Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-01-05


of life. He appreciated the fact that for
many years and especially in several
States the whole system had been used
as powerful instrument Of partisan
political warfare and had been
rendered odious TO every free
minded citizen. He was also often re-
minded that it was war tax and that 1t
should pass away in the time of peace.
All these opinions had their weight with
him but while the heavy taxes which
had been laid by the war tariff on every
article entering into the wants and ne
cessities OF the people were not reduced
at all, he submitted that the work Of re-
form and reduction should be pursued in
that field and the internal-revenne sys-
TEN left to stand yet awhile, subject to
certain notifications. AS to tobacco,
he suggested that the tax on cigars and
snuff-producing S12, 800, 0OO-might be
retained, and the rest OF the tax-pro-
ducing $4,000, 600 But
this, however, was feature OF
detail, and perhaps a feature
of compromise. The great bulk OF
abatement in the present total unneces-
sary taxation of the people would have to
take place in careful and prudent re-
vision of the tariff. We would have to
leave to the future what might seem the
best means and arrangements by which
TO attain that end. AS a choice between
reducing the internal revenue or tariff
taxes he would labor to cheaper woollens,
linens, cotton fabrics, salt, lumber, coal,
iron, steel, and all other staple commod-
ties. rather than such articles as were IN
dulged in from acquired habits or luxu-
rious modes of living.
After quoting some sentences from
the Presidents message Mr. Voorhees,
asked whether it was from such wise
statements ("guarding the interests OF
American manufacturers on the one
hand while seeking to relieve the people
on the othcr') that the charges OF free
trade" were made against the message =!
/ Did it not seem rather that those VINO
rcavilled with President Cleveland and
denounced his views were such as had
PREDETERMINED quarrel, aud who would
not approve of the Declaration OF indie
pendepce If il came from his hands?
Such political leaders might have their
uses. but in the present instance 1T re-
CURED no gift of prophecy to toresee
/ that. as "bnnd leaders Of the bind
they and their followers would roll IN the
ditch OF defeat together. A persistent
and violent effort was being made by
those who managed and led the opposi-
/ tion totbe prcscut Administration TO con-
vince the public mind that the President
was unfriendv TO the labor interests and
/ labor organizations, and that reduction
Of taxes which he so powerfully enforced
would prove hurtiul to worMnemeni
and especially to wage-laborers employed
m manufacturing industries. lie (NoOr-
hees) might pause TO ask the meaning Oh
fine present condition of wagc-workers
in many Of the most extensive manuiac-
turing regions. Why. under the present
high tariff. were they engaged III constant
strikes and Severe struggles with therein
ployers? He Voorhees, would 90
far to protect the American IN
borer in every respect, and 10
comfort his daily life with generous
laws. His heart was full of appreclatlye
sympathy for the workingman and h.s
household, as they gathered around then
troubled fircside. often In perjury, some
times in actual want. and never III ease
or atlirence but he had never yet con
ceiyed it 10 he q remedy for his prlyatlol
and anxieties TO increase the tax on hl'
blankets and bed-clothing or on his sat
and meagre tableware. The President
II. ,.tAf Ia T.
fare of American labor, and had pointed
ont the vi2ilant care which his interests
should receive in the treatment OF the
tariff.
After quoting a sentence in this con
ncction he said he did so IN order to pre-
sent a complete refutation ID con
densed form of the reckless and some
times malicious Misrepresentation witt
which the Presidents position mac
already been assaiIed, and which woul'
continue for at leastthe next ten months
In his Judgment, however, American
people would have but small difficulty
as soon as the present lmprovlsed com
notion had subsidized, III determining
that the Presidents premises, his argu
ments. and his conclusions were alike I'm
prepuable and alike defed assault.
Mr.. Voorhees, also quoted from tn
Republican platform Of 1881, wherein !
pledged itself to correct 1iregularllle
of the tariff and to reduce the surplus,
and he said that that was a PLAIN, clea
admission made three and half year
AGO that tue work OF the Tariff Commits
SION had been poorly done and called 10
correction, and that the pledge mac
, never vet. by one word, one vote, ont
step. or the lifting of one finger, beef
ATTEMPTED 10 be carried ont to tins day
On the contrary, the Republican leader
had not only done nothing themselves t.
remedy their own confessed wrong-do
inc. but had, with the whole weight o
Their organization, hindered the effort
OF everybody else. If now, after TIN
long delay, the leaders of the Republican
organization in Congress and elsewher
assumed the attitude OF Tariff Reformers
II would only be under the compulslol
Of public opinion, invoked and arouse'
r bv the powerful statement and ap
, neal of President Cleveland II
- his late message. They were chief,
f incensed against the Presiden
because he had disturbed their polio
5 of inaction. Their anger was kindle
I because their dilatorS tactics coui
? avail them no longer. As had been sal
+ of the charge of the Light Brigade
r Balaklava. sit is magnificent, but 1t
not war" so many thoughtful oh
e servers of the tremendous financla
81 power and endurance OF the America
S people might exclaim at Is GLORIOUS
e but it is not craftsmanship" 1t wa
| glorious to the manhood and resourct!
f of the republic, but in giving orders
e shaping the policy by which the Amer
t can people had been so strained
70 taxed. and bitterly tested, all woul
Y know that blunder equivalent to crn
' had been committed and had been stu'
D bornly persisted in. But the qnestio
{ still required in its homely practical wa
4 as to the disposal of the results OF tn
s laundering policy. lie (Voorheesl turne
Y from the propositions for a larger arm
: and navy and costly coast defeuces as
i remedy for the Treasury surplus to Il
+ more natural, necessary, and practicao
I A