New-York tribune., 1888-08-25
THE EVIDENCE ALL AGAINST HIM.
FACTS LEARNED BY A FREE TRADE SPY.
Mr. BR1cE's AGENT THINKS woRKINGMEN HAVE
PROTECTION on THE BRAIN.

Mr.. BRIcE's AGENT THINKS woRKINGMEN HAVE
PROTECTION on THE BRAIN.
An important contribution to the literature Of the
campaign was made yesterday through the Rcpub-
lcan National Committee. 1t is not only interesting
as showing the present condition Of the Democratic
canvass in the Western states but It also explains
the sudden change Of front made by the Admlnstfa-
ton managers in attempting to sink the tariff question
OF ght instead Of making 1t the great feature OF
tie contest as originally intended
Shortly after his election to the ohaIrmanshp OF
the Democratic National Executive Committee, Mr
Brlce determined to find out for himself the exact
state OF public feeling the tariff question among
the people Of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin ana
Michigan. With this end in view he sent James
Dodge, Of Brooklyn, who had been highly
recommended to him for such work. out West to ex-
anime the political situation. Mr.. Dodge was d.
reccd go into the Western States and ascertain the
drift OF political sent ments and to deliver freetrade
addresses in working communities, and to talk when
he had opportunity with employees, and also TO CON
suit with leading Democrats with reference 10 tho
campaign The chief object Mr. Brce had In mind,
to have his agent ascertain whether 1t would be
safe TO conduct the campaign the Ines laid down
by the Presidents message, or whether 1t would be
necessary to hedge the tariff.
Mr.. Dodge has always enjoyed reputation lot
being discreet and remarkably reserved about affairs
entrusted 10 i'm, but association with Mr. Brice, how
ever, gave him acute attack Of loquacousness'
The disease did not develop however, for some time
until Mr. Dodge had accomplished his mission ana
started his return trip. lie gone five weeks
Feeling the trouble coming on, he concluded that II
would he safest for him to stop off at his old home IN
Oswego County, where he would be among the friends
Of his boyhood. He did So About the first man he
met was James Crossley, Of Syracuse To him Mr.
Dodge poured forth the story OF his Western expert
ence, with all the carnesness and energy of the An
cicnt Mariner" Mr.. Crossley forced TO listen,
and this Is what he heard from Mr.. Dodge:
In The five weeks that ! have been away have
travelled through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin
and MlcnGan and am very sorry that shall have
TO make rather discouragng report to the committee,
II they want TO know tho facts Ohio will surely be
Republican. Indiana, think. will give Harrison a
reasonable majority; why the people there en-
thusastc over him. and there is general for Har
rson's election do believe that there arc places In
Indiana where It is dangerous To mention Cleveland's
name, but OF course there IS much enthusiasm for him
in the large cities II will be close thing In Indiana,
but think they getting the best OF Illinois,
Wisconsin and Michigan are, am afraid, pretty ccr.
canyassed W train. and the result was 1ao votes for
Harrison and nineteen for Cleveland. ! have been
learned that men who we're for Cleveland four years
ago were now for Harrison, and their attachment for
him seems to be pretty strOng'
Mr. Grossley venturcd to inquire the cause OF this
apparent stampede from the Democracy. 1t IS this
free trade cry that is doing an' walled Mr.. Dodge,
adding:
"The workngmen have got protection on the brain,
and seem to he thoroughly convinced thai II tho Fem
come a law, and The 6ourlshlng industries upon Which
they rely for bread will be stricken down. The work
II docs not take very wise man TO find that out.
would wager If any one took the trip did. aud II he
told the truth, he would tell you substantially the
same story"
As Mr.. Crossley Is truthful man, the Republican
Committee feels justified in accepting his report of
what Mr.. Dodge said to him.