Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1894-09-07

The absorbing interest felt in tn,
Presidents action upon the tariff bill
makes his letter to Representative
Catchings a matter ofpolitical history
Like all others of the Presidents acts
it stands by itself: Nobody is respon
sible for it but himself, and it empha
sizes that individuality which has al
ways characterized the man.
The letter in full is as follows:
EXECUTIVE MANSION, }
WASHINGTON, Aug. u. 1894.
Hon. T. C. Catchings-MY DEAT
SIR: Since the conversation l had
with you and Mr.. Clark of Alabama q
few days ago in regard to my action
upon the Tariff bill, now before me
l have given the subject full and mos,
serious consideration. The result is
am more settled than ever in the de-
termination TO allow the bill TO become
law without my signature.
When the formulation of legislation
which it was hoped would embody
Democratic ideas of tariff reform, was
lately entered upon by Congress moth
ing was further from my anticipation
than q result which I could not
promptly and enthusiastically in
dorse.
1t is, therefore, with feeling of the
utmost disappointment that 1 submit
to denial of this privilege. 1 do not
claim to be better than the masses OF
my party, nor do 1 wish to avoid any
responsibility which, on account Of the
passage of this law, 1 ought to bear as
a member OF the Democratic organiza-
ton, neither will 1 permit myself 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 DEM
ocratic effort. But there are provis-
ions in this bill which are in line with
honest tariff reform, and it contains
inconsistencies and crudities which
ought not to appear in tariff laws, or
laws of any kind. Besides there were.
as you and I we'll know, incidents &C.
companying the passage Of the bill
through Congress which made every
sincere reformer unhappy, while in
fluence surrounded it in its later
stages and interfered with its final
construction which ought not to be
recognized or tolerated in Democratic
tariff reform councils.
And yet, notwithstanding all its
vices and all the bad treatment it re-
ceived at the hands of pretended
friends, it presents q vast improve
ment to existing conditions. 1t will
certainly tighten many tariff burdens
that now rest heavily upon the people.
1t is not only barrier against the re-
turn of mad protection, but it furn-
ishes q vantage ground from which
must be wsged further aggressive
operations against protected monopoly
and Governmental favoritism. I take
my place with the rank and file Of the
Democratic party, who believe in
tariff reform and who know what it is
who refuse to accept the results en-
bodied in this bill at the close Of the
war; who are not blinded to the fact
that the livery of the Democratic
tariff reform has been stolen and worn
in the service Of Republican protec-
ton, and who have marked the places
where the deadly blight of treason has
blasted the councils of the brave in
their hour of might.
The trusts aud combinations-the
communism OF pelf-whose machina-
tions have prevented us from reaching
the success we deserve, should not be
forgotten or forgiven. We shall re-
cover 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 peoples representatives, OF
shall dictate the laws which the peo.
pie must obey, we will accept and set.
tie that issue as one involving the
integrity and safety Of American in.
stitutions.
1 love the true principles of true
Democracy, because they are founded
on patriotism and upon justice and
fairness toward all interests. I am
proud of my party organization, be-
cause it is conservatively sturdy and
persistent in the enforcement of itf
principles. Therefore, I do not des.
pair of the efforts made by the House
of Representatives TO supplement the
bill already passed by further legisla'
ton and TO have engrafted upon II
such notifications as will more nearly
meet Democratic hopes and inspira
tions.
cannot be mistaken as to the ne
cessity of free raw materials as the
foundation of logical and sensible
tariff reform. The extent to which
this is recognized in the legislation al
ready secured is one Of its encouraging
and redeeming features, but it is vexa
tious 10 recall that while free coal snt
iron ore have been denied, letter o
the Secretary of the Treasury disclose'
the fact both might have been made
free bv the annual surrender OF onl!
about $7OO, 900 OF unnecessary revenue
am sure there is . common habit o
Understanding the Importance o
free raw materials in tariff Legislation
and Of regarding them as only relate'
TO cont essions to be made to oul
manufacturers. The truth is their In