Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-02-20
GROVER AND. NO TARIFF.
That Is the Cry cf the American Reform
Association at Chicago Cleveland
Writes n Strong Letter
George n Favorite.


CHICAGO, February 19.-The convention
of the American Tariff Reform Association
began business at the Madison Street Thea
ter at 2 o'clock this afternoon, when John
2. White, Secretary of the Association,
called the meeting to order. Mr.. White
said that the object OF the convention was
to arouse popular sentiment on the question
of a reform in the tariff He then read the
following letter from President Cleveland:
have received the invitation of the Tariff
Reform League to be pres ent at the convention
of tariff reformers to be held in Chicago. l
have also read the circular of the league accom-
panying this invitation, in which the objects
and purposes of the proposed convention are
specifically set forth. The scheme of prac-
tical and efficient work therein described
meets with my hearty approval and promises
if honestly adhered to, the most valuable aid
in the furtherance of cause which is very
near to the interests and welfare of our people.
The danger which we have to guard against is
the misleading of our countrymen by specious
theories, cunningly contrived, and falsely offer
ing TO the people relief from present burdens,
and the legitimate expense necessary to SECURE
the benefits of benefcient rule under the sane
tion of free institutions.
The declared purpose of your League will
not be attained until all those interested in the
economic question which is now impressed
upon their attention are freed from all sophis-
tries and clouding fallacies, and until the sub
ject of tariff reform is presented TO them as a
topic involving the relief of he plain people of
the land, in their homes, from useless and un-
Just expense. The question is simple and
plain one, and needs but to be fairly presented
to be understood. 1t is the positive duty of
your organization to guard the people against
deception.
Nv ar+rapoa q ,ntaraet in tho 1porl- ubiob vour
league has undertaken, and in the expressed
objects of the proposed convention, would lead
me to accept your invitation if 1t were possible
to do So But my public duties here positively
prevent such acceptance. Hoping that the
convention will be very successful, and with an
earnest wish for the prosperity and success of
your league in its efforts to enlighten and ben
eflt the people, am, yours very truly,
GROVER CLEVELAND.
A number of speeches were delivered.
The first was by Thos G. Shearman, of New
York, who advocated absolute free trade.
R. R. Bowker, ofNew York, another of
the orators, was sorry that his State had not
done its duty in November, but he claimed
for the State the credit of furnishing the
leader in the great work of educating the
people into the acceptance of the principles
of free trade. This evoked applause, as
indeed did every reference to Mr.. Cleveland.
j. Sterling Morton was made permanent
Chairman and Aretas W. Thomas Secre-
tary. Mr.. Morton sounded the keynote of
his remarks in the declaration that: "The
tariff is for robbery-it should be reformed
for revenue or repealed for justice"
Tonight Central Music Hall was filled
with people who came to hear Governor
Buckner, Chas. K. Ladd and Mr.. Shear
man in advocacy of the purposes of the
New York delegates to the
convention occupied boxes on the right of
the stage, Henry George in their midst
While the hall was filling Mr.. George was
pointed out to the newcomers, and many
cries for speech we're made. Mr.. George
declined to respond.