The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-02-14
cLEyELAND's SILVER VIEWS.

are of silver. has considerably stirred up the
Democratic party. The Democratic members
Of Congress are particularly wrought up over
it. aud express their views regarding It's prob
able effect upon Mr. Clevelands Presidential
aspirations in accord with their individual
sentiments. For instance the anti-silver men
unanimously endorse Mr Cleveland's course.
while the friends Of free coinage assert with
emphasis that the letter completely destroys
all chances of his denomination.
Such expressions Of opinion at this time are
manifestly premature 1t must be remem-
bcred, in the first place. that before the
Democratic Convention will meet for the pur-
pose of selecting national standard bearer
there will have been held an entire session Of
the Fifty-second Congress. In all probability
by that time, the silver question Will either
have been disposed Of. or gotten into such
shape that its solution will be matter Of
comparative ease. II is not a party nor a
political. but financial and sectional ques-
ton. Democrats and Republicans alike III
the East are opposed to free coinage. while rs
q rule Democrats and Republicans in the
West are agreed in its favor. II is. therefore,
a question which imperatively demands Il
compromise by both parties, and for this
reason is not 50 likely to prove a veXatious
political issue in the national campaign Of '92.
Not so, however, with tariff reform. On
that issue the lines are already distinctly
drawn. The Republican party Is iTevoca-
bly, bound to the doctrine Of high protection
Of the straitcst kind. except in so far rs It may
he modified BY Mr.. Blames reciprocity clause
in the Mckinley bill, while the Democracy
are equally as firmly bound by the
principles Of healthy general reform
of orr iuquitous tariff laws. The silver pro-
blem is one which the Democratic party. with
characteristic regard for the welfare Of the
people. and in accord with its avowed prin-
ciple Of tine greatest good for the greatest
number" Is carefully considering and in
which it is making haste slowly, so as to avoid
all careless and ill-considered legislation on SO
important a subject. As regards tariff reform,
however. the mind of the party has long
since been fully made up, and, having reach
ed the conclusion that reform in this direction
is what the country needs above all things
else it Will never cease battling for that re-
form until il is accomplished.
The next issue before the country, there
fore, will undoubtedly be that Of Protection
vs.. Tariff Reform, and the people Of the West
and South are as much bound together by a
community Of interest in favor of reform as
they can possibly be in favor Of silver or any
other economic question. Such being the
case. Grover Cleveland still looms up head
and shoulders above any other man in the
United States as the champion Of the
Democratic cause. He il was who first
advanced the Democratic standard to the
front on that battle ground. although in do
ing so he knew that he was raising new is
sue which would ieopardize his own chances
of reelection.
Just as Cleveland, in taking this couise,
showed that he had rather be right than be
President, SO he has now again shown in his
position on the question of free silver coinage
that he is as ready as ever to subordi-
nate policy to principle. He knows,
as well AS any one can know, that in
so emphatically ahtagonizing the free
silver advocates, he is seriously impairing
his chances of denomination which. rs
matters stood, was as good as if already his.
But, as in his fearless position in favor Of tariff
reform, he counted no cost where principle
was involved so now he shows that be is no
time server, but that while he realizes that for
him to be returned to the Presidency now,
under existing circumstances, would be
greater honor than has been conferred
on any American citizen since the days Of
Washington-since it would be the first time
in history that defeated candidate still re-
tanned to so marked degree the confidence Of
his fellow CITIZENSHIP refuses to permit even
so glittering prize TO tempt him aside from
the line of what he believes TO be duty. This
trait in his character must make even those
who disagree with him respect him, and will
cause the American people to be willing, more
than ever, to entrust him with the reins Of
the Government. for in so doing they know
they are trusting man prominently honest,
conscientious and incorruptibe.