Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-07-20

the rank and file of the Democracy. They
are downcast under the assertion that their
party fails in ability TO n snsge the govern
ment and they are spprehensiye that the ef-
forts to bring about tariff reform may fail,
but they are much more downcast and ap.
prehensive in their fear that Democratic
principle may be surrendered. Every true
Democrat and every sincere tariff reformer
knows that the tariff bill in its present form
and as it will be submitted to the confer
ence, falls far short of the eonsummstion
for which we have long labored.
1--WE have in our platforms and in every
way possible declared in favor of free inn
portation of raw materials. 1t must
be admitted that no tariff measure
can accord with Democratic principles and
promises, or bear a genuine Democratic
badge that does not provide for free raw
material. In the circumstances il may well
excite our wonder that Democrats are will
ing to depart from this, the most Demo
cratic Of sll tariff principles, and that the
inconsistent absurdiiy of such proposed
departure should be emphasized by the
suggestion that the wool of the farmer be
put on the free list and the protection of
tariff taxation be placed around the iron
ore and coal of corporations and capitalists.
How can we force the people after indulg-
ing in such outrageous determinations and
violations of principles"
Referring TO adjustment of tariff taxation
on sugar the President says:
Under our party platform and in accor-
dance with our declared party purposes,
sugar is a legitimate and logical article of
revenue taxation. Unfortunately, how
ever, incidents have accompanied
certain stages of the legisla-
ton, which will be submitted to the confer
ence, that have aroused in connection with
this subject natural, Democratic animos
ity to the methods and manipulstions OF
trusts and combinations.
IL confess to sharing in this feeling, and
yet it seems to me we ought, if possible,
sufficiently free ourselves from prejudice to
enable us to coolly weigh the consideration
which in formulating tariff legislation
ought to guide our treatment of sugar as a
taxeble article. While no tenderness
should be entertained for trusts, and while
| am decidedly opposed to granting them,
under the guise of tariff taxation, any
opportunity to further peculiar methods,
suggest tn It we ought not to be driven away
from the Democratic principle and policy
which led to the taxation of sugar, by the
fear, quite likely exaggerated, that in ear
ryiug out this principle and policy we may
indirectly and inordinately encourage a
combination Of sugar refining interests.
Il know that in the present conditions
this is delicate subject, and | appreci ate
the depth and strength of the fee ling which
its treatment has aroused. | do not believe
we should do evil that good may come, but
| it seems to me we should not forget that
our aim is completion of tariff bill, and
that in taxing sugar for proper purposes
and within reasonable bounds, whatever
else may be said of our actions, we are ii
no danger of running counter to Demo
cratic principle.
with all there is at stake there must be
in the treatment of this article some ground
upon which we are all willing to stand
where liberation and Cancellation may be
allowed to solve the problem without de-
manding the entire surrender of fIed and
conscientious convictions