The Logan County banner. [volume] (Logan, W. Va.) 1889-1903, 1892-08-11

of patriot rather than partisan, and
he has justly felt that, although identi-
fed with party, the propriety of his
position demanded of him something
more than mere partisanship.
He has confirmed this good impress.
sion by his courageous fidelity to his
own convictions, Notwithstanding that
he was constantly declared by large
part of his party to be its candidate for
the next nomination. His silver letter
was thought by democratic politicians
friendly to him to be wanton blow at
his chances, like his tariff message.
Yet, not only do acts of such manly
honesty and courage confirm the hold
of public man upon the affection of
his party, but these't two have been of
the utmost service to his party. The
message made 1t tariff reform party
not in the air, and vaguely, but posi-
lively and definitely. giving it, what it
had not had since the war, distinctive
policy in harmony with the party tradi-
ton and free from all complications
growing ont of the war. The demo-
cratic denunciations of reconstruction
u
test against the republican policy of
the war period, were as futile as the
democratic demand for reform in gem
eral with the democratic party as the
reform agency. Mr.. Cleveland would
not have been elected in 1884 except for
personal dissatisfaction with Mr..
Blaine. But the advantage of the cleo
ton for his party was incalculable.
His administration removed the pro-
found distrust of the party, it was
quickened by a modern progressive
spirit, and it gave the. party a policy in
accord with the convictions of an i'm
mense multitude of most intelligent
and patriotic citizens.
This policy, nevertheless, it is said,
defeated the party in 1888. Butwe are
considering Mr.. Cleveland's personal
hold 1t is true that tariff reform as
presented by him was defeated in 1888.
But the consequent passage of the Me-
kinley bill, and the greater general
familiarity with the character and re-
suits of the protective system, produced
the astonishing reaction of 1890. II the
results were less apparent in 1891 there
is no question of the great advance of
the tariff-reform sentiment since 1888;
and there is no doubt that largely be-
causev-of his identification with it and
his. constantly growing popularity, Mr..
Cleveland was the instructive and en-
thusiastic choice of his party as the
leader in this campaign. At no point
that we can seeeis he weaker candi-
date, but everywhere he is stronger
than in 1884 and 1888. He has certain
rugged honesty and plainness of char
acter and speech which give him pop
ularity not shared by any other public
man. The republican papers ridicule
his friends as idolaters. But the feel
ing at which they sneer is produced by
frank integrity which justifies and
invites entire confidence. He seems to
us to enter upon the campaign Mitb
greater personal popularity, and with a
much wider public knowledge and APP
proval of the issues that he represents,
than ever before. Mr.. Garrison goes
SO far as to say that the republican
struggle will be desperate" 1t will
not be settled theoretically, but prac-
tically. The individual voter will ask
whether the cost of living has risen,
and whether wages have risen proper
tionally, Figures and statistics may
be marshalled slsillfully in clever plea.
But if, when the country was young
and poor. q very moderate rate of pro
lection safliced, why, when it is over
fiowingly rich and prosperous, is an
enormous rate necessary? 1t is to be
campaign Of education, but the facts of
which tho poorest man is conscious will
be his teachers -Harpcr's Weekly.