The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1894-11-08
THE VERDICT OF THE NATION.

feeling little short OF despair for the fu-
ture oil the country that We would chroni-
Gle the sweeping republican victory, says
the Telegraph. Two years ago the coun-
try declared by enormous majorities for
tariff reform. This year, without having
given the reform they then demanded any
chance to make its effects felt the people
have apparently reversed their verdict.
We say apparently" because it cannot
be fairly said that the verdict of Tuesday
was on the merits OF tariff reform, while
it cannot be denied that the election OF
1892 was distinct declaration by the
people that they regarded high protection
as a failure.
Local issues undoubtedly contributed
very much TO the result OF Tuesdays vot-
ing, especially in New York, where ma
tional issues were lost sight of in the in
tensity of the fight for and against Tam
many, but it would be egregious folly to
attempt to disguise the fact that hundreds
of thousands OF voters were stampeded in
to the republican ranks by the cry that
fear OF democratic rule was lying cry in
the first place. Tt was a grossly disloyal
cry at all times, and especially during the
late two months because it persistently
aud deliberately denied the genuine reviv-
al of times which has been in progress
ever since the tariff law came into effect.
But it did its work perhaps even more eff
fectually than if it had been honest and
patriotic, and it will be wisdom On the
part OF the democracy to look the case
squarely In the face and shape their fu-
ture policy accordingly. The people de-
feated the democracy on Tuesday chiefly
because they believe that the democracy
was responsible for the business depres-
sion out OF which the country is emery
ing.
There is no use now in representing the
arguments which demonstrate how un-
reasonable that belief was. The demo-
crazy is confronted with a condition, not
theory, and the great question is: What
is it going to do about it?
Eighteen months ago in speaking OF the
danger of delaying tariff reform The Tele-
graph said that delay would be fatal to
the democratic chances in 1894. II then
urged prompt and vigorous action along
the line on which the party succeeded in
1892. 1t expressed the opinion that the
tariff ought to be dealt with in special
session so that there might be time enough
for business to adapt itself to the new
schedule before the people were asked to
pronounce upon the merits OF the reform
policy. Few persons will be found who
will now say that, judging from the tariff
reform standpoint, this would not have
been the wiser policy.
In view OF the aforegoing considerations
what appears 10 be the duty of the demo-
cratic congress at the session which will
open next month?
We unhesitatingly say that its duty is
to 90 on and complete the work which il
began last session as far as it is able. II
the election of Tuesday had taken place
after fair trial of the new schedule il
would be an open question IL the present
congress ought not to leave the tariff Sc
verely alone. But there has been nc
such trial. Moreover, the remaining
work to be done to give full effect to thu
house measure OF 1894 is to break the
grip which certain trusts have upon the
industries of the country. II can hardly
be seriously contended that the peopl,
have declared in favor OF the trusts.
The duty OF the present congress il t.
90 on and complete its work just al
though there had been no election. Tn,
death blow must be given to the trusts
il possible; the banking laws must b,
amended; the silver question must b,
disposed OF. The democracy must lie
velop stronger and more vigorous polio,
than characterized it during the last tw,
years. II it hopes for success in 1896
will have to provide itself with som
better claim to popular support than tn
fact that the business of the country ha
revived under the new tariff.
This claim will be met by the counte
claim from the republicans that the re
vival was due to the victory OF their part
this year. That strong and permanen
revival OF business is at hand can hardl
be doubted, and just as the republicans
ignoring the fact that the great depressio
began under their regime, claimed it |
be wholly due to the democratic victor
in 1892, so in 1896 they will ignore tn
fact that the revival had already begu
before this years election, and will claii
it to be wholly due to their recent triumph
Moreover, it is a fact that the revival hi
been retarded TO large extent by tt
efforts Of the trusts and protected indu
tries TO create an artificial stringency Il
election purposes. The object of this lin
of action having been attained there wi
be general effort to promote an improv
ment in times, whereby color will |
given to the republican claim that pro
perity is due to the fact that the prote
tionists are in power.
1t will be folly for the democracy
enter upon the contest in 1896 with sin
ply prospest of hair splitting with the