Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-24
THURSDAY. MAY "a. 1894.
Tia prssidant and Compromise Tariff

We commented yesterday upon the New
York Suns contention that tariff for
revenue only was a tariff which provided
for levying customs-duties upon every
article imported into this country. Such
q tariff was never framed either in
America or in Europe, we are sure. TO
state the proposition Is to answer 1t. or TO
show that II needs no answer.
But the Suns prime object Is to inJure
President Cleveland, and that object 1t
will have accomplished when II succeeds,
II it ever shall succeed, In convincing the
people OF the United States that he ap-
proves the policy OF carrying out the
notions OF the tariff doctrinaires who
framed the resolution on the tariff ques-
ton which was adopted by the Chicago
convention. But Mr.. Cleveland fortified
himself against this attack upon his
consistency when he penned his letter
accepting the nomination Of the Chicago
Convention Of 1892. He was wise enough
10 foresee the evil, and hide himself. He
made his own platform. For himself and
whomsoever should vote for him for
President he formulated the following
utterance:
Though we oppose the theory that tar
IN laws may be passed having for
their object the granting of discrminat-
ing and unfair governmental aid to pri-
ylte ventures, we wage no DISCRIMINATING
var against any American Interests. We
f.lieve a readjustment can be accom-
-,lished in accordance with the principles
we profess without disaster or demolition.
We believe that the advantages of freer
raw material should be accorded TO our
manufacturers and we contemplate Il
fair and careful distribution OF necessary
tariff burdens rather than the precipita-
ton OF free trade.
I'VE anticipate with calmness the mis-
representation OF our motives and pur-
poses instigated by a selnshness which
seeks to hold In unrelenting grasp it's
Anfair advantage under the present tariff
laws. We will rely upon the Intelligence
OF our fellow-countrymen TO reject the
charge that a party comprising ma
jority OF our people IL planning the de-
struction or injury Of American interests.
and we know they can't be frightened
by the spectre OF impossible free trade"
What could be clearer? Why should
any senator ask for a more explicit de-
claration on the subject Of the tariff
The President does not declare for a
tariff upon every article that Is imported
and careful distribution" of necessary
tariff burthens What sort of fair and
careful distribution of necessary tariff
burthens would be the Suns tax upon
every article brought across our border
lines?
Again: The President declares against
'the precipitation OF free trade" Recol-
Iect, reader, that these are his own words
which We are giving to you. 1t is the
President himself who speaks for him
precipitation OF free trade. lie does not
ask Virginia TO throw away the benefits
she derives from the tariff on coal, IRON
ore. peanuts. sumac. tobacco. etc, etc.
Once more: The President, speaking foi
his countrymen, says they cannot b,
frightened by the spectre of impossible,
free trade How could language be
stronger? Free trade is not only q
visionary policy. but an impossible policy
A majority OF the people are with III,
President on this question, SO he claims
and. therefore, It is preposterous 70 cal
him OF them free-traders.
Putting these things together, we are
bound to admit that MIR. Cleveland vii
not To guilty OF any Inconsistency II
he decides. as no doubt he has alread,
decided. 10 sign the compromise tarin
bill which the Democrats still hope &c
get through Congress soon enough to
enable its friends 20 explain IT 70 the
people before they are called upon "a
make up their minds as to how they
will vote next November