The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-20
THE TARIFF REFORM LEAGUE.
An Autograph Letter From President
Cleveland Read

An Autograph Letter From President
Cleveland Read.
CTcAGo, ILL.,, Feb. lD.-Thc Convention
OF the American Tariff Reform Association
began business at the Madison Street The.
alter at . o'clock this afternoon, when John
H. White. secretary OF the association
called the meeting 10 order. There was not
full attendance, only 200 Of the 600 dclc.
gates being present This was expected,
however, as the opening session Was sim.
ply TO make preliminary arrangements for
the regular session in the evening.
Mr. White said that the object oi the
convention was to arouse a popular scnii-
ment on the question Of a reform in the
tariff. lie then read letter from Prci.
dent Cleveland. OF which the following Is a
copy, Ia reply to an invitation 10 be- pres.
cnt NJ the convention OF the National Tar
in Reform League. Il is entirely IN the
Presidents handwriting. At one point
there is an evident omission Of some words
necessary 10 thc scuso, aud tho,u suggested
by Secretary White as She probable ones
are inserted In brackets:
ENrDuuvE MANSION.
MAl,NsluN, Juu %, l.,1
john 2 white ~. scrrlafy
Dear Sr-l have received the invita-.
ton Of the Tariff Reform League to be
present at the convention Of Tariff Re-
formers TO be- held In the city Of Chicago
on the 10Th, 2Oth, and 2lst OF February,
1859.
have also read the circular of the
League accompanying this invitation, in
which the objects and purposes Of the pro.
posed convention arc specifically set forth.
The scheme Of practical and efficient
work therein described meets my hearty
approval and promises, II honestly all
hcrcd tO, the most valuable aid In the
iurthcmncc Of a cause which Il very near
10 the interests and welfare Of our people.
The danger which We have 10 guard
/ against Is the misleading Of our country.
men by ,pccious theories cunningly con-
| tnycd aud falsely Offering to the people
relief from prcsrnt burdens and the logiti-
mate LcXpcnsc necessary tO secure the ]
benefits Of bcnciiccnt rule under the
sanction Oi free institutions The declared
purposes Of your league will not be- at
taincd until al those interested In the
economic question. whicl! IL nov pressed
upon their attention, are freed from all
sDphistfiCs aud clouding illlaciCs and un.
oil the sub ioct oi tariff reform h presented
them "a a topic involving thc relief oi the
| plain people Of the land in their homes
from useless aud unjust expense. The
question s a simple and plain one, aud
needs bat a. br fairly presented 10 be- uu.
/ dcrsloDd. II il the positive duty Of your
organization 10 gard the people against
| deception. My cX,rumc Interest in the
work which your league has undertaken.
and In thg expressed objects Of the pro.
posed convention, would lead me 10 ac-
ccpt your invitation II II we're possible "a
DO ~. lut my public duties here posi-
! lively prevent such acceptance.
Hoping that the convention will be- ycry
successful, and with an earnest wish iof
the prosperity and success Of your loagu,
In H. clorts 10 cnlightcn and benefit th,
people, am. youn very truly
GuoyER CLryTLtSD.
Great applause greeted the reading o
the letter, alter which routine business
began.
! r. Bnriit Smith, Of Chicago, wa
elected temporary chairman, and read al
address.