The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-08-28
LETTER By The PRESIDENT
An Expression Of His Views on the
German Tariff Bill.

He Is More Settled Than Ever in the
Determination to Allow 1t to Be-
come Law without My Signature"
He Expected a Bill Which He Gould
Promptly and Enthusiastically In
dorse.
Washington, Aug. 27-President Cleve-
land has written the following letter to
Representative Catchings of Mississippi,
in which he sets forth his views of the
new tariff law and gives his reasons for
not approving the bill:
Executive Mansion, Washington. D. c.,
Aug. p, 1894. Hon. T. G. Catchlngs: My
Dear Sir-Since the conversation had with
you and Mr.. Clarke Of Alabama, few days
ago. In regard 10 my action on the tariff bill
now before me, l have given the subject fur
ther and most serious consideration. The
result is, l am more settled than ever in the
determination to allow the bill to become
law without my signature,
When the formation of legislation which it
was hoped would emCody democratic Ideas or
tarlh reform was lately entered upon by the
congress, nothing was further from my antlc-
lpauon than result which | could not
promptly and enthusiastically indorse.
1t Is, therefore, with feeling of the utmost
disappointment that l submit to a denial Of
this privilege. l do not claim 10 be better
than the masses of my party. nor DO l wish
OF the passage of tniS law, l ought to
bear as member Of the democratic
organization. Neither will [ permit my
self to be separated from my party
TO such an extent as might be implied by my
veto of tariff legislation, which, though dis
appointing, is still chargeable to democratic
effort. But there are provisions in this bill
which are not IN line with honest tariff reform,
and 1t contains Inconsistencies and crudlties
which ought not to appear in tariff laws, or
laws Of any kind Besides, there were, as you
flqfa
passage of the bill through congress which
made every sincere tariff reformer unhappy,
while lnhnenceS surrounded it in its latter
stages and lnterfered with its final con-
struction, which ought not to be recognized or
tolerated In democratic tariff reform counsels.
And yet Notwithstanding all its vicissi-
tudes and all the bad treatment it received at
the hands OF pretended friends, II presents
vast improvement TO existing conditions. 1t
Will certainly tighten many a tariff burden
that now rests heavily upon the people. 1t
Is not only barrier against the return Of
mad protection but it furnishes a vantage
ground from which must be waged further
aggressive operations against protected mo
nOpoly and governmental favorltism.
take my place with the rank and file OF
the Democratic party who believe in tariff re-
form, 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 that the livery of democratic reform has
been stolen and worn in the service of repub-
ncan protection, and who have marked the
Places Wu6fS In6 uedQly DllSuJ OF treason mas
blasted the counsels OF the brave in their
hour Of might.
The trusts and combinations-the com
munion of pelt-whose Vaccinations have
prevented us from reaching the success we
deserved, should not be forgotten or forgiven.
We shall recover from our astonishment at
their exhibition Of power and If then the
question is forced upon US whether they shall
submit to the free legislative will of the peo-
pies representatives, OF 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 institu-
tions.
l love the principles of true democracy be-
cause they are founded In patriotism, and
upon justice and fairness toward all in
terests. am proud of my party organiza-
tiOn because it is conServattvely sturdy and
persistent in the enforcement Of it's princl-
pies. Therefore, 1 do not despair OF the
efforts made by the House OF Reprepenta-
tives to supplement the bill already passed
by further legislation, and to have engrafted
upon 1t such mod1hcauons as will more
nearly meet democratic hopes and aspira-
tiOns,
Il cannot be mistaken as to the necessity of
free raw materials as the foundation of logl-
cal and sensible tariff reform. The extent to
which this is recognized IN the legislation
already secured is one of its encouraging and
redeeming features; but it is veXattous to re
call that while free coal and iron ore have
been denied us. a recent letter of the See
retary OF the Treasury discloses the fact that
both might have been made free by the annual
surrender of only about S700O0O Of unneces-
sary revenue.
II am sure that there is a common habit of
Understanding the Importance OF free raw
materials in tariff legislation and Of regard
ing them as only related to concessions to be
made to our manufacturers. The truth is
their influence is so far reaching, that if dis
regarded q complete and benehcent scheme of
tariff reform cannot be successfully lnaugu-
rated.
When we give to our manufacturers free
raw materials we unshackle American en-
terprises and Ingenuity, and these will open
the doors of foreign markets to the reception of
our wares and give opportunity for the con-
tinuous ana remuneTative employment of
American labor.
With materials cheapened by their freedom
from tariff charges the cost OF their product
must be correspOndingly cheapened There
upon Justice and fairness TO the consumer
would demand that the manufacturers be OBJ
liged to submit to such a readjustment and
modification of the tariff upon their finished
goods as would secure to the people the bene-
lit of the reduced cost Of their manufacture
and shield the consumer against the exaction
of inordinate profit. It will thus be seen that
free raw materials and Just and fearless
regulation and reduction Of the tariff to meet
the changed conditions would carry to every
humble home in the land the blessings OF in
creased comfort and cheaper living.
The millions OF our conntrymen who have
fought bravely and well for tariff reform,
should be exhorted'to continue the struggle
boldly challenging to open warfare and con
stantly guarding against treachery and half
heartedness in their camp
Tariff reform will not be settled until IL is
honestly and fairly settled in the interest and
to the benefit OF patient and long suffering
people. Yours very truly,
GROVER CLEVELAND.