The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-08-17

The political future of Senators German
and Hill may reasonably afford ground for
speculation. Both occupy positions in
the politics Of the country which are I'M
usual aud extraordinary. and il may
fairly be assumed that they will both be
important factors in shaping the course Of
political action for some time to come.
They are both men OF strong individuality
and are In the height Of mental and bodily
vigor. Neither will surrender the position
which be now holds without struggle
which would have a powerful and far
reaching influence.
Senator German occupies the more
perilous position Of the two. He has long
been leader in his party. He came into
national politics by the not altogether
ereditabie path Of Maryland machine pol
itics, bat he possesses force and mental
grasp of public questions which lit him
far above the position of mere machine
politician. A protectionist at heart. en-
vironment and the force OF cir
cnmstances made him a member of
the Democratic party. When that
party committed itself by its
national platform to the policy of tariff
for revenue only. he tacitly accepted the
situation. choosing to 90 through the
outer forms OF abandoning his belief in
protection rather than to break with the
party Of which be was q strong and infu-
entail leader. Circumstances, however.
placed him directly In the pathway of the
Cleveland Wilson tariff smashers. When
the Wilson bill came 10 the senate Ii was
so framed as to strike down in
dustries In which German was di.
rectly and personally interested. A
protectionist at heart. as has been said.
he did not hesitate TO assail the bill In the
interest Of the industries which appealed
20 him most directly. He succeeded in
modifying the bill as he desired, in modi-
flying Il so radically that its author looks
upon 1t with scorn and dismay, but at the
same time he made himself the most I'M
popular man in his party. No Democratic
county convention feels that il has done
its duty until 1t has denounced him, and
the few Democrats who defend him do il in
. faint-hesrted and hesitating manner
which Is in itself q condemnation.
1t Is questionable whether German can
overcome his present unpopuIArity in his
own party. His ability to do so will de-
pend upon his ability TO retain his grasp
upon hls own state. IL he can continue
to keep the support OF Maryland he is so
able. so vigorous and SO aggressive that
the Democrats of the nation will again be
compelled to recognize him among their
leaders
Hill has played his cards more adroilly
than German aud occupies an infinitely
stronger position. lie is the only original
opponent Of the new tariff among the
Democratic senators. lie alone voted
against IL Everybody knows that il is
not his tariff. No matter what business
disasters follow in the wake Of its pas
sage, no murdered industry can shake its
cory locks at Hill aud say be did it. His
position As al opponent OF the measure is
distinctly understood. bat By an expedien,
which Is worthy Of his peculiar
genius, he has turned from himself
the torrent or Democratic wrath which
threatens 10 oyerwhelm German. His po-
sition Is strong and IL will grow stronger.
aud the prediction is not rash one that
he national Democracy will one day ac-
kuowledgs in David d. Hin its unquss-
toned leader.
The positions occupied BY these men are
unique and interesting. The future de-
Ponds upon the sklA with which they
play the game