New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-02-20
DEMOCRACY GETTING READY.

Coming events cast shadows, in very truth.
The moro the country learns what the COM
ing Administration and Congress are likely to
do, the less confidence there is in continuance
Of prosperity. Mr.. Cleveland's choice of a
Cabinet does not appear to suit anybody cX-
cept the ultra Free Traders, and even OF them
some are highly indignant. If Judge Gresham
had not called himself Tariff RefOrmer men
who mean to he conservative would hardly
have considered that his decisions which made
him beloved of the PopulistS were evidence OF
diplomatic ability. soundness as lawyer, or
sagacity az an adviser. But this docs not
seem to be the only selection intended to
please the same class of voters.
Thus the country is to have MIR. llokc
Smith, from the far South. to overhaul the
pension lists. with declared belief that he
can render himself immortal by reform in that
department. As Secretary OF the Interior he
will also have much to do with transportation
and lands, and from published statements he
appears to have an ambition to leave POpulist
agtators no excuse for Directing to Dcmoc-
iacy Mr. J. Sterling Morton, of Nebraska
has been so many times candidate for so
many offices that he ought TO be well known
as a Democrat of the fleeuadc variety. but
he is presumably expected to represent the
far Western combination of Democrats and
Populists. If Judge Culbcrson. of Texas goes
in as Attorney General II may be taken for
granted that the laws of that State. as well
as of Nebraska particularly with regard I,
railroads and other corporations will have
Jealous advocates in the Cabinet. McSsrs.
Lamont and BisSel from this State. may per-
hars be fairly said to represent Mr.. Cleveland
rather than the party in New-lorls.
The choice of Mr.. Carlisle was in harmony
with Democratic wishes. His idea Of the
tariff was displayed in his comments on the
Mckinley BILL and when his predictions are
contrasted with subsequent events, faith in
his ability to frame wise and practical
tariff is not easy. 1t is stated that he az
cepted with the understanding that he should
frame a tariff bill which the Administration
would support, and that he has taken into his
counsels committee from the Tariff Reform
League, consisting of David A. Wells, Edward
Atkinson, Thomas G.. Sherman. J. De Witt
Warner, Charles +. Fairchild Everett l..
Wheeler and f.. ElIcry Anderson. All these
gentlemen have been jealous diSputants on the
tariff question, and in documents published
and testimony before committees some Of them
have avowcd the most radical beliefs. But
NO; one except Mr.. Atkinson has any prac
teal knowledge of modern industries and his
errors Ct reasoning have more than once elected
the deiisiCn or the cenSure Of many who agree
with him in purrO'c. Mr.. Sherman is rad
ica Free Trader, if there is one but like
others Of the committee is delightfully."- i'll in
formed about the condition OF industries, pre-
ferring an ounce Of theory 10 a ton Of facts.
1t is useful indication at present that an in
formal meeting Of the drygoods commission
merchants was held on Thursday to consider
from the Tariff Reform Committee of the Re
form Club that the duty on wOo!icn goods
could be placed at % per cent adj yal1rcm.
1t would not take many such changes to de-
termine the measure Of prosperity To be en-
loved for the next four years.
Mr.. Cleveands selections warIan. snS-
ricon that he means, if possible, TO capture
the populists by going far in the direction Of
satisfying their ideas. The choice for the fore
most post in his Cabinet Of the man whom
the Popuists wished to nominate for Presi
dent, in spite Of the injustice thereby done 20
Mr. Morrison, of the Interstate Commission,
grows more significant is the names Of his as
sociatcs become known In the Senate the
Populists have secured balance Of power, and
unless they and the silver Senators are satisfied
by monetary legislation. an Administration
tariff bill may drag heavily. What kind Of
legislation in the direction Of Western and
Southern demands on the money question Mr..
Cleveland himself will approve, no ore can
yet say But it is not to he forgotten that
Senator Vest publicly declared during tho late
camraign that he personally knew Mr.. Clcvc
land was willing TO sign free silver bill. APP
parently one Of two things may happen
Either the Administration and Congress will
satisfy Western and Southern Democrats BY
legislation pernciouS to all business interests
or they will divide the Democratic party. Pos
sibly it is Mr.. Cleveland's ambition to preserve
the unity Of the party by cutting loose from
Ncw-YoIk and the Eastern manufacturing
States