, 1888-10-25
VOORHEES, CHALLENGED.
The Tariff Issue.
To the Republican Central Commit
tee of Washington Territory:

tee of Washington Territory:
GENTLEMEN: My opponent for
Joint councilman seems to feel insult
ed over MY iuvirtation for a joint
discussion of the political issues OF
the day-he having called at my Of
fee during my absence IN Mason
county, and having there claimed
that l was taken undueadvantage of
him. He claimed that he did not
know what were the issues between
the two political parties, and desired
that l should inform him. l have
no time to waste On any man. who,
while aspiring to election as mem
ber of the Legislature, admits HIM
self to be unprepared, through jg-
norance, to discuss the political Is
sues in the campaign-and who can
not even tell what these issues are.
When in Seattle, just after my Invl-
tation to Mr.. Donovan was publish
ed, ! met that ardent democratic
Journalist, Mr.. Ellicott, and was by
him taunted with desiring to make a
parade of myself over my opponent.
He said IF it were Charley Voorhees,
you would be very clear of inviting
him 10 joint discussion" | assured
Mr.. Eliicott that were Mr.. Voorhees,
my opponent, [ would do exactly as
L had dono with Mr.. Donovan-be-
lieving it TO be courtesy to him, and
Justice to the voters who were expect
ed to choose between us. Mr.. Eli
colt scorned the idea. It was my
fortune later to listen to a democrat
ic orator, who landed MIR. Voorhees,
as the oratoricaI gladiator, the
champion par excellence, the
political giant striding up
and down through Washington Ter
ritory daring anyone from among the
republican host to knock the chip off
his shoulder-or words to that effect.
He was invincible. Republican
speakers were very brave behind his
back, but dared not meet him face to
face, etc. etc In fact the idea seem
ed to be that republicans were mere
ly II pack of yelping ours at the heels
of this mental COLOSSUS of Rhodes.
Now there is limit beyond which
1 become exceedingly fatlgued by
tauntsn and sneers. MIR. Voorhees,
himself is reported to have recently
referred lin a speech in eastern
Washingtonl to country editors,
whom he characterized as bullet
headed" said that they were 'cattle,'
had "sawdust for brains," etc, etc
1t may be that Mr.. Voorhees,, with
his splendid abilities, is justified in
assuming lofty contempt for poor
country editors. 1t may be that the
sneers and taunts OF democratic
speakers are justified by the pre-.
eminent, commanding abilities of the
young congressman, and the poor
quality of republican talent; it may
be that fools rush in where angels
fear to tread," but I wish to announce
that I will meet Mr.. Voorhees, at any
time or place he may designate be-
tween now and election day (Sundays
excepted) and discuss with him the
tariff issue as embodied in The Mills
bill on the one hand, AID the repub-
liean tariff bill on the other hand
each of us to have one weeks notice
for preparation on stated PROPOSE
ton.
will take the affirmative and as
sumo the burden of proof in favor oi
a protective tariff as against tariff
for revenue only; or, 1 will discuss
the question In any other way that
will insure fair consideration of the
merits Of this great question just
now dividing the two great political
parties, and will accept the verdict
by majority vote, of any intelligent
audience in the Territory, as deter
mining the esult of the debate after
listening to it. l do not claim the
ability to successfully contend with
Mr.. Voorhees, in an eyen-handed
contest. He has had the advantages
OF training in an eastern college of
rhetoric and elocution. ! am moth.
ing but poor "bullet-headed" coun
try editor But / believe the posi-
ton of the republican party on the
tariff issue in this contest to be
enough stronger than that of the
democratic party to afford vantage
ground that might make us equal.
| would suggest that the question be
formulated as follows.
"Rsseived; That tariff for pro-
lection OF home industries is moro
conducive to the material welfare of
Washington Territory than would be
tariff for revenue only"
Should Mr.. Voorhees, prefer to dis
cuss his claims for recollection, on the
statehood or forfeiture issues, l will
discuss either or both with him, but
I regard the protective tariff, FOSTER
ed by the republican party, and the
blow attempted to be struck by the
Mills bill at the leading industries of
Washington Territory as involving a
great and overshadowihg issue, and
one that may well engage the high,
est class of statesmanship that ever
expended itself in promoting the
welfare of any commonwealth.
l understand that Mr.. Voorhees,
proposes to attack me all over my
district. Mr.. Donovan has publish-
ed in his paper, the Whatcom Benz
otrdt, an acceptance of my invita-
tlon for joint discussion; but he can
not possibly comply, according to his
own confession of lack of prepara-
ton When in Port Townsend he
said he intended to go through the
district with Mr.. Voorhees,. Presum
ably he expects the latter to assist
him to an election. If Mr.. Voorhees,
IS the one | have to run against there
should be a fair understanding at the
outset. Respectfully,
ALLEN WEIR.
Port Townsend, W. T., Oct. %.