Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1894-09-07
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
IAEUU NV Z HhNbIVN,
WASHINGTON, August 27, 1894. !
Hon. T. @. Catchings

EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WAsHINGToN, August 27, 1894.
Hon. T. @. Catchings.
MYDEAR S1R-Since the conversation hal
with you and Mr.. Clarke, of Alabama, few
days ago. in regard to my action upon tho
Tariff bill now before me, 1 have given tho
subject further and moro serious considera-
tion. The result Is 1 am moro 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 embody Democratic
ideas of tariff reform was lately entered
upon by the Congress, nothing was further
from my anticipation than result which L
could not promptly and enthusiastically
dorse. 1t is therefore with 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 1 wish to avoid any re-
sponsibility which, on account of the pas
ber Of the Democratic organization. Neither
will permit myself to be separated from
my party to such an extent as might be i'm
piled by my veto of tariff legislation, which,
though disappointing, is still charSeable
to Democratic effort. But there are pro-
visions in this bill which are not in line
with honest tariff reform, and it contains in
consistencies and crudities which ought not
to appear in tariff laws or laws OF any kind.
Besides there were, as you and we'll know,
bill through the Congress which made every
sincere tariff reformer unhappy, while in
huences surrounded 1t in its latter stages
and interferred with its final construction,
which ought not to be recognized or toter-
ated in Democratic tariff reform counsels.
And yet, Notwithstanding all its vicissi-
tudes and all the bad treatment it rec eived
at the hands Of pretended friends, 1t pre-
sents a vast improvement to existing condt-
tions. 1t will certainly Tighten many tariff
burdens that now rest heavily upon the peo-
ple 1t is not only barrier against the re-
turn of mad protection, but it furnishes
vantage ground from which must be waSed
further aggressive operations against pro-
tected monopoly and Governmental favorit-
ism
take my place with the rank and file OF
the Democratic party who believe in tariff
reform and who know what it is, who re-
fuse to accept the results of this bill as the
close of the war; who are not blinded TO the
fact that the livery of Democratic tariff re-
form has been stolen and worn in the service
of Republican protection, and who have
marked the places where the deadly blight
of treason has blasted the counsels Of the
brave In their hour of might.
The trusts and combinations COM
munism of pelf-whose Vaccinations have
prevented US from reaching the success we
deserved, should not be forgotten nor for
given. We shall recover from our astonish-
ment at their exhibition of power, and il
then the question is forced upon US whether
they shall submit to the free legislative will
of the peoples representatives 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
l love the principles OF true Democracy,
because they are founded in patriotism and
upon justice and fairness toward all inter-
ests. I am proud OF my party organization,
- t. :; 81,
sistent in the enforcement of its principles
Therefore, I do not despair of the efforts
made by the House Of Representatives to
supplement the bill already passed. by further
legislation, and to have engrafted upon 1t
such notifications as will more nearly meet
Democratic hopes and aspirations.
[ cannot be mistaken as to the necessity
of rec raw materials as the foundation or
logical and sensible tariff reform. The ex-
tent to which this is recognized in the legis-
lation already secured is one of its encour-
aging and redeeming features but it is vexa-
tious to recall that, while free coal and iron
have been denied US. q recent letter of the
Secretary Of the Treasury dscloses the fact
that both might have been made free by the
annual surrender of only about 800, 900 OF
unnecessary revenue.
am sure that there is a common habit OF
Understanding the importance OF free raw
materials In tariff legislation, and or regard
ing them as only related to concessions to
be made to our manufacturers The truth
Is, their influence Is so far-reachtnS that, II
dsregarded, a complete and benetlcent
scheme of tariff cannot be successfully In
augurated.
When we give 10 our manufacturers free
raw materials. we unshackle American en-
terprise and ingenuity, and these will open
the doors of foreign markets to the receptlop
of our wares and give opportunity 1or the
continuous and remuneratiye employment OF
American labor.
With materials cheapene1 by their free
dom from tariff charges, the cost OF thelr
product must be correspondingly cheap
ened. Thereupon justice and fairness 10
the consumer would demand that the manu-
facturers bo obliged to submit TO such re-
adjustment and modification OF the tarl1
upon their finished goods as would secure
to the people the benefit of the reduced cost
oftheir manufacture, and shield the consumer
against the exaction of inordinate profits.
1t will thus be seen that free raw matefl-
ais and a Just 5ad fearless regulation andre
duction Of the tariff to meet the changel
conditions would carry to every humble
home in the land the blessings Of Increased
comfort and cheaper living.
The millions of our countrymen who have
fought bravely and well for tariff reform,
should be exhorted to continue the struggle,
boldly challenging to open warfare and con.
stantIy guarding against the treachery ana
half-hsartedness in their camp.
Tariff reform will not be settled until 1t 1s
honestly and fairly settled in the interest
and to the benefit Of a patient and long-sut-
fering people. Yours very truly,
TT