Western Kansas world., 1893-07-22
Democracy In a Dilemma.


the opinion that the reform" tariff
bill to be introduced in the next Con-
igress will. "in the main" follow the
lines Of the Morrison bill, which pro-
'vided for uniform reduction Of the
duties upon all articles. That would
Jbe the easiest way out Of the embar-
RAISING dilemma in which Democrats
have placed themselves by their
pledges to free-traderS. But 1t would
not conform to their platform decla-
rations WHICH denounce all protection
as robbery, and as unconstitutional.
If they make a or 10 per cent. cut
ali along the line such industries as
are now highly protected could stand
it. They would still enjoy protection
which high Democratic authority as
sures US is robbery and unconstitu-
tionaL Under this uniform cut in
dustries upon which low tariff Is
now imposed would be opened entirely
to the competition of the world.
Some Of our industries would thus
be under free trade and some under
low protection, regardless Of their
interests, and the adherents to both
doctrines would be dissatisfied with
the situation.
Mr.. Edward Atkinson, scholarly
gentleman, statistician Of high
standing, a conscientious free-trader,
and close friend Of President Cleve-
land, has been interviewed, and he
thinks as follows on the subject Of
the tariff:
The fact is that in my opinion the adminis-
tariff, for the very good reason that it win not
ibe sble TO do so. There will be some changes
in the articles which yield comparatively IT.
put upon the free list. This viii be true
of those articles as to which the cost Of
collection very nearly approximates the
details have not yet been worked out. Enough
has been discovered, however, to make 1t very
clear that comparatively little will be done
with the tariff by the administration. 1t will
not be possible TO do much.
This is, indeed, in the opinion of
the Cleveland Leader, a remarkable
delivery for Mr.. Atkinson. For
years he has stood at the head of the
free trade procession, He was in the
thickeSt Of the fray against McKin-
leyism. Last year he formulated a
plan to raise means to support the
government upon free trade basis.
Now he thinks "lt will not be possible
to do much" with the robber tariff
created by "the iniquitous Mckinley
law" The wholesale Robbery Of the
people must 60 on "for the very good
reason" that the free-traders dare
not arrest it. In fact, they know
there Is no robbery. When brought
face to face with the reform" they
promised to bring about their conf
dence and courage desert them.
They realize that their reform" is
fraud and that its execution would
involve widespread ruin and disaster
ito the country. After persistently
and bitterly fighting McKinleyism
for nearly three years their high
priests declare that the administra-
tion of Grover Cleveland will do very
little with it ''for the very good rea-
son that they will not be able to-"
Why is not this administration
able to fulfill its pledges and substi-
qtute free trade for McKinleyism? 1t
has control of both houses of Con-,
gfess and the Presidency. No obsta-
clestands in its way in any branch
of the Federal Government. Con-
gress and President were both elected
10y large majoritieS upon the tariff
issue and now we are told they ~will
| not be able" to meet their pledges; it
SF& not be possible to do so." Why?
Not because they lack the power, but
because they dare not face conse-
Quences Of abolishing wise tariff
system. 1t would be easy for them
TO remove all duties from protected
manufactures and to substitute for
them duties upon tea, coffee, sugar,
spices, and such articles as we cannot
produce in sufficient quantities to
supply the home demand. That is
what they promised to do. They ar
Rued that a duty upon tea, coffee,
and sugar falls alike upon all classes,
because all consume them and
that it does not deprive citizen of
bis inalienable right to buy where he
pleases. They contended that duty
upon knives, rails, and nails falls
only upon the consumer Of those ar
ticles, forces a man to buy from a
home manufacturer, aud therefore
-robs him of one of his dearest rights.
They have put forward these theories
for years. Now that they have all
the power in their hands, they dare
not enact them into laws. at will
not be possible to do So" The Nc
Kinley law, in its main features,
must remain. 1t worked we'll, and
the country was prosperous as long
as the law was executed by Repub-
llcans. AS soon as its repeal was
threatened, business disasters ensued.
The people Of Ohio can do nothing
that will 60 further to prevent its re-
peal or unwise amendment than to
elect its author Governor Of Ohio this
fall by an overwhelming majority.