Wichita eagle., 1888-06-07
THE TARIFF PLANK.
The Old 1884 Platform Adopted by the
Committee.

ST. LOUIS, June 6.-The committee on
resolution resumed session 10 o'clock this
morning at the Southern hotel The sub
committee appointed TO draft the plat
form entered soon afterwards, looking
exceedingly wearied by their long session
last night. They reported inability to
agree to the point at issue, being the
question of reaffirmng the tariff plank in
the platform of 1854. The subcommittee
had listened to earnest appeals last night
In favor and opposed TO the question. but
could not agree. German proposed re-
affirmation of the tariff plank in the 1854
platform and general endorsement of the
policy of reduction as indicated in the
presidents tariff message.
Watterson opposed any allusion to the
'S4 platform, which he deemed equivocal
and Indirect. German addressed the COM
mittee for an hour ana emphasized the ex-
pediency of moderate tariff reform. While
he expressed hopes Of Democratic success
In New York as much more sure than four
years ago. he remarked that Indiana land
he appealed to Senator Turpie to confirm
his statement, New Jersey and Conuecli-
Cut were doubtful. and he would have no
hope of his party carrying them upon
n tariff for revenue only platform.
German argued IN conclusion that the
platform of 81 was one upon which Cleve-
land was elected; that he accepted nomin-
alton or ii and has (Gorman stated been
content to administer executive Office in
accordance with its principles. 1t has
ample latitude, as much as the admins
tratlOn itself desires, and it would he inl-
polite at this time to make IL more en-
phatic. WatterSon responded III an ad-
dress OF about an hours duration. The
platform of four years ago. he said, was
IL IL. IL L
en- resolutions IN the convention of 1884.
Its advocates had said. Let us get
into power and then we can frame
policy 10 suit our party views. The is
sue of that election, said WatterSon. did
not prove system of an eQuivocal policy,
1t was not policy pleasing TO our popular
American manhood: II came TO a stigma
d,straddleand there was sodium attached
TO it from which it could not be freed.
The campaign. fortunately for the Demo-
cratic party, by nomination OF Blaine had
become one OF personalities and Cleveland
had been elected. The result did not
prove the strength of the eighty-fourrh
platform and did not justify the faith of
advocates of the straddlIng policy. In his
Judgment there was no craftsmanship in
duplicity. Ii would, he thought be wise
TO take an aggressive stand, as the Demo
cratic party had now been irrevocably com
Initted TO the policy of horizontal redUc-
llOn pS AISNtIalNl y IaSl iDSSSaSS ana US
utterances OF a majority Of the Democratic
party in the house of representatives.
From that position, said Watterson earn
estly. there can be no retreat. Our posi-
tion is clearly announced. 1t is known 60
our opponents and to the people He be
lieved, moreover, that the bold. manly
tone of Cleveland's message had had
very happy effect.
Utmost candor OF expression character
lied the remarks of both Watterson and
Senator German. and perfect good feeling
was maintained throughout. But it soon
became evident that their relative posi-
tons on the point at issue would be main
tained and il became as evident that
majority of the committee had been i'm
pressed with Gorman's candid statement
Of the political eXpediency involved in
question. Throughout the discussion mem
bers OF the committee listened with eager
attention and though the heat OF the com
mlttee room was almost insufferable, rot
a chair was vacated during the long ses-
sion.
The doors were kept fully locked and
throngs OF prominent gentlemen, among
whom was Colonel Morrison. of Illinois,
waited lmpatiently IN the corridor for any
Information that could be CLEANED as to
proceedings from any member OF commit