The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1889-07-10
GORMAN'S EULOGY OF BARNUM.

1t is claimed that Senator Germans
warm eulogy of the late Chairman Bar
mum at the recent meeting of the Dem
ocratic National Committee was in
tended as slap at the free trade ele-
ment. 1t would hardly seem that such
was the fact. Senator German was
eulogizing Mr.. Barnum as an ideal
Democrat, whose devotion to his party
was so unwavering that he would give
it all possible support even when it
championed doctrines which he be-
lieved to be wrong. AS an illustration
he cited Mr.. Barnums course in the
last campaign. A firm be lever in pro-
lection, Mr.. Barnum nevertheless gave
his support to the Democratic free
trade party and did all he could to pro-
mote its success. His death was be-
lieved to have been FASTENED by his
Jealous labors in behalf of the Democ-
racy. Said Senator German in his eu-
logy:
1t is we'll known that Mr. Barnum did not
think the lines of battle were in all respects
discreetly chosen. Many thoughtful Demo-
Gratis there were who believed his declina-
ton would be misunderstood; that with
New York. New Jersey and Connecticut
were indispensable TO success. They urged
him 20 remain on the committee; that even
If his counsel aud direction were not indis.
pensable his Withdrawal would be hurtful.
His patriotism or his pattisanship-whic
TO him were synonymous terms-tri-
umphed. He remained on the committee
and served as our Chairman. The labors
were too much. the strain too great. Those
OF us who were near him begged that he
ant pnn ia orb hai fhn ,fagf
closed. He turned to US and said Il was
convinced against my wish that my SER
vices and the vote Of Connecticut were
necessary to my party's success. 60 homo
tomorrow 10 redeem my promise. III we
are defeated in Connecticut it would break
my heart. 1t We carry il. and l should
never soc you again. remember / but did
my duty"
Rather than as reproach to the
free-traders, Germans eulogy may be
regarded as an admonition to the pro-
tectionist Democrats that the true
Bourbon will sacrifice any political
opinion or principle for the sake of a
party victory. Because Mr.. Barnum
did that in respect to his protectionist
principles, he was Landed as n model
Democrat, and it would seem that Sen
ator German intended to commend
Barnum's example to other protection
ist Democrats. Mr.. Barnum's course
was praised as that of a sterling Dem
ocrat, and the only legitimate inference
Is that other protectionist Democrats
are admonished to do likewise when
called upon by the party to battle for
free trade Party fealty comes first
and matters of political principle are
secondary to success at the polls.
Such was the doctrine German injected
into his eulogy of the late Democratic
Chairman.
The truth is that the more radical
the Democratic party becomes in it's
advocacy of free trade the more impor-
tant and valuable are the services of
its protectionist members. The posi-
ton which the party has taken makes
it certain of the votes of all men who
consider free trade the supreme Issue,
and hence the great problem with the
managers Is how to retain the largest
possible number of Democratic protec-
tionists. Success is thought to be
most likely if protectionist managers
are provided for a free trade party.
That was the course followed last year,
and doubtless a great deal of strength
was saved the party by protectionist
Democrats like Barnum and German.
Mr.. Cleveland fully approved this
policy. While he advocated free trade
and made it the chief issue, he took
care not to exclude protectionist Dem
ocrats from recognition, fellowship and
reward. Any protectionist Democrat
who would support free trade heartily
was still in full communion. Many
radical free-traders urged that protec-
ZIONIST Democrats should be shown no
federation, but Mr.. Cleveland never
assented to such a policy. He wanted
all the votes he could get, and as he
was sure of the freetraders under any
circumstances he considered it the best
policy to have protectionists like Bar
mum manage a free trade campaign and
retain as many as possible of the high
tariff Democrats. In all likelihood
that will be the Democratic policy in
the next campaign. Chicago Tribune.
whitney and Briee.