New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-04-03
KISSES FOR GOVERNOR HILL.
A STRONG ANTIFREE-TRADE LETTER FROM
HIM
HE SENDS 1T TO THE q JERRY SIMPSON MASS
MEETING AND 1T RAISES A STORM
THE KANSAS STATESMAN RE-
TORTS SHARPLY.

ToRTs SHARPLY.
Congressman "Jerryn Simpson, the freetrade and
arfreform wings Of the Democratic party, and the
anniversary Of Thomas Jeersons birthday got sadly
mixed up at Cooper Union last night. According to
the call issued by the Manhattan Single Tax Club, 1t
was free-trade massmeeting, where a spade was
10 be called spade and free trade to be called
free trade and not tariff reform, the whole to cele-
brnte the birthday Of Thomas Jefferson jerry
simpsons speech seemed to indicate belief that
the outpouring Of people had come about In honor
Of the Sockess Statesman. In point OF real interest,"
however, the meeting hinged on the letter sent by
Governor Hill repudiating the doctrine of free trade
In strongest terms.
After a long Introductory speech by Louis +. Post,
the president Of the club, and while the COLLECTION was
being taken up in good old-fashoned way, A. j.
Steers the secretary read mass OF letters OF regret
among which that from Grover Cleveland was most
conspicuous by reason Of absence. Mr. Post then'
with sorrowful countenance read what he charac-
erlzed as the only letter received that opposed the
object of the meeting. at is,D said he, slowly,
" from David Bennett HILL" hiss began away
down in one corner OF the hail, spread rapidly, and
wound its simmons way throughout the reading OF the
letter. which was as follows,
Albany, April /. 1891.
Louis r. Post Presidents
Dear Sir. am in receipt OF your letter OF March
2s inviting me to attend Freerrade Mass Meetng to
be held at Cooper Union on Thursday evening Aprh q
While thanking you for your courtesy. cannot s-
tend the meeting because have sympathy with It's
professed nurnose I had supposed opinions
the tariff question had frequently been expressed In
nobody could expect me consistently to attend
meeting Intended to promuleate the doctrine OF ree aae
am not an advocate OF free trade, and never nave
been. stand with the Democratic party
in favor OF tariff REFORM which means
reduction OF present excessive ana ubiquitous 'ar
and the retention OF tariff limited TO The necessities VI
the Government economically administered. do not
believe I'm reforming the tariff by wholly abolishng H.
believe the best interests OF our counry-ndustrai
AGRICULTURAL commercial-demand the establishments Oh
that tariff policy declared and particularly defined IN inc
National Democratic platform Of 1915 1884 and 1888 ana
am earnestly opposed to the attempt which is now beng
made in some quarters 10 undermine the SOUND ana con-
sentative position OF the Democratic party upon this ques
ton and to commit 1t irrevocaby to the doctrine OF ree
trade The who engaged In this eor, no matter
how honest or sincere they may be their individual
yietlons have right longer to masquerade a.
true Democrats while seeking TO commit the party 70
policy which IL always distinctly repudated ana Whicn
II adoped must inevitably in my judgment affect inuri-
ousy the welfare country and unfit the Democratic
marty for the maintenance these wise principles OF gov
which has for nearly century been the pouu
and unfolding They greatly mistake pup
lie sentiment who assume TO the revolution last
polls popular manifestation IN FAVOR vi
cal tariff LEGISLATION far the tarh was an
issue popular outbrrst against excessive dues against
restricted markets, against war sAaton fcr he Dehe Vi
favored industries but only blind theorists could see in IL
desire resort TO direct secure the necessary
revenues for the support Of the Government
As Democrat L respectfully decline to support
any movement no matter by whom instgated or cham
pioned having purpose the adoption OF any such
suicidal policy as sought be promoted by the meeting
to which you have invited me.
In my opinion such movements only embarrass ana en-
danger the OF tarin REFORM
remain, very truly yours, DAVID H. HILL.
The Kisses that marked the periods Of this letter
sweed at its close into uncurbed manifestations OF dis
pleasure After It, the Kansas Congressman became
matter of secondary importance.
MIR simpson was vociferously received, however,
and furnished entertainment for about an hour lie
looked dlstnctvely Mike, as he stood on the plat
form and he occasionally dropped into the venacular
as when he said: AN says Wen list try Grover
Cleveland" His address brlstled with defanee d.er
the manner OF the following: Governor HILL In MS
opposition to free trade only voices the sentiment OF
The meneyed arlstocracy. lie has two offices, how
ever and we cannot blame him for wishing
20 perletuate q government that has been SO
liberal to him. We have class OF legislators
that is 100 years behind the people in ideas, and 200
years ahead of them In rasealy, ana Governor t Is
a fair sample Of that class" - o,
Mr.. simpson was followed by Thomas u. shearman'
of city.