The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1888-08-03
NOT BS AND NEWS.
THE REPUBLICANs MUST RECKON WITH
THIS rACT--A MASSACHUSETTS VIEW.

THE REPUBLICANS MUST RECKON WITH
THIS FACT--A MASSACHUSETTS VIEW.
From the Springfield Republican, Rep.
In party sense the nomination ID
perhaps the shrewdest that could have
been made. There would have been q
certain fitness in the choice of Blaine
had not his own previous words for
hidden him TO accept with decency-
for Blaine is the dominating personal
influence in the party and the author
OF its avowed policy. But after his
two letters his nomination would have
80 intensified the personal objections
which defeated him before that the
party would have added a very heavy
risk to the burdens under which il was
already staggering.
The issues are now made up and
how do they standi The choice is to
be made, apparently, on two questions
the tariff and the general conduct of
administration. On the one side,
Cleveland's administrative record, with
the prospect 1t offers in case of sec-
ond term; on the other side, the degree
of ability, honesty and efficiency to he
expected from Harrison with the Re-
publicans behind him. On the one
side, reduction of the tariff about as
proposed in the Mil bill-say an aver
age of 10 per cent; on the other side,
the maintenance or the advance of the
tariff. These two points, we think,
are what is really involved. The section
al issue may be appealed to, but we
trust will be left mainly i'll the back
ground.
The Republican party has turned its
back on its own record, disregarded
the palpable and crying needs of the
situation, and allied itself with a com.
pact moneyed interest as against the
interests of the people at large. 1t
has done this, we believe, under the
partisan impulse 70 oppose whatever a
Democratic President did or proposed.
So against the Presidents bravest and
wisest act-the call for q reduction
that should clear off the surplus-the
party, at Mr.. Blaine's summons, threw
itself in bitter opposition. The cry of
protection to the American laborer"
was caught up as a taking campaign
catch.word. We believe the Republi.
can stump speakers talk worse than
they mean, aud that, were the respon-
of power thrown on them, we
should at least hear no more of raising
The tariff. But they have committed
themselves hopel' ssly against lowering
il.
On this question the Democratic
party, for the first time since the war,
has made definite, resolute, sagacious
advance on great governmental ques-
lion. 1t owes this advantage chiefly
10 the fact which is the party's one
great merit in the eyes of the country
the strong personality and command
ing leadership of President Cleveland.
He has shown himself an honest, able,
ruler. He is not an ideal
st, nor an uncompromising apostle of
reform: he has conceded much for the
'ake Of controlling his party; he has
tolerated at least a few very weak
spots in the administrative service.
But he has proved most skilful party
and the power which he thus
holds he has in every crisis-whether
,onf'onted by an extravagant pension
bill or the nomination of an Interstate
Commission or Chief Justice-used
straight for the good OF the country.
And the country likes President Cleve-
and very much-likes him and trusts
Republicans must reckon
with that fact.