The morning call., 1894-08-28
EXECUTIVE MANSION,

WASHINGTON. ID. u, Aug. 27, 1894.
Hon. T. c. CdtchingS-DEAR SIR: Since the
conversation l had with you and Mr.. Clark or
Alabama, few days ago, in regard TO my ac-
tlon upon the tariff bill now before me, have
given the subject full and most serious consid-
Grafton. The result is, am more settled than
ever 10 the determination 10 allow the bill to
become law without my signature
When the formulation of the legislation which
it was hoped would embody Democratic ideas
OF arin reform was lately entered upon by
Congress. nothing was further from my antlci-
patton than result which could not promptly
and enthusiastically indorse. 1t is, therefore,
with a feeling of the utmost disappointment
that l submit to denial of this privilege / do
not claim TO be better than the masses of my
party. nor do wish to avoid any responsibility
which, on account of the passage of this law,
ought to bear as a member of the Democratic
organization, neither will permit myself 10 be
separated from my party to such an extent as
might be implied by my veto of tariff legisa
tiOn which, though disappointing, is still
chargeable 10 Democratic effort. Bus there are
provisions in this bill which are in line with
honest tariff reform, and IL contains incon-
sistencies and crudiies which ought not to an.
pear in tariff laws OF any kind. Besides there
are, as you and l we'll know, incidents accom-
panyiDg the passage of the bin through Cou-
gress when made every sincere Teformer un-
happy, while Influences surrounded it in its
later stages and interfered with its final con-
structlOn which ought not to be recognized or
tolerated In Democratic taFIff-reform councils.
And yet Notwithstanding all its vices, and all
The bad treatment 1t received at the hands OF
pretended friends, it presents a vast improve
ment on existing conditions. 1t will certainly
tighten many tariff burdens that now rest
heavily upon the people. 1t is not only a bar
rier against the return OF mad protection but
it furnishes vantage ground from which
h2at
against protected monopoly and Government tai
favoritiSm.
take my place with the rank and file OF the
Democratic party who believe in tariff reform
and who know what it is. who refuse to accept
the results embodied In this bill as the close of
the war, who are not blinded TO the fact chat
the livery of the Democratic tariff reform has
been stolen and worn in the service of Repub-
ican protection and who have marked the
places where the deadly blight OF treason has
blasted the councils of the brave in their hour
of might.
The trusts and combinatIons-the com.
muDtsm of pelf-whose Vaccinations have pre-
vented US from reaching the success we de.
serve. should not be forgotten or forgiven We
shall recover from our astOnishment at heir
exhibition of power, and if then the question is
forced upon US whether they shall submit 10
the free legislative VIII Of the peoples repre-
sentatives or shall dictate the laws which the
people must obey we will accept and settle
that issue as one Involving the integrity and
safety of American institutions.
love the principles of true Democracy be-
cause they are founded on patriotism and upon
justice and fairness toward all I'M erests. I am
proud OF my party organization because it is
conservatlVely sturdy and persistent in the en-
forcement of its principles. Therefore, l do
not despair OF the efforts made by the House of
Representatives. TO supplement The bill already
passed by further legislation, and TO have en-
grated upon it such notifications as will more
nearly meet Democratic hopes and inspira.
tions.
/ cannot be mistaken as to the necessity OF
free raw materials as the foundation of logical
and sensible tariff reform. The extent to which
this is recognized in the legislation already
secured is one of its encouraging and redeem
ing features; but il is vexatiOus to recall that
while free coal and iron ore have been denied,
letter of the Secretary of the Treasury dis
closes the fact that both might have been made
free by the annual surrender Of only about
100000 Of unnecessary revenue. l am sure
there is common habit OF Understanding the
Importance OF free raw materials in tariff legis-
lation and OF regarding them as only related TO
concessions to be made to our manufacturers,
The truth is that their influence is so far reach
cent scheme of tariff reform cannot be success
fully inaugurated.
When we give to our manufacturers free raw
materials we unshackle American enterprise
and ingenuity. and these Will open the doors OF