Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-08-28
HIS REASONS.
President Tells Why He Didn't
Sign the Tariff Bill.
1t Is Not in Line Of True Democratic
Tariff Reform,
And Contains Inconsistencies and Crudities
rhich Are Simply Inexcusable.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21-President Cleve-
land has written letter TO Representative
CatchiDgs of Mississippi, in which he sets
forth his views of the new tariff bill and
gives his reason for not approving it: My
Dear Sir: Since the conversation had with
you and Mr.. Clarke of Alabama, few
days ago, in regard to my action upon the
tariff bill now before me, have given the
subject fnrther and most serious considera-
lion. The result is, am more settled than
ever in the determination TO allow the
bill to become law without my sigma
ature. When the formation of the legisla-
ton which it was hoped would embody the
Democratic ideas of tariff reform was
lately entered upon by Congress, nothing
was further from my anticipation than
result that could not promptly and en-
Enthusiastically endorse. 1t is therefore with
a feeling of the utmost disappointment that
| submit to denial of this privilege.
| do not claim to be better than the
masses of my party, nor Go | wish to avoid
any responsibility which, on account of the
passage of this law, | ought to bear as q
member of the Democratic organization.
Neither will permit my self to be sepa-
rated from my party TO such an extent as
might be implied by my veto
of the tariff legislation, which,
though disappointing, is still charge
able to Democratic effort. But
the provisions of this bill are not in line
with honest tariff reform. 1t contains in
consistencies and crudities which ought not
to appear in the tariff laws or laws of any
kind.
Besides, there were, as you and | well
know, incidents accompanying the passage
of the bill through Congress which made
every sincere tariff reformer unhappy,
while Influences which surrounded it in the
latter stages, interfered with its final con-
struction, which ought not to be recognized
or tolerated in Democratic tariff reform
councils.
Yet, notw outstanding all these vicissi-
tudes and all the bad treatment it received
at the hands of pretended friends, it pre-
sents a vast improvement to the existing
conditions. 1t will certainly tighten many
tariff burdens now resting heavily upon the
people. 1t is not only barrier against the
return of mad protection, but furnishes a
vantage ground from which must be waged
further aggressive operations against pro-
tected monopoly and governmental favor
itism.
take my place with the rank and file of the
Democratic party who believe in tariff re-
form, and well know what it is and will re-
fuse to accept the results embodied in this
bill as the close of the war, who are not
blind to the fact that the livery of Demo
cratic tariff reform has been stolen and
worn in the service of Republican protec-
ton and who marked the places where the
5eadly blight of treason blasted the councils
of the brave in their hour of might
Trusts and combinations-thec communism of
pelf--whose Vaccinations prevented us from
reaching the success we deserved, should
not be forgotten or forgiven. We shall re-
cover from our astonishment at their exhi-
bition of power and if then the question is
forced upon us whether they will submit to
the free legislative will of the peoples re-
presentatives or shall dictate laws that 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
because they are founded in patriotism and
upon Justice and fairness toward all inter-
ests. | am proud of my party organization
because 1t is conservatively sturdy and per-
sstent in the enforcement of its principles.
Therefore, do not despair of the
tfforts made by the House of Representa-
lives to supplement the bill already
passed. by further legislation to have en-
grated upon it such notifications as will
more nearly meet Democratic hopes and
aspirations.
| cannot be mistaken as to the necessity
of free raw materials as the foundation of
logical and sensible tariff reform. The ex-
tent to which this is recognized in the legis-
lation already secured, is one of its en-
couroging and redeeming features; and it
is vexatious to recall that while
free coal and iron ore are denied us, the re-
cent letter of the secretary of the treasury
discloses the fact that both might have
been made free by the annual surrender of
only about $1,000 unnecessary rev.
enue. am sure there is common habit
of Understanding the importance of free
raw materials in tariff legislation, of regard
ing them only as related to coDces-
sions to be made to our manufacturers.
The truth is, their Influence is so farreacL-
ing that if disregarded, complete and
beneficent scheme of tariff cannot be sue
cessfully inagurated.
Wheh we give our manufacturers free
raw materials. we unshackle American en-
enterprise and ingenuity, and these will
open the doors of foreign markets
to the reception of our wares,
and give an opportunity for
continuous and remunerative employment
of American labor. With materials cheap
ened by their freedom from tariff charges
the cost of their product must be CORE
spondingly chespened. Thereupon justice
and fairness to the consumer would
demand that the manufacturers be
obliged to submit to such an readjust-
ment modification of the tariff
upon their finished goods as would secure
to the people the benefit of the reduced
cost of their manufacture, and shield the
consumer against the e1sction of inordi-
nate profits.
II will thus be seen that free raw ma
terials, and just and fearless regulation
aud reduction of the tariff to
meet changed conditions, would
carry TO every humble home in
the land the blessings of increased comfort
and cheaper living. Millions of our coun-
trymen whosfought hrsvely and well for
tariff reform should be exhorted to continue