Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-04-08
DEMOCRATIC LEADERS ANNOYED.
Dissension In the Ranks on the Tariff Ques-
ton Feared.

Some Of the ''long headed" democrats, who
for the past several months have been congrat-
ulating themselves and the party upon the APP
parently bright prospects before them Tor
1892, are considerably annoyed and are made
anxious by efforts that are being made TO create
a division on the tariff question within the
democratic ranks again. The old hght with
the Randall faction of the party over this ques-
uon was, they say, source Of great weakness
to the party, and when the party was
finally and fully committed to tariff re-
form by the message from Grover
Cleveland on that subject. il was q matter OF
mutual congratulation that there was no longer
any doubt or division-that the term tariff
reformer was synonymous with that Of DEM
ocrat- Whatever chances the democrats may
have OF success in 1892 is regarded as depending
upon the united opposition of the party 70 the
high protective tariff scheme rs represented by
the Mckinley law. The conservative leaders
think that the question ought to be q matter of
discussion only within the party as to how
much further this that leader would go in
the way OF tariff reform than would some other
leader, particularly AZ be who is least Of a free
trader would go just as far there is any
chance OF any ones going in the way OF repeal
Ing high duties at this time.
BIcKERISe TO BE DIscoURAaED.
Therefore the attempt of Gov. Hill and Of
some OF those engaged in the canvass for
the speakership to bring up the question as an
issue between members of the same party il
looked upon with some anxiety and dissatisiac-
ton. 1t is contended with some warmth that
the harmony of tine party should not be en-
dangered in order to give Mr.. Hill q chance to
antagonize Mr.. Cleveland on a vital ISSUE or
IN order TO let one speakership candidate de-
clare that he is a better free trader than il some
other candidate for the same office. The dis
Of shaa l.
TO assume that every man who is a democrat is
thorough tariff reformer. as be must be il
that Is TO be the issue between the two parties
IN 1852, and to discourage any pickering as TO
who Is the best or most earnest advocate of the
creed. The opinion is very earnestly expressed
that the man who provokes an issue of this sort
Tor his own selfish aims will not gain anything
by IT.
GOV. PATT1soS AS A POSSIBILITY
There is some quiet talk here now about the
possibility of Pattison, the governor Of Penn
sylyania, being strong candidate before the
next democratic convention. 1t is said that Pat
tison will not antagonize Cleveland in a contest
Tor the nomination, as it would be useless for
him to make the attempt without the support
OF William l.. Scott who is front and foremost
among the Cleveland men, but that in the
event OF Mr.. Hill being able to SO pull the
wires in New York to prevent Cleveland
from getting the nomination Cleveland and
Scout anu all the Cleveland forces will
turn in to give the nomination TO
Pattison. This would not be done with
any idea that Pattison would carry the state
OF Pennsylvania, but in the belief that he could
carry New York. The Pennsylvania celebration
will be potent factor in the next democratic
convention, and the understanding here is that
1t viii be for Cleveland or for Pattisou accord
lngly, as the circumstances suggest one or the
other leap TO be wlsest. Should Pattison be
put forward, however, it would be after full
understanding with Cleveland. The Cleveland
men are beginning to show little activity in
New York, and there is a vague report here
that MIR. Hill may still further complicate his
position by deciding that he does not want the
senatorship after all, and will not only hold the
governorship until the end of his term. but
will seek a denomination, resigning the seat in
the Senate.