The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-09-17


uo, Georoe Ranes. of Rochester, tempo
rarv chairman Of tho New York state Demo
critic Convention, at Saratoga. alluded
IN fitting terms in his speech on tax
inc the chair r. that portion Of the Republican
platform which speaks about pointing with
pride TO the growing commerce OF the eoun-
try under reciprocity induced by the match
less foresight of Secretary Blame.
It's hard TO understand, except on the pTin-
ciple that brass is worth more than brains
how Republican convention could nave
the audacity 20 point with pride to reel
procity or anything else tending to tighten
the burdens Of taxation imposed by protec-
ton. The New York Republicans must either
have very short memories themselves, or must
think that the people do not pay any atten-
ton 20 current politics, if they imagine that
the whole history Of the Mckinley Oill' Win
- reciprocity addendum. has so soon been
forgotten. As that bill passed the House, thero
WAS 10 re iprocity in il. tho idea OF the NC
Kinleyites being 20 do nothing which wouid
even remotely threaten the privileges when
tho Mckinley bill intended ID confer
upon the monop0lists. This is why the House
refused 30 consider az all the subject OF reel
procitv and when Mr.. Blaine, seeing
that something was absolutely necessary 20
be done 30 save the Republican organization
from being overwhelmed by popular odium.
first suggested reciprocity, it was like abomb-
shell thrown into tho Republican ranks.
But even then. il will be remembered. the
suggestion Of Mr.. Blaine was notrecered with
favor By the Senate, and only after long
and tedious discussion were bis ideas finally
adopted
Whether or not the delay In including the
reciprocity clause in the Mckinley D1l was
due u the jealousy of tho Secretary Of state
and whether OF not the Senate although adj
hitting its sense and acknowledging Mr.
Blaino's superior eagacity. hesitatod to insert
the reciprocity clause lest he should gain
credit therefor which would throw al the Re-
publican presidential asprants IN The shade
will never he known. The fact that 1t was
eventually inserted however. is proof concu-
sive that the Fifty-irst Congress were not
only forced % acknowledge Mr. Banes fore
sight but became convinced that some tub
must be thrown tho popular whale, and
that the least that could be done to solace tho
people was n system q reciprocity which
would have the appearance OF relief Out
which would in reality only reduce import
duties on few articles which did not affect
in any way the privileges Of tho protected
monopohsts.
This is tho truth about the reciprocity
clause. and Of the 'matchless foresight Of
Blaine to which the Republicans point with
so much pride. But even we're that
boosted foresight really matchless. one Ques-
ton arises which the Republicans WI find
hard 10 answer. and that is if thevery limited
relief which was secured tho tax
PAYERS by Blancs reciprocity is so good
thing. why will not tho general
relief which the Democrats promise in tariff
reform be still better, This is question
which appeals directly tothe common sense of
tho whole American people, and 1t IS he
which the Democrats have only 20 press toas-
slre their success in 1892 IL they viii stick
10 this one point and not permit their enc
mics to cloud the great question of tariff re-
form bv free silver or any other side issue
their victory viii be complete. II reciprocity
is acknowledged even by the protecuonists
10 be "matchless, the people will assuoIly
declare that. in their opinion, 10 is only q
very feeble step EDWARDS to the wholesale re-
form of McKinleysm.