Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1890-07-24

Nedfly TWO years ago tne present ma
tional Executive and House of Repre-
sentatives were elected upon the issue,
than which none was ever more distinctly
set forth, of which a revision of customs
duties as would equalize them and effect
reduction of the surplus. That the
country understood that the revision
promised by the successful party was to
be effected by the removal or the modifi-
cation of duties not necessary for the
just protection of American capital and
labor, and not by extravagant, reckless
even, expenditures by Congress, need not
be said. The Republican platform of
1888 was readoption of that of 1884,
which, with great distinctness, prom
ised the country relief from the in
equalities of the tariff, and from
duties which were above the point
of real and essential protection. When
the present Executive and Congress
entered into possession, the country was
at the high flood of prosperity, peace and
happiness. Business generally was in
most flourishing condition; it was in the
perfect enjoyment of that most desirable,
necessary ything-confdence. The rela-
tions between the peoples of the North
and South were fraternal and cordial.
Northern capital was in all directions de-
veloping the natural wealth of the South.
The whites and the blacks of the latter
region were getting together with good
understanding, and with every prospect
of time and circumstances determining
the questions which disturbed their re-
lations. The community of finance, of
manufactures, of commerce, was pro-
ceeding along course wholly smooth
and satisfactory.
That was the situation. What is the
situation now? The whole land rings
to-day with the clamor of excited parti-
sans, who have decreed that legislation
the most important, the most vital,
should be done not in Congress but in
caucus; not according to worldwide
parliamentary rule and usage, but ac-
cording to new, strange and forbidding
rule-that of one man-filled also by the
clamor of others who have pro-
tested against the tyrannical and
dangerous innovation. The country has
seen with astonishment and dismay pro-
posed tariff revision upon the narrow
and sordid principle of making it a
means for the payment of election ex-
penses, for the benefit of class, and that
a small one, of the people, and especially
for the benefit of monopolistic trusts and
combines. 1t has seen duties proposed
which would infiict cruel burden of taxa
ton upon the people, and far above any
demand which real protection makes. 1t
has seen the great surplus recklessly
squandered and a great deficit threatened.
1t has seen the old and safe financial
policy of the Government flung to the
winds to create market for the commod-
ity of the owners of the silver mines. 1t
has seen dangerous leaders of the House
pushing forward bill which Will place
politicians, and which has already Gre
ated the strongest feeling in the South
against the North. Old sectional feeling
has been revived by it, and old animosi-
ties have been rekindled by it. Whites
and blacks are facing each other in the
South as absolute opponents. All this
that the party in power may keep itself
in power The proposed Federal Elec.
ton law has no other power than this
and it is to be pushed through Congress
upon grounds the most indefensible.
Public feeling with regard to politics
has never, since the close of the war; been
so disturbed or excited by Congressional
action as it is now. Business confidence
is destroyed for the time being; the great
financial interests of the country are
threatened with disaster and ruin; the
good feeling which lately existed be-
tween North and South is rapidly being
destroyed. This wofully changed con-
dition of affairs has been brought about
in the second year of the administration
during the first few months of the first
session of the new Congress. 1t has
been effected by dscarding the wise coun
sells of reason by the use of partisan
intimidation and force. Partisan exig
ency has overridden all ideas of right o.
justice. The Republican party, which
achieved so notable victory in 1888, il
imperiled upon every side; and not by
its avowed enemies, but by its pretended
friends Seldom before since it was q
party has it been so abused or betrayed
by unscrupulous, selfish politicians, who
are sacrificing it to the end that they
may profit themselves. Philadelphia
Telegraph (Rep.).
The National Election Bill.