The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1888-07-05
How the Carnneign Opens

1t is not an IN common occurrence at
the commencement of Prns!d, initial
campaign. for deftctions to he announced
from both parties. Upon the impulse.
here and here persons will announce their
purpose to iorSak, their former political
assoclai ion and act with the OPPOSITE on.-
Gem rally Snci determinations are the re-
suit IF some personal and local cause. not
affecting conviction as to priuciple
and policy relating to government
But III his campaign the issue is so tight
ly dra Wn bet "a cen Democratic Free Trade
and the Republican Protective policy that
changes are being d. clartd which relates
! TO that quesiio ami that given AS a rea
son for it. The Mugwumps. who lead off
for Cleveland four years ago ostensihly
b, cquse Blaine WAS not personally good
enough fer them have now that they can.
not find fault with the personnel of the
Republican ticket, been forced to state
that they will continue to aid the Demo-
Gratis because of its tariff policy. They
are free traders and were free traders in
1884, but they cannot frame an excuse other
than that they prefer the free trade pol
icy to the protective policy. This is the
case with the New York Times, the Ea,en.
ing Post, and Seth Low. They dare not
assail the personal character of the Repub-
liean nominees. Indeed they speak of
them as gentlemen of the highest charac-
ter and worthy of the high distinction
given them. They support Cleveland be-
cause he favors free trade, and oppose
Harrison because he is a pronounced sup
porter of the protective policy.
And so we find former Democrats who
have deluded themselves with the belief
heretofore, that the Democratic party was
not in favor of free trade, coming out square
ly for the Republican ticket, now that the
issue is plainly and squarely drawn between
free trade and protection. In Troy. New
York, where there are large manufacture
ing interests, the changes are numerous
and important. The Times of that city
says;
The campaign is in its infancy as yet, but al
| ready the ad vance guard f the friends of Pro-
| tectiOn-Who have heretofore tralne in Demo
cratic ranks have wheeled into line. and de
| cared for the nominees of the Republican
National Convention. James O'Neil, "a promi-
| nent real estate owner and merchant and a
director of the Central National Bank, is out
| for Harrison and Morton and Protection. Mi.
| OfNe1l's reasons for the change are follows ::
The Stars and Stripes are good enough for me.
| | shall vote the Republican national and Con-
gressional ticket this Fal. When q man who
| has been a Democrat all his life changes his
politics he ought to have some good reasons
| for the change. am for Protection, and ever
since Cleveland's Free trade message was sent
| to Congress have been resolved to vote against
4 Free Trade | believe there are Free traders
who are honest in their views. but residing as
| l do in an industrial city can see what disas-
trous results would follow the Inauguration of
| Free Trade
LAS an Illustration l will repeat what man
ufacturer of this city said to me yesterday: i
employ seventy. five men. pay them So day.
| l have received q circular sep out by trm i'll
goods. They pay theiI men 81 a day. Their
plant and capital are practically free from tax
alton. Take OFF the tariff ami must compete
| with them in open market, ana to do SO the
wages of my men first come down TO the wages
paid in Halifax Now, shall go to the polls
and ask my men to go with and vote. for
Free Trade and HALIFAX wages. OF shall we vote
| Tor Protection and our own bread and butter g."
That's lifelong and short of it. The man has
| been a long Democrat, but his eyes are
open and he will vote for Harr ison and PrOtec
ton this Fall. l was pleased TO see such a
made last night, If the Republican party is
| solid for Harrison and can get It's votes hon
| estly counte Harrison will be elected"
Hon. George b. Warren, eX mayor of Troy, a
| prominent Democrat, said to- day 81 have not
| fairly made up my mind yet how shall vote.
! Cleveland S Free-trade message made me sick.
| The parade last night was an excellent starter
for Protection. ! think Cleveland's message
| was a foolish move 1t was bad politics
! know Of several who think the same way, and
/ they will not go for Cleveland again. My son,
| 0gie 7. Warren Will cast his first vote this fall
He was in the Republican parade last night.
| He Will vote for Harrison and Morton. l may
| pot vote at all, but am sick of Cleveland's
/ FIee-trade policy
| hon John ID. Spicer, ex-comptroller. and
| te-long Democrat, said yesterday in speaking
! of the parade: 81 am not going to parade to-
night. but shall vote the National hepubli-
| can ticket this year"