The Portland daily press., 1888-05-22
CURRENT COMMENT.
MIR. REEDS GREAT SPEECH.
TRoston Journal

DoShoh obutheA.l
IF anv one has been withheld from follow
ing the course of the tariff debate in the
House by the feeling that the discussion OF
such a question must necessarily De dul ne
should not allow that notion to restrain nm
from reading the speech OF Mr.. Reed OF
Maine the substance of which is printed
elsewhere, Such q speech would represent
an oasis in a debate far less tedious than
this discussion of the tariff. Mr.. Reed Is an
adept in argument and a master of ralllery.
He punctures the absurdltles OF The Tree
traders with zest which is absolutely eapti-
waiting. His argument is as simple as it is
strong in construction, and his Illustrations
are shrewd, homey and practical. His wit
is not mere buffoonery like that of Sunset
Cox who amused the House with rhymes
TIE other day, but it illumines an argument
which is securely and broadly founded. Mr..
Reed has made many brilliant speeches, but
none more taking and effective than this.
His logic is as convincing as his humor, IS
contagious. He can be eloquent when he
chooses, and is so more than once in this
speech, but his chief delight is to explore the
weak points in his adyersary's armor Win
| his keen shafts. This speech is one when
| should be cast broadcast by Republican COM
mittees. 1t is certain to be read, and wnen-
| ever read will prove to be convincing anu III
| structiye not less than entertaining
| rDespatch TO the n. Y. Tribune.1
Mr.. Reed spoke for about two hours, and
| from first to last held the close attention OF
| the House and the immense audience wlicn
| filled every place from which he could be
| seen or heard. Every s. at on the floor was
| occupied and the Democrats seemed as eager
\ as the Republicans to hear what the speaker
| had to say. at was a great speech, was
| the universal verdict. 1t was marvel OF
| clearness and pungency in statement. so
| able a discussion of the principles upon
| which the protective system Is pased, mas
been seldom heard in either branch Oh Con-
i gress. His statement OF the policy ana arms
/ Al 60 MO en alaar and fair
| that none of them could call it unfair, al
| though they WINGED under his keen sarcasm
Mr. Reed did not stop to discuss the
details OF the bill, and only once to
expose the absurdity OF Mills, but the
| speech while scholarly, and dignllied
| in tone, was replete with opposite, illus
trations which encited repeated and hearty
| applause ON the floor and in the galleries.
| Mr. Reeds powers of wit and sarcasm were
4 never exhibited to greater advantage, and
| even Carlisle and other free-trade Democrats
| were repeatedly moved to laughter, little as
| they relished the keen thrusts dealt by the
| Republican leader. Thus, when he applied
| the old fable of the contented dog with the
| shoulder of succulent mutton in his mouth, y
| which he dropped when he looked into the
| stream, and discovered 'the markets of the
world and dove for them, scores OF Demo,
| Gratis Joined in the shout of laughter, and
some Of them with difficulty restrained them
selves from joining in the thunders Of APP
plause which fairly shook the building.
/ Mills was not among them
boston Globe.l
After reading Tom Reeds eloquent
| speech, delivered in Congress Saturday,
many men will regret that he is not Demo.
crat He is one of the best fellows living
outside the Democratic party.
New York Trbune.l
The tariff debate was closed yesterday
and closed in way probably. gratifying 70
both of the contending parties. ON tne
Republican side Mr.. Reed delivered idaoi mas
He spoke TO a crowded house for two hours,
and every one of his many good points was
fully appreciated.
Worcester Spy.l
Mr.. Reed did not profess to discuss the
| Mills bill as a specific measure, but dealt for
the most part with the general question OF
free trade or protection. His argument was
sound and cogent, and was so interspersed
| with striking illustrations, quaint wit and
| humor, as greatly to increase its effective
ness.
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