Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-02-02
GROVER CLEVELAND.
He Discusses the Tariff Question and
Ballot Reform.

Ballot Reform.
NASHVILLE, February 1st.-The american
tomorrow will contain lengthy interview
with ex-President Cleveland had by editor
Cormack. In substance il says Mr.. Cleve-
land said he felt more confident than ever
before Of the triumph of tariff reform on
the lines marked out by the Democratic
party. Defeat only strengthened the pnr-
pose and increased the energy of tariff re-
forms and confidence in the result of the
next contest appeared TO grow as the signs
of discussions appeared in the protect mist
ranks.
One of the most serious troubles the Re-
publican party will have to encounter is
the revolt of the New England manufact-
urers against the Republican policy, while
several Northwestern States are now held
doubtful in the Republican column only
By the reason of their sectional prejudice.
The bloody shirt did valiant service in
the last campaign in counteracting the
effect of tariff reform arguments, and IN
less that could again save the Republican
party from defeat, nothing else could.
The Republicans of New England and
the Northwestern States who have been
hoping for reduction of the tariff duties
at the hands of the Republican party are
bound to realize. sooner or later, that their
hope is in vain. What, then, will they do
about it? They are already beginning to
realize that the party which persists in a
course hostile TO their interests is their
enemy and the party which is fighting to
give them what they want is
taeir friend, no matter if does
contain some Confederate brigsdiers.
Cleveland said he had thought the Re-
publican party might make some effort to
conclliate the lowtariff sentiments in its
own ranks, but indications now appear to
be 10 the contrary.
The party leaders evidently thought it
wiser to stand by their contract with the
protected manufacturers than to endanger
the solidity of the rich and powerful COM
bination which had helped it so often to
victory.
In the course of the conversation the
question of ballot reform" was touched
upon, and Cleveland Intercepted the
editor in regard TO the details of the law in
Tennessee. He is intensely interested in
the question, and said it was one of the
most important reforms that had been at
tempted for years, and its importance was
becoming greater as assaults upon the
purity Of the ballot became f.rcer.
Il asked him if he thought the cause of
tariff reform would profit by such legis-
lation?"
IAN honest Government would profit By
it." said Mr.. Clevsland, land SO would
every worthy cause. The franchise is not
debauched in the interest of good laws and
an honest government. 1t is only by those
who have special interest to subserve at
the peoples expense, and not those whose
interests are in with the masses, that the
ballot is corrupted. There are no such
powerful corporations interested in buying
'hoaters' or coercipg employees TO vote for
reformation of our tariff laws. The powers
of corruption are employed on the other
side, and tariff reform. as all other reforms,
must depend upon the unbought suffrage
of the people.
iii the people are capable of elf-govern-
ment, and are 10 remain so, there cannot
be too many safeguards thrown about the
expression of their will"