The Globe-republican., 1894-07-27
SENATE SCENE.
Tariff the Subject Of q Lively De-
bate in the Senate.
1r I'm Makes Z. Remarkable Defense Of
the Presidents Letter on the
Tariff Biu-Mr. Vests
Reply.

90, the question of the disagreement OF
the conference committee on the tariff
bill being under discussion, Senator
Hill, Of New York, spoke with much
feeling. He said:
theory as well as condition now con-
fronts US. The theory OF the democratic
party is that in the enactment Of tariff legisla-
ton free raw materials should be an essential
and conspicuous element; it is our creed that
the materials which enter into our manufact-
ures should be freed from the burden of tariff
taxation. The best interests Of the manu-
facturers as well as the consumers Of the land
demand the recognition Of this wise discrim-
nation. We are committed to this side OF the
question. and We cannot retreat and We cannot
retract. We are honorably bound to redeem
our professions and our promises. Justice
good faith and decent regard for public Senti-
ment all require this.
Until recently had supposed that there was
no dispute upon this question Of principle. but
that every democrat worthy Of the name was
willing to cOncede that il there was one thing
more than another to which the democratic
party was committed, 1t was in favor Of the
doctrine OF absolute free raw materials. The
true and honest construction OF every demo-
cratic national platform for twelve years past
irrevOcably commits us to this just and reason
able principle
Mr.. Hill read the democratic national
platform of 1892, and continued:
Torepeal the Mckinley law in form simply: to
re-enact it in effect. is keeping this promise to
the letter but breaking it in spirit. The plat
form pointed with pride and deliberately APP
proved the measure for free iron ore. free coal
and free wool. which were pending in congress
at the time of the convention. The democratic
position was SO plain and is so clear that he
who runs NAV read.
II any democratic senator in any part OF the
country, forgetting the interests of the whole
land and subscribing the supposed interests of
q locality. promised the people of any state or
section that there would be any exception
made to the enforcement of the general prin-
ciple OF raw materials when the democrats
should obtain power, he exceeded his authority
and misinterpreted our position.
It is said by some in justification or excuse
for their present action that the president S
letter OF acceptance in 1892 modified the ex-
treme demands of our platform. 1t is true
that some portions Of his letter may tend to
bear that construction 1t was not that bold.
ringing and explicit declaration in favor Of the
platform which his party had right to expect.
but was regarded by many as timid, cautious
and conservative: but whether this criticism
is or is not we'll founded the fact remains that
he had no power or authority to change or
alter one line or sentence or provision of the
national platform which had been deliberately
adopted by the national convention assembled.
No president can be above his party; no preSi-
dent can dictate to his party; no president can
change his party platform.
But no matter what idea it may be claimed
was intended to be conveyed in his letter OF
acceptance in mitigation or modification OF the
platform. there can be no doubt as to the presi-
dents position at this time upon this essential
principle of free raw materials. Let me read
from that remarkable letter of the presidents
which was yesterday presented to the house Of
representatives. It expresses better than can
hope to do the true. sound and logical position
of the democratic party upon this question.
After reading extracts from this let
ter, Mr. Hill continued:
Mr.. President, approve Of every word that
have quoted. It Is an honest and manly state
ment of the true attitude which the party
should assume in this crisis am not required
to defend the prOpriety or wisdom OF this pro-
mitigation Of this letter at this peculiar time.
It may have been indiscreet: it may operate as
a fire-brand to spread the flames Of discord al
ready kindled among party friends. honestly
differing as am disposed to concede. upon
questions of public and party policy. 1t was a
time for diplomacy, craftsmanship and c0nclll-
tion rather than recrimination. Remuneration
and arraignment. But aside from the question
of its mere expediency, am here to defend the
presidents letter in so far that 1t demands that
the party shall not be led astray into the viO-
lation of democratic pledges and principles.
Upon the question of free raw materials the
president is right. and you know it, You cam
not answer his arguments. You cannot sue
cessfully dispute his propositions. You cannot
doubt his sincerity and patriotism. You must
Weld in the end to his views You cannot stand
up against the sentiment OF the democratic
masses of the country which will rally around
-. H,r-ytI x.N,y rs
particular branch of the subject. The time to
yield is now. before there is further humilia-
ton embarrassment and diScord.
Mr. President, having demonstrated that the
true democratic theory Of revenue reform re-
ouires that free raw materials should be its
distinguishing feature, let US next inquire
what is the condition which now con-
fronts us. The senate bill which was
passed violates this democratic theory. and
while it reduces the duty on iron. coal and some
other raw materials from those imposed under
the Mckinley law. and in that respect Is COM
mendable, it nevertheless imposes some duties
thereon and thereby fails to redeem our
pledges 1t is not q question OF the amount OF
duties which may be imposed but question OF
principle involved, and single pennyS duty
violates our promises and places US in false
position As the president well says there can
be no compromise on q question Of this char
scter, where vital principle was at stake.
The house of representatives. fresh from the
people, which represents more distinctly and
REGULARLY than we do the taxing power OF the
peop!e repudiates our bill, and democratic
president has emphasized that reputation,
and the condition which confrontS US Is one OF
extreme embarrassment Shall We surrender
10 the house while we can do so honorably, or
shall we wait until we are driven to IT.:
In the light OF the letter Of the president
the house cannot honOrably retreat 1t
has no other alternative except to insist
upon its bill wherein it provides for free raw
materials The president cannot approve the
senate bill after what he has said In this re-
markable letter. He arraigns the senate and
fntimates that the enactment OF the senate
bill means party perddy and party dishonor."
These are strong words. which the president
of the United States would not use toward
measure which he ever expected afterward to
approve. g.
its character and method Of PRONUNCIATION.
though it may be. nevertheless clearly fore
shadows q veto Of the senate bill even II the
house should finally concur in our amend
meuts What person would expect the preSi-
dent To approve the senate bill after its vigor-
ans and scathing denunciation contained in
his letter. You would think less OF him fos
his glarinR Inconsistency. No. this letter Is
significant. il Il bold. vigorous. even II an I'M