The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-01-03
10 THE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS.

It Is wise action in the Democratic
members OF Congress TO hold a caucus
on the Wilson bill, which it now seems
will be done. II should include all the
Democratic senators as well as represen-
tatsves. The occasion is one for determine
ing certain radical questions. According
TO the views of many OF the most en-
lightened men in the country, who are
Democrats from principle. this bill is as
totally opposed to Democratic principles
as the order of things that existed in
France prior to 1883 was. The Times is a
Democrat on principle. because - under
stands Democracy 10 mean perfect equali-
~ Of all men before the laws, and fayorit-
ism and privileges from the laws to none.
Understanding Democracy then TO mean
that the laws shall bear equally and uni
formly upon all, the Times delights In
proclaiming that II is a Democrat, for,
with the Times. justice is a passion. and
a system which produces this result Sc
curco absolute and unfailing justice TO
all.
but the Wilson bill. notwithstanding the
specious and sophistical excuses for 1t
put forward by its author and its other
defenders. docs. nevertheless, impose taxes
upon some men. and exempt other men
from taxation.
Ii is so arranged that 1t will protect"
some American manufactures. which
means that 1t will prevent any Americans
from buying the things which those man.
ufacturers produce from any but those
American manufactures.
Mr.. Wilson may put forward excuses
without number. but he cannot wipe out
this cardinal fact.
This then being one OF the ground work
facts In the case, il behooves ell our
Democratic senator's and congressman to
come together and ask themselves IL they
can offer hat measure to the people OF
the United States as a Democratic meas
ure. Can they worship Democracy with
lip-service only. ana offer TO her nothing
substantial but that which Socialists and
Republicans lay before their deity? DO
they think they can mouth before the
people OF the United States about equali-
~ and justice and hope 10 make them ac-
cept a measure securing special privileges
10 some as = law bearing justly upon all?
They may think they can do this. but
they cannot DO IL. Mr.. Wilson may pirate
about his FINISHED products and his
basic materials and Mr.. Cleveland may
so on preaching about free raw mater
ials." But the people perfectly under
stand the case. They know that when all
this jargon is translated IL means that
the laws are being so framed that some
Americans reap benefits from them while
other Americans have burdens imposed
upon them. and. with this perceived 10 be
the effect OF the bill. the people will pay
little sttention TO sophistical essays on
finished products basic materials" or
free raw Materials" The men who
talk in that way and act in the other
viii forfeit the confidence OF the people
and well ought 10 do so. During the Hamp-
ton Roads conferences between Mr.. Lin
coin and the Confederate States Commits
sioners one Of the latter suggested a basis
Of compromise which he illustrated bv
reference TO something in the experience
OF Charles L., OF England. MIR. Lin
coin. who did not take to the idea suggest
cd. cut the whole matter up by the roots |
by saying "All he knew OF Charles /. was. |
that he lost his head"
This Is the popular way of looking at
public measures. The people care very !
little TOR plausible n specious argu-
rne2tations. They look at results. and
u y useless to talk TO them about basic
snaterials." or anything Of the kind when
ihW ~ the laws favoring some and