Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1894-01-25
REBuKED BY RAYNER.
He Recalls Faithless Democrats to
Their Sense OF Duty.


A Striking ArraiGnIaent of Those Who
Would Sacrifice Party Principles for Per-
Aonal Interests--A Speech Second Only
to Bourke Cockran's.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23.---Not since
Representative w. Burke Cochran OF
New York, made his memorable speech
at the close of general debate on the
Wilson Tariff bill has the House Of
Representatives been SO impressed as 1t
was to-day when Representative Isidor
Rayner of Maryland, entered the dis
cussion to oppose the imposition OF o
duty on coal and TO reprove certain OF
his Democratic colleagues for their
iaithlessness to the pledges of their
party and their inconsistency in yield
ing to selfish interest the support that
should be given the party measure.
No declaration in favor of performing
the whole duty Of the party has been
brought to the attention of the House
with greater emphasis than Mr.. Rayner's
to-day, and no rebuke to those who
would aid the Republicans in opposing
the progress of tariff reform has been as
keenly felt by those at whom 1t was
directed.
The effect of the speech was height
ened by the circumstances. The attack
on the free list had been started by
Democrats, and Representative McKaig
of Maryland, had just concluded an ad-
dress in favor of the Mckinley duty on
conl. The House realized that the most
formidable opposition to the principles
of the Wilson bill was in operation, and
en- both sides of the chamber members
awaited developments with that close
attention which indicates the importance
and significance Of each word uttered.
Underlying the attention given TO the
speeches was degree Of excitementthat
broke out at intervals into disorder. II
was during one of these outbreaks
which succeeded colloquy between
Representatives Reed and McKaig thai
Representative Rayner rose.
His first words were drowned by the
noise. Then he spoke louder, and as
his tones became audible the House
quoted down until it assumed the atti-
tude OF wrapt attention, which is the
highest tribute 1t can ever pay to the
genius of the orator, Members came in
from the cloakrooms and crowded the
Democratic side, while the Republicans,
laying aside for the moment their atti-
tude OF hostility, treated the speaker
with degree of respect very unusual.
Once or twice they Joined in the ap.
plause that broke in upon the speakers
words, but for most of the time they re-
manned quiet, refraining from the usual
interruptions with which they attempt
to embarrass all opponents Of the pro
tective theory.
COURAGE COMMENDED BY OPPONENTS,
It would be going too far to say that
MIR. Rayner's words alone produced this
elect. It was his unwavering courage
in sacrificing interest to principle, his
honesty In pointing out to his colleagues
the treachery involved in the attempt to
secure increased protection for their
constituents, his firm belief In tho prin.
ciples of the party to which he belongs
and his conscious fidelity TO duty as he
conceives it that furnished the House
with a spectacle worthy of admiration
and forced applause from his political
enemies.
No regard for political consequences
which might affect himself stood be.
tween him and the truth. He saw that
many democrats on the floor were in
sincere in their professions, and he
called attention to them. lie saw the
party measure menaced by the influence
OF rapaclous monopolists, and he threw
himself between il and their greed, and
called upon his associates to aid him in
repelling the attack. Through it all he
kept steadily before the minds of the
members the fact that the present
struggle is one between the op-
pressors and their victims, and pointed
out that the result which they wish 10
obtain cannot be produced if the repre-.
sentatives Of the people are to resolve
themselves into mob grabbing for the
spells their political enemies have
Wrung from long-suifering people,
When he had concluded Representative
W. Bourke Cochran was the first %
seize Mr.. Rayner's hand and offer him
congratulations. Others followed, while
the House rang with applause from
members on the floor and persons in the
galleries.