The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1894-07-21

dCC5ptE0C6 III uitlK8tluu VI
OF the platform. there can be no doubt
as to the presidents position at this
time upon the essential plea for free raw
materials. Let me read from that re-
msrksble letter of the president which
representatives. 1t expresses better
than can hope to do the true, sound
and logical position of the Democra tic
party upon this question"
After reading extracts from this letter,
Mr.. Hill continued:
"Mr President, approve every word
that have quoted. 1t is an honest and
manly statement OF the true attitude
which the party should assume in this
crisis.
81 am not required to defend tie pro-
priety or wisdom of the FORMULATION of
this letter at this particular time. 1t
may have been indiscreet. 1t may OPP
crate as q frebrand to epread the flames
of discord, already kindled among party
friends, honestly differing, as l am dis
posed to concsde, upon questions OF
public and party policy. 1t was time
for diplomacy, craftsmanship and con-
ciliation rather than recrimination, de-
nunciation ond arraignment. But, aside
from the question OF its expsciency,
am here to defend the presidents letter
in SO far as it demands that the party
shall not be led astray to the violation
OF Democratic pledges and principles.
Upon the question of free raw mate
rails the president is right, and you
know it. You cannot answer his argu-
menta. You cannot successfully dispute
his propositions. You cannot doubt his
sincerity and patriotism. You must
yield in the end to his views. You
cannot stand up against the sentiment
of the great Democratic masses OF the
country which will rally round the pres
ident in his contest with you upon this
particular branch of the subject. The
time to yield is now, before there lie fur
Their humiliation, barrassment and
discord.
"Mr. President, having demonstrated
that the true Democratic theory OF
revenue reform requires that free raw
materials should b. its distinguishing
feature, let US next inquire what is the
condition which now confronts US. The
senate bill which was passed violstes
this Democratic theory, and while it
reduces the duties on iron, coal, lead
and some other raw materials from those
impoeed under the Mckinley law, and
in that respect ia commendable, it
nevertheless imposes some duties
thereon and thereby fails to redeem our
pledges.
1T is net a question OF the amount OF
duties which may be imposed. A quea.
ton OF principle is involved, and single
penny's duty violates our promises and
placed na in a false position. The presi-
dent well says there can be no compro-
mice on q matter OF this character,
where vital principle is at stake.
"The houee OF representatives, fresh
from the people which represents more
distinctly and peculiarly than we do the
taxing power OF the people, repudiates
our bill, and Democratic president has
emphasized that repudiation, and the
condition which confronts US is one OF
extreme embarrassment. Shall we sur
render to the house while We con do 80
honorably, or shall we wait until We are
driven to it?
I'm the light of the letter of the presi-
dent the house cannot honorably re-
treat. 1t has no other alternative ex-
cept to insist upon its bill, wherein it
provides for free raw materials. The
president cannot approve the senate
bill after what he has said in this re-
markable letter. He arragns tho SEN
ate and intimates that the enactment of
the senate bill but means party pertidy
asd party dishonor.
These are strong words which the
president of the United States would not
use towards measure which he ever
expected afterwards to approve.
This letter, unusual and unpreced-
ented in its character and method OF
PRONUNCIATION though it may be, never
thelsss clearly foreshadows the veto of
the senate bill, even il the house should
finally concur in our amendments.
What pereon would expect the president
to approve the senate bill after its vigor-
Gus and scathing denunciation contained
in his letter? You would think less OF
him for his glaring inconsistency.
mo; this letter is significant. 1t is
bold and vigorous, even If imprudent
letter. 1t means war to the knife
against the senate bill. 1t justifies
what has been said against the senate
bill during all of the last three months.
It means that it can never receive the
executive approval. 1t means that the
senate cannot be permitted to abandon
or surrender the great underlying prin-
ciples for which we fought and lost in
1888. and fought and won in 1892. The
president is right; there is no middle
ground which We can occupy. No bill
which does not provide for free raw ma
terials can be permitted to become law.
1t is unnecessary to enter into any argu-
ment to define or designate what articles
constitute raw materials. Every Dem
ocrat knows what they are. Any article
may be considered raw material when IL
is in its lowest or crude state. This def.
milton is ample and sufficient and will
redeem our pledges after it ia honestly
applied.
1.-THE party platform was free. not
freer raw materials az ia now ingenious
ly commended. Ii the president in his
wisdom had seen fit, while the debate
was progressing in the senate, to have
aided my effort to secure adhesion to
the principle, by expressing his views
in favor thereof in come proper and
legitimate way, we should have been
gratified, and it unqusstonebly would
have been OF practical benefit to the
cause. rejoice that he has expressed
them even now, although | am not re-
CURED to defend the manner of their
presentation. even if they so required,
which | do not assume.
II respectfully differ from the presi-
dent in his assumption that tax upon
sugar Is necessary OF this time, concsd-
ing that an income tax ia TO DO retained.
Clesrly both are not needed for any legit.