Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-06-07
An AGREEMENT On THE TARIFF.
The Plank Of 1851 Rearfirmed ana the
Presidents Message Endorsed.

The committee on resolutions Of the democratic
convention at st. Louis completed it's work at 9
O'Clock last night, having been struggling over the
tarin plank exactly twenty -four hours. The sub
committee on the tariff had listened until late
Tuesday night to arguments on the subject, but
could come TO no agreement. Mr.. German pro-
posed a reaffirmation OF the tariff plank in the
1884 platform and a general endorsement OF the
policy OF reduction as indicated in the Presidents
tarin message. Mr.. Watterson opposed any allu-
sion to the 1884 platform, which he deemed equiv
ocal and Indirect Mr.. German addressed the
committee for hour. and empha sized the politi-
cal experiences OF a moderate tariff policy While
he considered the democratic prospects OF success
in New York much better than they were four
years ago, he regarded Indiana (and he appealed
TO senator Turpie TO confirm his StatemenO,
New Jersey. and Connecticut as doubtful
and he would have no hope OF his party
carrying them upon tariff for revenue only plat
form. Mr. German argued IN conclusion that the
platform OF 1854 was the one uOon which Mr.
Cleveland was elected; that he accepted the nomi-
nation upon IL, and has Nir German stated been
content 10 administer the Executive Office In ac-
cordance with its principles. 1t has ample lati-
tude, as much as the Administration itself DESIRES
and IL would be impolitic at this time to make Il
more emphatic. Mr.. Watterson responded in an
address OF about one hours duration. TIE plat
form OF ten years ago, he said, was a straddle,
aid so accepted by the committee on resolutions
in the convention OF 1884. Its advocates had
said: 'Let Us get into power and then We Can
frame policy TO suit our views" The issue OF
that election, said Mr.. Watterson, did not prove
the wisdom OF an equivocal policy. 1t was not a
policy pleasing to our popular American
manhood. 1t came TO be stigmatiZed as q
straddle and there was an odlum attached 10 1t
from which it could not be freed. The campaign
fortunately for the democratic party, by the nom-
nation OF Mr.. Blaine, had become one OF person.
alities, and Mr.. Cleveland had been elected. The
result did not prove the strength OF the 1854 plat
FORM and did not justify the faith OF the aCivo-
Gates OF a straddling policy In his Judgment
there was no craftsmanship in dupliclty. IL
would, he thought, be wise TO take an aggressive
ar and hAr of ~ had
vOca0ly committed 10 the policy OF horizontal re-
ductlOn By Cleyeland'S last message and by the
utterances OF the majority OF the democratic
party in the House OF Representatives. From
that position, said Mr.. WaItersOn, there can be
no retreat oar position Is clearly announced; IL
Is known TO our opponents and TO the people. He
believed moreover that the bold, manly tone OF
Mr.. Cleyelands message had a very happy effect
The utmost candor OF expression characterized
the remarks OF both Mr.. NattersOn and Senator
German, and perfect good feeling was maintained
throughout. But IL soon became evident that their
relative positions upon the point at issue would be
maintained; and IL became quite as clear that the
majority OF the committee mad been Impressed
with Mr.. Germans candid statement OF the poll
teal expediency involved In the question.
At noon general debate was begun upon the
question Of reafhrming the platform OF 1854 ten
minutes 10 be allowed each state and a vote to be
had at 80. Inc debate, however, was prolonged
BY vote Of 25 TO 10 the committee agreed 20
Senator Germans proposition TO indorse and reit-
serious divisions OF opinion IL Is said on the other
portions OF the platform.
Mr.. Watterson said last night: 'sThe substance
is this-that We renew our fealty 10 the demo-
cratic principles and reaffim the platform OF 1884
and indorse the last ANIMAL message OF the Presi-
dent and declare IL correct int depreciation OF the
platform, and approve the efforts Of our demo-
cratic representatives In Congress to secure re-
dgced laxauon In a separate resolution TO be
Onered 10 the convention tomorrow We commend
the Mills Dill, urging It's passage at an early day."
THE TARIFF PLANK OF 1854.
The tari1 plank in the democratic national plat
form or 1884 was as follows: 'In making reduc-
ton in taxes 1t is not proposed to in1ure any do
nestle industries, but rather TO promote their
heaithy GROWTH From the foundation or this Gov
ernent taxes collected at the custom-house have
been the chief source OF federal revenue such they
must continue 70 be- Moreover, many Industries
have come 10 rely on legislation for successful con-
tinuance, so that any change OF law must be made
al every step regardful OF the labor and capital
thus Involved The process OF reform must be SUE
iect In the execution TO this plain dictate or ts
tice All taxation shall be limited to the ren,iIre
ments OF economical government. The necessary
reduction In taxation can and must be effected
without depriying American labor or the ability 10
compete successfully with foreign labor and with
ample 10 cover any Increased cost OF product,on
which may exist In consequence OF the higher
rate OF wages prevailing In this country
OF the Federal Government economically admnIs-
tered, including pensions, interest and principal
OF the public debt, can be got under our present
system OF taxation, from custom-house taxes on
fewer imported articles. bearing heaviest on arti-
Giles OF luxury, and tearing ightest articles OF
necessity. We therefore denounce the existing
tarin, and, subject 70 the preceding limitations
We demand that Federal taxation shall be exclu-
slveiy for public pun poses, and shall not exceed
the needs OF the Government economically admin
istered. The system or direct taxation, known as
internal revenues, Is war tax and so long as the
law continues the money derived therefrom should
be sacredly devoted 10 the relief OF the people
from the remaining burdens OF the war, and be
made Iund 10 defray the expenses OF the care
and comfort OF the worthy soldiers disabled In
line OF duty In the wars OF the republic, and for
the payment OF such pensions as Congress may
from time 10 time grant to such soldiers, q like
fund having been already provided ard any sur
Plus should De paid into the Treasury"
| Inc BODY OF the woman LEFT In the Grand Gen.
trail depot, New York, has been identiied as thar
| o. MIS- VIM Enright, who died &C Pittsneld,
Mass, May "a, OF consumption.
4 Ine gettysburg Memorial Association has
elected the Old board OF directors with the addI-
| ton o. COL W. @. vensey, OF Vermont; Col q.
briggs, OF Michigan; Gen. Jno. p. Rea, OF Mime.
II a. - McSWODp q