Ellsworth American., 1892-02-11
The Situation.

III is evident that the Democrats in Con-
gress are In dilemma. They hardly know
what to do with the tariff question. They
put their heads together as it were and
founder about without any apparent pur-
pose or object. 1t seems they have no rec
ognized leader in the House and in fact no
clearly defined policy. BY reason of their
vehement opposition to the Mckinley bill,
we had reason to believe that without de-
lay they would proceed to overthrow so
obnoxious q measure. Have they no desire
to redeem the pledges made to the people?
We shall see
Now it is fact, and l want all good
men to watch the course of events that
our Democratic Congress has no higher
aim than to advance the interest of their
party. Opposition to the Mckinley bill is
no longer profitable. 1t served them a
good turn for a season, but the virtue of
their opposition has escaped. That meas
ure has already become an established fact
inasmuch as it has made for itself q
warm place in the hearts Of the people.
In spite of the whole Democratic party,
doing its utmost against it, the Mckinley
bill In the hands of this administration
has accomplished wonders for the coun-
try. Repeal it? Why, such an effort
would mock them.
The Democrats have large majority in
the House and can pass any measure they
wish, but what of that to a party without
principle? Party policy is the object in
view now, as it was the object in view
when waging war upon the Mckinley bill
The conditions have been changed hence
the need of change of policy.
Previous to the last Presidential election
the Democrats had majority in the
House for twelve years. What did they
do In that time? l repeat the question
what did they do? Let me tell you what
they did. At the close of that period they
brought forth the famous Mills tariff ill.,
What stupendous production Twelve
years in its creation and stil-born at last
Are they proud of it yet? Do they often
speak OF it, do they ever refer to it as an
example of Democratic wisdom and
strength: | think not The party had a
leader in Mr.. Cleveland at that time. That
measure was the consummation of his pet
scheme, the qualification of his highest
ambition, the fulfllment of his fordest
hopes.
But now how changed, Their idol gone
and free trade dead. Twelve years with
out making one blade of grass grow where
none grew before. What a record, They
appealed to the ignorance and prejudice
of the rabble. II was policy. 1t was their
opportunity to increase their membership
in Congress. There was no truth in what
they said, and no thinking or reading man
was led astray. They called it victory.
oh. how shameful. A victory gained h,
wiilful and deliberate Misrepresentation.
Is 1t mstter of wonder that We find
Democratic House TO-DAY without prin-
ciple-without an object higher than self
victory, but did they count the cost?
DO they Realize the extent OF the sacri6ce
made? | might make fortune by rob
bing NV neighbor, but that would be a
crime. l. the action of those who obtain
ed seats in Congress by such infamous
methods any less violation of the laws
Of morality: This administration is found
to-day precisely where it looked in the
campaign that elected it. The policy of
the Republican party is the same always,
being protection to home industries. Ii
has also redeemed its pledges to the peo-
pie. In the approaching Presidential cam
paign 1t has no mistakes u correct, no re-
grets for squandered time no apologies
TO make for anv misdemeanor and no steps
to retrace. Its history is one of surpris-
ing lustre and magnificent results 1t is
proud of the past and hopeful of the fu-
ture.
The Neto York World says, what we all
know. that no one knows yet what posi-
tion the Democrats will take on the tariff
question this year. They hesitate. they
scheme, they shamble. They are ashamed
of the past and would gladly blot it from
the pages of history and still they do not
learn wisdom. Their situation Is unfor,u-
nate. NosRRMY
Gouldsboro, Feb. 6, 1892.