Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1892-10-20
NO FREE TRADE FOR HIN.
An nlustrious Democratic Lawyer ant
Author Repudiasss Cleveland.

Democrats are now finding out how
their party blundered when it too
plainly defined the end at which it aims
by its bold declaration against protec-
ton of any kind, made in the Chicago
platform. Since that free trade pro-
nunciamento there has been a virtual
stampede of intelligent Democrats out
of the free trade camp to the side OF
American protection.
Among the most eminent Democrats
who have repudiated Cleveland and
the free trade platform on which he
stands, is the venerable George Tick
nor Curtis, whose fame as a constitu-
tional lawyer and author is world
wide. The formal letter in which Mr.
Curtis announces his intention to
abandon the party which had so long
claimed his obedience, and to support
the Republican ticket in this campaign,
is printed below. 1t should be read by
every patriotic Democrat in the land:
RIcHFIELD SPRINGS, N. Y, Septem-
Der 10, 1892.
To THE EDITOR OF THE AMERICAN EcoN-
oNnsT:
SIR.-In common with many other
Democrats, cannot follow the leaders
of the party in denouncing Republican
protection as fraud upon the labor
OF the great majority of the American
people for the benefit of few; nor can
1 subscribe to the doctrine that pro-
tective tariff is unconstitutional. 1
have no pecuniary interest in manu-
factures, but 1 know what protection
has done and is doing for this country.
If it operates for the benefit of the few
1 am not one of that few. am one
of the many; one of the great majority
benefited by it, including those who
denounce it for the sake of obtaining
political power.
If the leaders Of political party as
sembled in national convention for
the purpose of nominating candidates
tor the presidency and vice-presidency
choose TO stultify themselves by falsi-
flying history, they cannot expect to
be followed by others who have any
habits of independent thought and ac-
| ton. The learned pundits who were
lately assembled at Chicago in nation
al convention of the Democratic party
adopted by two-thirds vote, and
against the report of the committee on
resolutions, the following as "nlank"
In the Democratic platform:
"We denounce Republican protec-
tion as fraud upon the labor of the
great majority of the American peo-
pie for the benefit of q few. We de-
clare it to be fundamental principle
of the Democratic party that the fed;
oral goverpment has no constitHtiop.
al power o impose and collect fsrff
duties, except for the purpose of rev
enue only. We demand that the col
lection of such taxes be limited to the
necessities of the government when
honestly and economically admins
tered"
In drafting and voting for this reso-
luton, the members either showed
dense ignorance of American political
history, or they manifested purpose
to win votes by deceiving the voters
/ cannot, at the bidding OF these gen
tlemen, unlearn the lessons of my
WuOlc lllc. uc RrcdIcT pdro vi III
long life has been passed in the study
of American history and constitution
al law. If 1 cannot claim to be ar
authority on such subjects, / car
point out to others the true sources
from which to devise interpretations
of the constitution. These sources
are not to be found in recent congres
sional speeches, whether made by
members of one party or another
They are to be found in the interpre
tations given to the constitution b!
the first congress, by Washington
administration, and by the succeeding
administrations of Jefferson, Madison
John Quincy Adams and Jackson.
| have been requested by the Secre
tary of THE AMERICAN PRoTEcTIvl
TARIFF LEAGUE to give my views Q
the protective issue, as it has beel
made by the two parties in the presen
campaign. This shall do in a com
munication to he addressed to him, @
which he will make such use as he see
fit.
am, Mr.. Editor, very respectfully
Your obedient servant,
Il GEO. TIcKNoR CURTIS.