The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1892-07-22
Tht 9e,llorrat.
MRcLEvELAND AS A cAsDlDArE.

&
1t is universally agreed that the defeat OF
Quay, Platt & Co. at Minneapolis, and ofthe
Hill-rammany conspiracy at Chicago, was
great gain for decen, Politics. It resulted in
presenting two candidates personally ire
proachable. The difference in the nomina-
tions was this, that Mr. Harrison was put for
ward by convention in which large num-
Der of his own office-holders took part. and it
was not a nomination of enthusiasm. It's
significance was the maintenance of respect
able status gao. Mr. Cleveland's was a NOM
ination OF preference aud enthusiasm. It Is
alleged, however, that he is not so strong =
candidate as before. But this seems to US a
mistake. He is stronger candidate than
ever before. Certainly none of those who
were mentioned as possible candidates could
have impressed the country so favorably.
The republicans would have much preferred
to see Hill, or Gorman or Boies, or Gray or
Palmer selected, because they would have
been sure that none of them commands the
same respect and confidence that attend Mr.
Cleveland. No man after his retirement
ftom the presidency ever rose more steadily
in public esteem aud popularity. His course
has been simple and identified. Without pre-
sumption, as private citizen nect ssarily con-
spicuous, his conduct has been modest and
quiet, and as speaker upon public occasions.
even when of a party character, his tone has
been that of a patriot rather than partisan,
and he has justly felt that although identified
with party. the propriety Of his position de
manded of him something more than mere
partisanship.
He has confirmed this good impression by
his courageous fidelity 10 his sown convictions.
Notwithstanding that he was constantly de-
clared By a large part Of his party to be its
candidate for the next nomination. His silver
letter was thought by democratic politicians
friendly TO him 10 be wanlon blow at his
chances. like has tariff message. Yet, not on
ly do acts of such manly honesty and Courage
confirm the hold of a public man upon the
affection Of his party. but these two have been
Of the utmost service to his party. The mes
sage made it tariff reform party not in the
air and vaguely, bu,posiiively and definitely.
giving it what it had not had since the war, a
distinctive policy in harmony with the party
tradition and free from all complications
growing ou, of the war. The democratic de-
nunciations of reconstruction as unconslitu-
tional, and eeneral protest against the re-
publican policy Of the war period, was as futile
as the democratic demand for reform IN gen
eral with The democratic party as the reform
agency. Mr. Cleveland would not have been
elected in 1854 except for personal dissatis
faction with Mr. Blsiue. But the advantage
Of the election for his party was iRealcuIable.
His administration removed the profound
distras, OF the party, il was quickened By 4
modern progressive spirit, and it gave The
party policy in accord with the convictions
Of an immense multitude Of most in,elligen,
and patriotic citizens.
This policy, nevertheless. j, Is said. je-
feated the l,auy. in 1855. But We are Con-
silering Mr. c'eveland's personal hold. Il Is
true that tariff reform presented by him
was defeateo IN 1883. But the conseqlen:
passage Of the Mckinley bill and the greater
general familisrsy with the character and re-
sulls Of the protective system, produced the
astonishing reaction Of 1890 II the results
were less apparent in 1891, there is no ques-
ton Of the great advance Of the tariif-retorn
sentiment since 1855; and dsthefe is TO doubt
that largely because Of bis identification with
it and his constantly growing popularity. Mr
Cleveland was the instructive and enthusiastic
choice Of his party as the leader in this cau-
paign. At no point lha, We can see IS he a
weaker candidate, but everywhere be is
stronger than in 1884 and 1888. He has a
certain rugged honesty and plaInne1s Of char
acier and speech which give him popularity
not shaIed by any other public man. The
republican papers ridicule his friends as
idolters But the feeling at which they
sEeer is produced BY frank ini egriiy
which jusliies and invites entire conf
dCbGts AAS SCCsuS 10 un 10 SlACt upou the
campaign with greater personal popularity,
and with much wider puolic knowledge
and approval of the issues that he repre-
sents, than ever before. Mr Clarkson
goes so far as to say :hat the republican
struggle will be desperate" It viii not
be settled Theoretically, bu, practically.
The individual voter viii. ask whether
the cost Of living has risen, and whether
wages have risen proportionally. Fig
ures and statistics may be marshalled
skillfully in clever plea. But If, when
the country was young and poor, very
moderate rate of protection sufficed, why,
when it is overfiowingly rich and prosper
Gus. is an enormous rate necessary 1t is
TO be campaign Of education, but the
facts of which the poorest nanis Conscious
will be his teachers.-Harper's Eeekly.