The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1888-09-19
ksAsoNs soa HIS FAITH.
why Congressman Fitch. of New York.
Has Left the RepubIienEts

Why Congressman Fitch. of New York.
Has LETT the Isepublifatts.
s One of the chief topics of discussion at
the national Democratic headquarters
lately has been the formal withdrawal of
Congressman Ashbei p Fitch from the
Republican party on account Of the stand
his party has takeIi 6h the tariff question.
There were suggestions that he might be
induced to deliver speeches for Cleveland
and Thur1aail. There was also some talk
of nominating him for cohgress on the
Democratic ticket. and It was generally
conceded that even us an independents can
didate he would have good chance of
election, as he WIS said to have large
personal following. The letter which he
wrote to his district association is strong
campaign document for the Democrats, as
1t shows in the Strongest light the politi-
col hypocrisy of the Republican leaders
1t is given here in full:
,FniE Island BEACH, Aug. 13. 1888
Hon. Donald Nc Lean. President Twenty
third Assembly District Enrolled Re-
pub!icans.
My DEAR STR herewith resign my
membership in the Republican associa-
tion of this district. This resignation.
under the rules. carries with it, witliouts
further action ON my part. that of my
place in the district committee and on the
delegation to the county COMMITTEES and
resolutions and membership of the execu-
tive committee of the county organiza-
tion.
My reason for tliis resignation is that
am not willing to advocate or support the
hew doctrines upon which the party man.
ayers have decided to make this campaign
am In favor. as were Garfield. Arthur
and Folger, of reasonable revision of
the present tariff in the direction of de-
innr ha Faf fhn r,f
life, and of supplying American workmen
with cheaper raw materials for manufac-
ture. believe that such revision will
increase wages and production In this
country, and will tighten somewhat the
heavy load of poverty and hardship which
SO many people in our city carry hope
lessly from year to year. am also abso-
tax on whisky. In few months after
the repeal of the internal revenue tax
there would be more distilleries than there
are school houses in Harlem, and on every
business block in our district bucket
shop would. with profit. sell whisky
bought at wholesale for twenty-five cents
gallon for three cents d glass.
The Republican party leaders have de-
termined TO make campaign in which
the expression of views such as those
above Indicated shall be described as
free trade attacks upon American indus
try, and those who hold them shall be
credited with n burning desire to aid tho
British workingnen, whom they have
never seen. US against their own friends
and countrymen. Mr.. Blaine's keynote
for the campaign. applied to our dis
trict, is that we are from now till Novcm-
Der to accuse tho Democratic and revenue
reform business men in Harlem, who in
private life are in partnership with us in
all commercial, charitable, social and re-
ligious affairs, of being engaged in n con-
spiracy, inspired by England, to ruin
their own country and degrade their fell
low citizens. have no desire to take part
in such a campaign. fancy that England
has In this district about as many ad-
hercnts MS China has, and that the voters
who will vote this fall IN Harlem and
Yorkville for a revision of the tariff are
as sincere friends of American industry
as any of us are. And very much pre-
fer, If necessary, to be in minority for
the rest of my life rather than to make a
successful campaign on what seems to
mo to be q ridiculous and unfounded mis-
representation of the efforts and motives
of my neighbors. am, with sincere re-
gard and respect. your friend,
AsHBEL p. FITCH.
MIR. Fitch has great influence in his dis
trict. which is naturally Democratic, but
which he carried by fair majority.
Speaking on this subject. Col Tracy said:
Mr.. Fitch Is undoubtedly very popu-
lar man personally, or he could not have
been elected as Republican in district
He has two important elements Of
strength. The brewers are solid for him,
as he is member of their association,
and for some reason the shopkeepers on
Third avenue in Harlem are all for him
He unquestionnbly got large number of
Democratic votes, as saw men whom
Know voting for him very freely. He
ought to bring out of the Republican
party as many votes as he carried over to
it. have no doubt he will be asked to
make speeches for Cleveland and Thur
man, although the committee has taken:
no steps in that direction yet"
It is predicted by well informed Demo
Gratis that Mr.. Fitch's action will have an
important influence outside of as well as
III New York, as by reason of his rela-
ton with the brewery interests he pos
seSses much Influence in that direction.
and his example is liable to be followed
by men of prominence in other cities, as
the brewers are as' rule strongly in
favor Of tax reduction.
The formation of a Republican tariff
reform Cleveland club for the support of
tho Democratic national ticket, while re-
naming Republican on state and local
issues. mas Deen quietly ulscuSSeP for sew
eral days past, and while the movement
has not yet taken positive shape. it is
said that quite a number of well known
Republicans in the dry goods district and
among the exchanges are contemplating
such a step. The organization. when
formed. will open headquarters and de
vote it's efforts mainly to the dissemina.
tion of tariff reform literature.
Congressman Fitch's district has never
been a particularly harmonious one for
the Republicans. A fight has been going
On there for years between Frank Ray
mond. tho Republican leader, and ex-
Assemblyman Leroy b Crane, who as
pires to leadership. Mr.. Fitch, it is
expected. will join Tammany Hall.-New
YORK World.