New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-05-13
GARFIELD AND FREE TRADE.
JUDGE KELLEY CLEARS UP A DOUBT
THE MAITrRED PRESIDENT nENoUNcED MS coB-
DEN CLUB MISUNDERSTANDING pIssEN'


THE MAnrrRnD PRESIDENT nESouScED MS con-
DEN CLUB OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES DissEN'
SION.
fnr TELEGRAra TO THs Tribunal
WASHINGTON. May lathe tariff debate to-day
developed more Of the peculiar quality OF Demo-
cratic harmony and several additional structural
defects in the Mills bill 1t established as far
rs David A. Weiss testimony could do so, that
the lamented Garfield was at one time proposed
and elected "a member of the Golden Club, but
il also proved conclusvely by that same authority,
supplemented by most historical statement by
Judge Kelley, that before his nomination to the
Presidency Garfield distinctly abandoned any Tree
trade sentiments he might previously have enter
tanned 1t also disclosed the fact that MIR. Allen
of Mississippi, the funny man on the Democratic
side, is nothing when not trying to be humorous
His attempt 10 discuss the tariff seriously was q
fat failure and the House had TO extend his time
In order 10 extract the feeblcst laugh out OF NM
The Garfield episode was called up by Towns
bend, of Illinois. Kelley OF fennsyNahia, lh.cr-
rupting him, said he had refused 10 vote Tor Gar
field as Speaker, when nominated by the Repuo-
lcan caucus, because OF his unsoundness on the
Protection question, but after visiting Louisiana
with him as one Of the visiting statesmen In 1870
lie had never doubted that Garfeld mad repenteo
Of ali his frce-trade hcresies. In his best manner
Judge Kelley proceeded TO detail how Gariieiq anu
himself and twenty or thirty others had Vlslteu
the Efiingham Lawrence sugar plantation Deiow
New-Orlc8ns, and had been shown over all inc
magnificent Improvements OF that pace, now
owned, he believed, by Governor Warmoth anu now
at the dinner afterward Garfield arose and aVowcd
himself humble disciple of the protective system
and rising from his seat at one cnd OF inc
table and walking To his Judge kellcysj al the
other end he said:
"Henceforih am your humble disciple on all
questions OF economy connected with the revenues
OF our Government My abstract opinions nave
vanished before the material facts with when
have become acquainted to-day.
Townshcnd attempted to mpeach Kelleys mem
ory of this incident by saying that Garfield was
not nominated oy the Republican caucus I'll the
year following the VISIT S 70 louisiana ana 'na'
Kelley replied that Garfield was nominated more
than once, and that there were other questions
beside tariff which might have Influenced his &c
ton and that his personal convictions wer sacred
Townshend sent TO the clerks desk and had
read letter of David A. Wells, dated May &,
1855, which distinctly asserted that GARFIELD was
made q member Of the Golden Club in company
with Henry Ward Beccher David Dudley fleld
and other distinguished citizens But this very
letter incidentally confirmed Judge Kclleys state
ment. for the writer asserted that Garfield had
abandoned his free trade principles previous TO his
nomination for the Presidency.
Then was given another manifestation OF Dem
ocratic harmony. The Kelley episode had used
mn n good deal Of Tcwnshends time, and Judge
Kelley, on tho part of the Republicans, had prom
ised unanimous consent 10 extend his hour. But
when the chairman put the question O'Nelll Dem
OF Missouri objected, and refused to withdraw his
objection. though appealed 20 by his party friends
Townshend thcreupOn rose. and. with much
warmth declared his intention hereafter TO OBJ
feet 10 any one occupying more than IN hour.
As this would effcctually shut of Speaker Car
Isle in his expected three hours CLOSING, speech
CONSERVATION descended on the ranks. The Re,
rublicans kindly came to the rescue. kean; OF
Ncw-JerSey. who was on the list TO follow.
welded Townshcnd sufficient time TO wind up his
speech and the doughty Illinoisan thereupon
u-ith1rn,r his thrcat.