New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-10-22
Mr. HURWS PLAIN ISSUE.

The nGmlnauOn OF proHounoeu Hieo tIo1o. .
like Mr. Wells and DR.. Everett in the hast Is
one of the pointers indicating Democratic pol
lev. The unequvocal declaration OF MIR. Hurds
views published in yesterdays issue IS another
from the West. These are both unerring signs
that the Democracy has made already close
approach to the ground occupied by it before
the War, when, under>the leadership OF raw
cotton, slaveholding Southern statesmen, it
adopted the principles of Free Trade in its
National platforms. In this respect Democracy
is true to its IeactiOnary instincts. 1t has not
profited by thirty years of National experience
which have transformed the science of political
economy. 1t has learned nothing, and it has
forgotten nothing. 1t takes up the parable OF
the Southern Free Trader in the days when
Cotton was King and bondmen were its sub
jects, and when the industrial prosperity of the
free North was considered q standing menace
to the political supremacy of shareholders.
MIR. Hurds uncompromisng views are worthy
of serious consideration because he carries out
Democratic policy to its logical results His
associates, when they are asked to explain how
far they would 90 in the direction of Free
Trade and how they would supply revenue for
the current expenses of the National Govern
sOlutely consistent in advocating Free Trade
He would abolish the tariff 30 far as it protects
any and every industry that is now subject to
foreign competition. lie would reproduce the
English Free-Trade system and the English
methods of supplying revenues for National ex-
penditures. He would tax incomes, liquor and
tobacco coffee and tea; and if the revenues
from these sources were not sufficient he would
find other articles not produced in this country
at all. or produced to a small extent, and put
tariff duties On them until the necessary amount
was raised. This is the English revenue sys-
tenn and Mr.. Hurd. finding no alternative for
it under Free Trade, frankly and uncompro-
misingly adopts it.
Now it is fortunate for the country that there
is at least one Democratic leader who says what
be means, and does not stop half way in dis
cussing economic questions. Mr.. Hurd is not
only very able contrOversialist, but also an
essentially honest leader; and in forecasting
Free Trade as the inevitable result of the
triumph of Democracy he discloses the radical
changes which would necessarily be effected
in the system of taxation. Every manufact-
uring and productive interest that is brought
into competition with foreign industries will be
left to shift for itself under Free Trade. If
taxation of incomes, whiskey, tobacco, coffee
and tea does not supply sufficient revenue for
the necessities of the Government, then any or
every product not raised in the United States
according to Mr.. IIurd's ideas may properly be
taxed. In this way an income will be provided
for the Nation in the English way without
offering any degree of protection to industries
subject to foreign competition.
Well done, Mr. Hurd. You are the cearest
logcian and the most consistent leader on the
Democratic side. You have rendered an i'm
portant service to the country by defining ex-
picitly and positively the momentOuS issues
now before the American people. You assume
that in this contest "the party names of DEM
ocrats and Republicans will be lest in the names
of Free Traders and Protectionists." How i'm
pcrtant it is. then, that all shat Free Trade
implies should be thoroughly understood by
citizens who are asked to choose between the
two rival policies! You have done your part
to make this perfectly clear, and in the name
Of the country we thank you. Free Trade in
wolves the repeal of the tariff under which the
country has enjoyed unexampled prosperity;
the subsection of every manufacturing and pro-
ductve interest to the pressure of foreign COM
petition; and taxation of incomes-the most
odious and unpopular of the war taxes-as the
chief source of National revenue. That is an
issue that every one can understand.