The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-08-01
CREAM OF THE PRESS.
CTrent Topics Clipped From the Lead
ing Papers of the Country.
Philadelphia Telegraph.

Philadelphia Telegraph
For very many years Mr.. Blaine has Oc-
cupied position Of such prominence and
influence in the Republican party that he
could express himself at any time upon any
public question as he saw fit, without fear
of party discipline. But times have
changed 1t was quite impossible for the
Secretary of state to speak out as he has
done with regard TO the policy of the recog-
nized leaders of his party in Congress with
out very quickly bringing upon himself
their unmeasured, albeit for a time con-
cealed, wratblul vengeance. Awkward at
tempts are being made TO try to make
it appeor otherwise. one contemporary,
through its well-traned W ashingtOn bureau,
makes an earnest effort to discrtdit the cur
rent stories Of outward signs of inward
eruption, but its conclusions only confirm
the worst suspicious, prove, indeed. all that
has been said, and more. 1t is admitted
that there is "irrtation" in the Senate and
House at Mr.. Blaine's crushing blows at
the Mckinley bill. Then il is naively. added
that il is not believed that he should be put
in opposition 10 the measure, and that
there are likely TO be some developments
within a few days to make this fact clear.
In other words, the Secretary is to be
taken aside and wrestled with. After that,
what:
Mr. Blaine too clearly understands the
use Of the English language not TO realize
that his recent letters on the Tariff bill must
stand as they were written, or their author
forever hide his head, as political paltroon
of the basest sort. These letters are capa-
ble of but one construction. They were
meant TO smite certain Of the laundering
features Of this Tariff bill 20 the very earth.
and that is the way the country will always
regard them. But if Mr.. Blaine refuses 10
swallow himself, what then? After that
the greatest performance of all. Mr.. Reed.
Mr.. Mckinley and Mr.. Lodge, il the House,
Mr.. Chandler, Mr.. Hoar and Mr.. ingalls,,
in the Senate, and other leaders in and out
Of Congress, know full well what ri
diculOus spectacle they would cut before
the country next fall with the recent ring
ing publications of the Secretary of State
meeting them at every turn, shaping them
in the face on every stump. They must do
one Of two things; they must scare Mr..
Blaine-or run themselves.
The small boy saw the big "spooks" hiC-
ing in the bushes. They made all sorts of
noises, danced war-who0ps, and thought to
scare the life out Of him, but he seized "A
stout club. and the big "spOOksv speedily
took to their heels. The big 'fraids were
run OF by the little 'frad. Out of the mouth
Of babes and sucklings, from the torn and
crumpled books of the nursery, the states
men Of to-day may learn valuable lesson.
When they prepare 10 Jump on Blaine
they will lind that in this instance a vast
majority Of the Republican party, utterly
Disguised with their foolishness, selfish
ness and short sightedness, will "jump- on
them. When this new crisis comes, the
authors Of the new ''rule of three" in the
senate and House will think the heavens
and the earth have come together.
spasmodic Reform.
lChicago News
Better late than never is a good motto
within certain limitations, but IL is also a
mischicyous one. Too often it is used as an
excuse for shortcomings that might have
been avoided. Take spasmodic reform i'm
city governments, for instance. Ii is a good
thing 10 have reform OF any kind al any
time; IL must not be condemned because il
il only partial In its effect and is under
taken AT the eleventh hour. But would il
not be infinitely better II il were begun
early and continued later just now the |
authorities are making vigorous warfare
upon the violaters OF the smoke ordinance.
Al! except the victims applaud them for il,