The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1889-01-05
Fsria Reform
letter frans Prssfdsst CteyeIaaa Ia fhe
MR..aehaseass TartH KeSarta League.

The Massachusetts Tariff Reform League
I had lis annual dinner in Boston Oh Friday ol
i last week, aud ameag the guests EsEe aam-
( Der cf distinguished people, and several sent
I letters. Here Is the ore trom Presideat Cleye.
land:
Executive MkSsIsN.
WASHINGTON. d. C.. Dee. -, 1855.
( Nsssra Sherman. Hear sItd otkers, C'osss
GgxrIExEx: am exceedingly sorry thss
/ | czaB0i be present % the ANIMAL dinner OF
The Massachusetts TarG Reform League on
the 2ssa instant. Thisis mex Eerelys formal
and common expression az regret II iraly
I indicates how mach should enjoy meeting
the members Of your league. aud hos glad |
should be 70 express ia person ny Rpprecla
ton Of their important services ia cause 20
which / am earnestly attached, and 70 &C
knowledge at the same time their frequent
and encouraging manifestations OF personal
friendliness. know. too, that Il would be
profitable and advantageous 70 be even Tor
brief period within the inspiring influence Of
the atmosphere surrounding patriotic and IN
selfish men, banded together ia the interests
OF their fellow countrymen and devoted to
the work Of tariff reform.
This -eform appears 70 me to be as Tar
reaching In its purposes Is the destiny OF our
country. and As broad in It's beaeicenee as
( the MtffhrE NNE GNAftt tiEGi7fGs ~ - -H-f
cause the efforts Of It's advocates are not dis.
credited by any sOrdid motive that they are
able bodied ant confidently to attack the
stronghoIds Of selfishness and greed. Ourln
stitutions were constructed N pgrity Ot pur-
nose and love for humanity. Their operation
Is adjusted to the touch of national virtue aud
patriotism, and their results under such guId
ance must De the prosperity and happiness Of
our people; and SO long as the advocates Of
tariff reform appreciate the sentiments in
which our institutions had their origin, so long
as they apprehend the forces which alone can
guide their operation; so long as they, in
spirit of true patriotism, are conseerated 10
the service of their country, temporary defeat
brings 40 encouragement. IL but proves the
stubbornness OF tho forces Of combined sell
6shness and discloses hOw far the people hsve
been led asiray and how great Is the necessity
of redoubled efforts in their behalf To lose
faith in the intelligence of the people is a sur.
render and an abandonment Of the struggle.
To arouse their intelligence and free It from
darkness and delusion gives assurance OF
speedy and complete victory.
Ia the track of eiOrm are often found the
dead hopes OF pioneers and the despair of
those who fall in the march. But there will
be neither despair nor dead hopes in the path
of tariff reform, nor shall its pioneers fail to
reach the heights. Holding fast their faith
and rejecting every alluring overture aud
every deceptive compromise which would be.
tray their sacred trust, they themselves shall
regain and restore the patrmony of their
countrymen, freed from the trespass of grasp
ing encroachment and safely secured by the
genius of American justice and equality.
Yours, very truly.
GROVER CLEVELAND.