The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-12-12

Ii was of course not TO be expected
that President-elect Cleveland would
definitely announce his party policy at
Tire Reform Club dinner, but the great
majority of his party associates had
| hoped that he would at least indirectly
indicate, in his old time courageous
fashion, mis- ideas upon that moneLtous
question. The party is, however, still
in the dark. Mr.. Cleveland has not
only not offered suggestion to his per-
picked followers but has studiously
avoided any expression that has SEM
blance of positiveness as to his inten-
| tions. AS mastery illustration of the
| power of language to conceal thought
this speech surpasses anything that has
yet issued from Mr.. Cleveland's pen.
1t is the effort of his life.
Those who would seek to know how
ever what Mr.. Cleveland thinks of the
vital question of tariff reform must read
between the lines, and compare this
speech with his former utterances.
There was time when Mr.. Cleveland
said at is n condition and not theory
that confronts u.s." "a protective tariff
enriches the few at the expense of the
many" and "a public Office is public
trust" These were his statements be-
fore election. Now he says, eff we re-
deem the promises we have made to the
voters of our land, the difficulty Of our
task can hardly be exaggerated" No
greater contrast can be conceived than
that offered by the vigorous pre-elec tion
expressions of Mr. Cleveland and the
half -halting apology which he already
makes for his anticipated failure to full
fill those party pledges.
If Mr.. Cleveland believes that "a
condition confronts us what need as
he to say I" if we redeem our pledges 2,
He was elected on the strength of those
pledges to remedy the condition which
he so fully described. If this evil of
protection enriches the few at the ex-
pense of the rich, there is no need for
him 20 insinuate that the way to accom-
plish cure is attended with difficulty
that can hardly be exaggerated" There
is no difficulty in abolishing protection.
Simply repeal the whole tariff law and
it is done with at once. That is what
Mr.. Cleveland's platform promised TO
the people. The people trusted him to
do it, and "a public Office is public
trust" The people expect Mr.. Cleve-
land to do what they want, without any
"ifs." This is no time for excuses or
apologies.
Nothing said at this ate moment will
serve as palliation for broken promises.
The piteous and somewhat uncourageous
appeal of Mr.. Cleveland TO the people
not to expect too much should have
been uttered before the campaign Mr..
Cleveland claims TO have won his vic
tory by arousing the intelligence and
vigilance of the country, but he is pain
fully conscious that his accession TO
power will find neither this intelligence
nor this vigilance dead or slumbering."
On that point he is right The vigilance
and intelligence believed that Mr..
Cleveland was man of his word
and one whose promises meant tteir
fulfllment and they are greatly disap-
pointed that after four weeks of pro-
found silence he has nothing 10 say to
them but that he is aware Of their om-
nipresence but he is sorry TO say tlat
the carrying out of his promises are
attended with perplexities.
Undoubtedly Mr.. Cleveland under
stands the difficulties in the way OF his
path, but 1t was hardly to be expected