The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-06-07

agree. Mr.. German proposed reafflrmation
of the tariff plank in the 1884 platform and
general Endorsement of the policy of reduc-
ton as indicated in the Presidents tariff
message.
MR. WATTERSoN'S STAND.
Mr., Watterson opposed any allusion to
the 1854 platform, which be deemed equivo-
cal and indirect
Mr.. German addressed the committee for
an hour and emphasized the political ex-
pedences Of the modern tariff policy.
While he considered the prospects of demo-
cratic success in New York much better
than they were four years ago, he regarded
Indiana, land be appealed to Senator Turpie
TO confirm his statement New Jersey and
Connecticut as doubtful, and he would have
no hope of his party carrying them upon
tariff for revenue only platform. Mr..
German argued in conclusion that the
platform of 1884 was the one upon which
Mr.. Cleveland was elected; that he accepted
the nomination upon 1T, and has (Mr Cor
man stated been content to administer the
executive Office in accordance with It's prln-
ciples. 1t has ample latitude, as much as
the administration itself desires, and it
would be impolitic at this time to make 1T
more mphatic
of about one hours duration.
sTRADDLE
The platform of four years ago, he said,
was a straddle. and was 50 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 party views" Tho issue
Of that election, said Mr. Watterson,
did not prove the wisdom Of an equiv
ocal policy. 1t was not policy pleasing
to our American manhood, it became to be
sugmatzed as A straddle, and there was an
odlum attached to it from which it could
not be freed. The campaign, fortunately
for the democratic party, 10y the nomina-
ton Of Blaine had become one of PERSONAL
ties, and President Cleveland had been
elected. The result did not prove the
strength of the 1884 platform and did not
justify the faith of the advocates of the
straddhng policy.
In his Judgment, there was no statesman
ship 10 duplicity. 1t would, he thought, be
wise to take an aggressive stand as the
democratic party had now been irrevocably
committed to the policy of horizontal
reduction by President Cleveland's last
message and by the utterances of the ma
jority of the democratic party in the house
of representatives. From that position,
said Mr.. WattersoD, there can be no retreat.
Our position is clearly announced, it is
known to our opponents, and to the people.
He believed, moreover, that the bold,
manly tone of President Cleveland's message
had had very happy effect. The utmost
candor of expression characterized the re-
marks of Mr. Watterson and Senator
German, and perfect good feeling was
maintained throughout, but it soon became
evident that their relative positions
upon the point at issue would be
maintained, and it became clear that the
majority of the committee had been i'm
pressed with Mr.. Germans candid state
ment of the political expediency involved in
the question. Throughout the discussion
the members of the committee listened with
eager attention, and though the heat of the
committee rooms was almost inSutferable,
not a chair was vacated during the long
session. The doors were kept carefully
locked all the morning, and throngs of
prominent gentlemen, among whom was
Col. Morrison of Illinois, waited impatiently
In the corridor for any information that
could be CLEANED as to the proceedings from
any member OF the committee who might
appear in the corridor for a momentary
breath of fresh air.
THE DEBATE.
At noon the general debate was begun
upon the question of reathrmlng the plat
form of 1884, ten minutes to be allowed each
state and the vote TO be had at 30 o'clock.
The debate, however, was prolonged till
after 3 o'clock. By vote of 25 to 10 the
committee agreed to Mr. Germans propo-
sition to indorse and reiterate the tariff
platform of 1884. 1t is understood that
there will be no serious divisions upon the
other planks in the platform. The COM
mittee reassembled tonight at O'Clock for
consideration of the platform by sections
Mr.. w atterSon received several kilograms
failure to indorse the Mills bill in conven-
ton may defeat it i'll Congress.
1T TOOK JUST DAY.
ST. LOUIS, June g, 610 p. M-Twenty
hours, exactly, is the time il took to pre-
pare the tariff plank that could he agreed
upon for the campaign of 1888. AR Wat
terson told the reporters tonight the sub
stance of it. 1t is this: That we renew our
fealty to the Democratic principles and re-
affirm the platform of 1884 and indorse the
the last annual message of the President and
declare it a correct Interpretation of the
platform, and approve the efforts of our
democratic representatives in congress to
secure reduced taxation. In a separate
resolution to be offered to the convention
tomorrow we commend the Mills bill, urg-
ne its passage at an early day"
"Was there anything else, Mr.. Waiter
sonF veptured a reporter to his patient
but nearly exhausted victim. "What
about silverF
'Oh, - silver" shouted Mr.. Waiter
son, unable to submit longer, and bursting
away from his pursuers, he was gone.