The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-07-27

Whatever may De the motives which ac-
tuate Mr. Blaine in the position which he
has lately taken in connection with reel
procity treaties, there can Doe no doubt that
he has enlisted on his side thereby num-
Der Of influential elements in his own party
that have been disposed TO look askant at
the Mckinley bill, although approved by
the Republican party in general. Inc re-
cent conventions Of farmers in the West
farmers who have always been supporters
Of Republican principles in national af-
fairs-have condemned the Mckinley bill
either by name and without reserve or 10y
implication. i'm language equally a. strong,
being influenced 10 some degree, very prob
ably. by Mr.. Baine's famous reference to
that bill az one that did not contain line
that would open market for another bushel
Of wheat or barrel Of pork.
The Secretary of State is a politician of
unrivalled shrewdness and the most calcu-
lating insight, and it may Doe taken for
granted that ne would not have set himself
so distinctly against this bill, a. he has
practically done in his letters to Senator
FRYE. unless he had very good reason TO
think that he was supported by strong
sentiment in his own party. II is true that
I'm attacking the Mckinley bill he could not
bnt diminish the political stature u Con
gresham Mckinley in the eyes of the Re-
publican party, Just as in attacking the
rulings of Mr. Reed. he was lessening the
glory Of that smiling despot. but whether
MIR. Blaine was Influenced 10y personal or
by patriotic reasons, his whole recent course,
with the possible exception of the part
which ne has taken in the Behring sea con-
troyersy, in which he may have advanced
too broad a claim, has been such as to com
mend him 10 the consideration of the Amer
lean people irrespective of their partisan
affiliations. Here il at least one Republican
who is either bold or polite enough to con-
denim directly the tariff bill and indirectly
the Election bill, both measures which are
totally unworthy of the favorable regard Of
anv lust minded citizen of any party.
In advocating treaties Of reciprocity be-
tween this country and south America
MIR. Blaine is sustained by the impartial
svmpathy OF the American public, and es-
pecially by the warm approval Of the farm
ing classes, who are languishing on account
of the restriction of the deld OF sale now
open TO them in disposing of their products.
Considered from an entirely independent
point Of view, it would seem the very height
Of folly to allow the products Of the South
American States to lind free admission 70
our ports, without, at the same time, re-
curing that those States shall in their turn,
allow our products to enter untaXed the
South American ports. And yet this Is pre-
cisely what the United states is doing
Under the terms Of the Mckinley bill
South American sugar can be introduced
into this country free Of duty, but American
farming products have to pay heavy i'm
port tax, before they can pass through
South American custOm-houses. Ii If
against this inequality that Mr.. Blaine Is
now so vigorously protesting, and in the cf
fort which he is making to remove IL, lac
will have the sympathy, approval and sup
port of every patriotic citizen Of the United
states.