The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1892-10-07
HOT SHOT FOR HILL.
George Tieknor Curtis Writes Of
Constitutional Protection.
THE TAMMANY LEADER LEFT WITH
NOTHING TO STAND ON.


Out to Hear Governor Mckinley in a
Connecticut Town-Bourke CocI,ran's
Sore Throat Seems to be Getting Bet
terThe Tammany Orator Ventures
Over to Boston.
New YoRK, October George Tick
nor Curtis, the eminent Democratic con-
stitutional lawyer and author. has added
another to his series of letters repudiat-
ing the free trade views of the Democrat
ic party. Following is his clear state
ment Of convincing facts and argu
ments:
"RICHFIELD SPRINGS, N. Y,
September 10. 1892.
| HTo the Editor of the american Econo-
s'Sir-That a protective tariff is uncon-
stitutional is not genuine Democratic
| doctrine. It is Calhounism and rank
Calhounism too. But even Mr.. Calhoun
| did not at first question the constitution
al authority of Congress when laying du-
ties on foreign products to discriminate
| in favor of American industries. He
voted for the tariff of 1916, which was
highly protective, and it was not until
1880 that he adopted the idea of a protec-
tive tariff being unconstitutional.
II differ entirely from Senator Hill In
regard to the proper method of inter
preting the constitution of the United
| States. 1t is true that it does not say in
so many words, tho Congress shall have
| power to protect American manufactur-
ers.' But it does say in express terms
| that the Congress shall have power to
| Law and collect taxes, duties, imposts and
excises.' This is one of the express pow
ers of the constitution, and it is to be in
| terpreted by the application of the rule
which is applied to all the other express
powers. The express power is power
to lay taxes duties, imposts and excises
to defray the expenses of the govern
ment The Incidental power is power
| to so lay them as to protect and encour-
age our own industries. The express
cidental power, for without
the exercises of the latter,
the people of this country could
not be in condition to meet the expen-
ses of their government. Senator Hill,
| like many Democrats of the present day,
| supposeS that because the Constitution
| does not say in express terms that the
| Congress shall have power to protect
| American manufactures a protective
tariff is not within its constitutional
1 power. This is what comes of inter
1 preting the Constitution without having
| the knowledge necessary to interpret
correctly. Apparently, Senator Hill has
never read the first revenue law OF the
| United States, passed in 1889, or the de-
| bate in the first House of Representa-
tives when it was under discussion.
'sIn that House there were 10 members
| who were members of the convention
| which framed the Consultation. Mr..
Madison was the leader on the floor, and
| he conducted the first revenue bill
through the House. Washington was
President of the United States, Hamil-
ton was Secretary of the Treasury, JEFF
ferson was Secretary of State and Ed
mund Randolph was Attorney General.
| If those four men did not know for what
| purpose the first revenue law was enact
ed and why it was made a highly protec-
tive tariff, T beg to ask, who did
| know?
GOOD DOCTRINE AND GOOD ROADS
In the Platform of the Rhode Island Re-
publicans.
PROVIDENCE, r. T., October 6.-The
State Republican convention was called
to order at IL o'clock this morning by
Hunter G. White, chairman of the state
central committee. George A. Little
field of Providence was chosen tempor-
ary chairman and Eugene F. Warner of
| Coventry secretary, and later the tenn
porary organization was made perma-
nent. There was contest over the del
egation from East Greenwich, which
was settled by the seating of that head
ed by Representative S. W. K. Allen. A
| platform was presented approv-
| tional convention, the present tar
| iff laws, silver coinage policy, efforts
for free ballot, and position regarding
restricted immigration and civil service
reform of the National Republican Ad-
| ministration. The public service of Gov
ernor Brown, and especially his action
concerning the Newport election trouble,
was commended; also the administration
| of President Harrison, with a reference
TO his domestic trouble, and a pledge to
support him in the pending campaign.
The platform was adopted, resolution
endorsing the public school system not
being Incorporated, on the ground that
the position of the party is too well
| known to make it necessary. The fol-
lowing Presidential electors were nomi-
mated: Newport, Louis T.. Lorillard; !;
Warwick, William G. Roelker; Bristol,
Joshua Wilbour; Pawtucket, William H.
Haskell.
resolution was adopted favoring
good roads, and the convention ad-
journed.
Two Thousand Heard Mckinley.
| NEW BRITAIN, Conn, October 6---Gov-
ernor Mckinley of Ohio tonight spoke to
the largest audience ever gathered in the
New Britain Opera House. Fully 2o00
people were present. When Governor
Mckinley was introduced, he was re-
ceiyed with vociferous cheering. He
spoke over II hours on the tariff.
Cochran's Sore Throat Seems Better.
Boston, October 6.-Congressman Will
liam Bourke Cochran of New York and
James w. Beck of Philadelphia spoke
at the Democratic ratification meeting
4 at fremont Temple this evening. The