Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-01-30


A Wessern Btzitnr fns IN Intsrvssw WlfA
the Ex-Rresideat-The EaxiR the Crest
Questi0a Before the American People.
NEW York, Jan 2s.-Morrisop Mum
ford, editor of the Kansas City Times.
who is visiting here, has had an inter-
esting interview with ex-President
Cleveland. From the account which he
telegraphed his paper, the following
portions of general interest are taken:
ssMr. Cleveland has lost none of the
zeal for tariff reform which inspired his
celebrated message. st is most graft
flying thing to me- he said, that the
masses, as well as the leaders
OF the party, are taking hold
Of the tariff issue with such spirited
and evident determination to win. Even
now, when there are no elections pend
ing, they are discussing this question
with as much earnestness as If in the
heat of Presidential campaign. My
letters from every part of the country
show the extent and depth of
the agitation. When the people
think about a thing thoroughly
and dispassionately, they do
not fall into mistakes, and they are now
aroused and making personal applica-
ton to themselves of the effect of un-
due taxation. So great is the number
of letters 1 receive asking my views,
requesting documents and inviting me
to attend meetings and make speeches,
to give them proper attention is beyond
my power to perform
ga glance at Mr.. CleveIand's desk con-
firmed this remark. His personal mail
is probably larger than that of any pri-
vate citizen of the United States, and
shows how completely the tariff agita-
ton has stirred up the country. The eff
fort demanded in replying to the letters
from earnest and active tariff reformers
makes very serious tax on his time.
But reminded him of the good he was
doing, and said that the enthusiasm
with which his utterances were received
was the best evidence had had of the
temper of the public as to tariff reform,
notably as to his Boston speech.
''I was genuinely pleased resumed
Mr.. Cleveland, to find in Boston, among
men who are constitutionally conserva-
tive, degree of earnestness and fervor
beyond that of men engaged in politics.
"'FrOm my observations there and in
New York, and from my correspondence,
conclude that the thinking men of the
Nation are massed almost solidly on the
| our ups and downs, there is no danger
| as to the destiny of party which alb
serbs the best brains, intelligence and
honesty of the country, and the cause
which draws these elements to its sup
port is sure of ultimate triumph
ST then said to Mr.. Cleveland that the
Democratic party was already preparing
for 1892, and looking forward to that
campaign with expectancy and conf
dence, and that he should be our leader.
s'.As to that he replied, it is the
| cause and not personal considerations
| that should concern us. 1 am SO we'll
situated now that if consulted my own
feelings would prefer to have some
one else take the lead
".But,' said I, mo one else is thought
| of among the Democratic Masses
| Men who have elements of leader
ship develop rapidly, and it is long
time till 1892, quickly replied the ex-
President. 1T is not matter of men,
but principles. It would be a pity not
| to carry forward the work which the
| party has so grandly inaugurated, and
/ there ought to be no halt until the ends
| aimed at are comprised and the people
are in full possession of the benefits
and blessings which an accumula-
| ton of inequalities, called into exist
| ence by apathy on one side, and self
| interest on the other, have diverted from
| them. 1 rejoice in feeling that the
Democratic party is the repository Of
the best principles and purposes, that
| it's ranks TEEN with the intelligent
young manhood of the country, that it
| enjoys complete monopoly of every
American policy not merely sectional or
-! time-serving.'