The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-10-24
Wherein Modern Democracy Differs
From That Of Jefferson.
CLEVELAND ON HIS OWN PLATFORM.
lie Does Not Fellow His Party Nearly 50 Closely as
Does Harrison, Though Both Parties
Arc Much Alike.
Special to THE MORNING CALI.

NEW YORK, Oct 23-Mr. Blaine's long
promised utterance on the Presidential
election OF 1892 appears in the November
number of the North American Review,
which will be published tomorrow. /. oc-
cupies thirteen pages Of that publication,
and Blaine notes the lack Of excitement at
tending the present election. suggesting
that the change may be accounted for by
the growth of the country in population
and the consequent absorption in vast COM
mercial and financial operations, and it
may possibly indicate the Subsidence in the
future of extreme partisansbip.
or President Harrson's letter Of accept
ance he says. among other things: Per
haps none of his predecessors have made so
exhaustive, and none have made more
clear, presentation Of the questions in
voved."
Cleveland's letter Is subjected to a search
ing criticism. Blaine finds that in greater
measure than Harrison's it departs from
the party platform; 'in fact" he says.
Cleveland made the platform upon which
he is now before the people," and further
along, "Clevelsnd's departure from the
position of his party's platform on the
question of free trade confirms the impress
sion which has been general. that large
proportion of the Democratic party be-
lieve protection in some form."
Blaine makes q caustc comment upon
Cleyeland's utterance on the currency and
State banks.
He upholds the Republican policy of
granting liberal pensions, saying: "The
amount we contribute for pensions is larger
than the amount paid by any European
notf cto In
ing up the wounds of the past war is more
merciful and honorable work than prepar-
ing the country for new one"
The most remarkable thing In the Presi-
Dental canvass OF 1892 Blaine regards as
''the manner in which, in some sections of
the country, all other issues are put out OF
sight and the force bill alone brought into
prominence"
Representations are made as to the pur-
pose and effect of the force bill which he
declares to be Inconsistent with the spirit
Of Harrison's letter.
Blaine is full and explicit in his treat
ment OF the subject of reciprocity, claiming
that material increase has been caused in
the United States trade by the reciprocal
treaties. he quotes interesting figures re-
latlng to this increase, and predicts, regard
ing Cuba, that We shall conquer IL by
commerce far better than by force of arms.
and cordially establish such mutual in
terest between Cuba and this country that
commercially the TWO countries will be one.
Dwelling upon the claim of the Demo-
cratic party to be the Jeffersonian party,
Blaine says: ut would surprise Jefferson,
II he could once more appear in the flesh. 10
learn that he was held as the indoTSer OF
ell the principles and measures advocated
by the Democratic party to-day. Perhaps
ii is not worth while 10 enter into an elabO-
rate argument on the subject, but the
Democracy owes no little Of its success to
MAJ cfa NTH 4, ,fal, . t-
have made its disciples believe this preten-
sion through the mutations of their party.
In vain 10 Is pointed out that the position
of Jefferson on other subjects is directly the
reverse OF the Democratic position. He is
duly quoted at the next convention and a
new yoke of allegiance is taken to his prin-
ciples. ln 1901, after severe contest Jef-
feTson came TO the Presidency as the
founder and head of the Republican party.
though the prefix Democratic was some
times. but seldom, used. The tenacity with
which jefferson held to the protective prin-
ciple was only in proportion to the necessi-
ties OF the country. His action in 1907,
when he declined to recommend the appeal
or alteration of the revenue law after
surplus OK Sl4,000,000 had accumulated puts
him in the sharpest contrast to Cleveland.
who In his term OF Office treated the surplus
accumulation as the sum of all vilainies."
In conclusion Mr.. Blaine says: 1T Is
interesting and suggestive to look over the
platforms OF the two parties and see how
much alike they are IN several vital meas
ures after the real and decisive issues are
stated. If the parties would aim TO discover
and define the issues on which there are
vital differences of opinion, and would con-
fine the discussion TO them, IL would not only
simplify The contest and be welcome relief
to the two candidates, but 1t would also
greatly help In arriving at the truth, which
Is the ultimate object of popular discussion
and popular election"