The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-02-02
President Cleveland Talks About the
Contest Which Will be Wsged
in 1892.
Kooping Alivo Sectional Prejudice
tho Only Thing Which Will
Save the Republicans.


NASHVILLE, Tenn, Feb. The
American tomorrow will contain
lengthy interview with ex-President
Cleveland, had by Editor Comstock,
In substance Mr.. Cleveland said he felt
more confident than ever before of tho tr.
umpho Of tariff reform Oh the lines marked
out by the democratic party. Defeat had
only strengthened the purpose and in
creased the energy of the tariff reformers.
and confidence in the result of the next
contest appeared TO grow rs the signs of
dissensions appeared in the protectionist
ranks. One Of the most serious troubles
the republican party will have 30 encounter
is the revolt OF the New England manuisc-
turers against the republican policy, while
several northwestern states are now
doubtful in the republican col
umns only by reason of sectional
prejudice. The bloody shirt did valiant
service in the last campaign in oounteract-
ing the effect Of tariff reform arguments,
and unless that could again save the repub-
lican party from defeat, nothing else could,
The republicans OF New England and the
northwestern states, who hnd been hoping
for reduction of the tariff duties in the
hands of the republican party. are bound 10
realize sooner or later that this hope Is in
vain. What then. will they do about iig
They are already beginning 10 realize that
the party which persists in course hostile
10 their interests is their enemy, and the
party which is fighting TO give them what
they want is their friend, no matter II II
does contain certain confederate briVR-
diers"
Cleveland said he had thought the repub-
lican nnrty might make some effort 10 con-
ciliate rhe low tariff element in it's own
ranks, but the indications now appear 20 he
10 the contrary. The party leaders evident
ly thought IL wiser Ca stand by the contract
with the protected manufacturers than 10
endanger the solidity of the rich and pow
erful combination which had led IL 80 often
TO victory by departing a hairsbreadth
from the letter of the bond.
! In tee course of the conversation the ques-
tion of ballot reform was touched upon, and
I Cleveland was interrogated by the editor in
regnrd TO the details of the Dortch law in
Tennessee. lie is intensely interested in the
question. and said il was one of the most
important reforms that had been attempted
for years, and its importance was becoming
greater as the assaults upon the purity of
the ballot betame fiercer. ] asked him
| il he thought the cause of tariff reform
would profit by snch legislation. "Honest
government would profit 10y IT," said
Mr.. Cleveland, "and so would every
worthy cause. The franchise is not
debauched in the interest OF good laws
and honest government. II is by those
who have special interests 10 subserve NJ
the peoples expfnse. not by those whose
interests are in common with the ma ssee.
that the ballot il corrupted. There are no
rich and powerful corporations interested
IN buying 'iioaters, or coercinV employees 10
vote for the reformation of our tariff laws.
The powers of corruption are employed
upon the other side and tariff reforms. as
all other reforms must depend upon the
unbought suffrage Of the people. II the
people are capable OF self government, and
arc 10 remain so. there cannot be too many
safeguards about the expression of their
will"