'M
avoidable issue upon North Carolina Demo
erats they have to abandon their leader or
betray their constituents, swallow their words
and violate their most solemn and oft repeat
ed promises.
The men who love the principles of the
party better than its name, it, leader or its
Offices, will oppose this platform, and will |
oppose any man who favors is.
RICHMOND PRARsox.