The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1894-08-31
CLEVELAND ON THE TARIFF.
The President Writes . Letter Giving HI
Views on Tariff Reform.


The President Writes . Letter Giving His
Views On Tariff Reform
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2s.-The presi.
dent yesterday sent the following let
ter to Representative Catchings, Of
Mississippi, who consented to its pub
Iiration in rev of its public character
and Importance:
Hon. T. c. Catchings.
EXECUTIVE MANSION WASHINGTON. Aug.
N-My Dear Sir: Since the conversation l
had with you and Mr.. Clark. OF Alabama Few
days ago in regard TO my action upon the tar1n
bill now before me, baye given the subject
full and most serious consideration Ine re-
suit is am more settled than ever In tbs de-
termination to allow the bill to become la"
without my signature
When the formulation Of legislation which II
was hoped would enbody democratic ideas OF
tariff reform was lately entered upon by the
congress, nothing was further from my antici-
nation than a result which could not prompt
" ard enthusiastically fndorse. II Is therefore
with q feeling Of the utmost Disappointment
that submit to a denial Of this privilege
1 do not claim TO be better than the
masses Of my party, nor do WISH 10 AVOID
am responsibility which. on account OF the
passage of this law. ought to bear as mem
Der of the democratic organization. neither
will permit myself 10 be separated from my
party to such an extent as might pc implied oy
my veto Of tariff legislation which, though dis
appointing. is still chargeable to democratic
effort. But there are provisions In this Dill
which are not in lire with honest tarin REFORM
and 1t contains inconsistencies and crudltles
which ought not to apper N tarln Jaws
or laws OF any kind. Besides, there were as
you and well knot.. incidents accompanying
the passage of the bill through congress which
made every sincere retormer unhappy, while
influences surrounded it in the latter stages
and interfered with its final construction which
ought not to be recognized or tolerated In DEM
ocratic tariG reform councils.
And yet, notwithstanding all its vicissitudes
and all the bad treatment is received at the
hands of pretended friends, 1t presents vast
Improvement to existing conditions. It will
tighten many tariff burdens that now rest
heavily upon the people. 1t is not only bar
rier against the return of mad protection, but
it furnishes vantage ground from which must
be waged further aggressive operations against
protected monopoly and governmental fayorit-
ism.
take my place with the rank and Ale of the
democratic party who believe in tariff reform
and who know what it is who refuse to accept
the results embodied in this bill as the close OF
She war. who are not blinded to the fact that
tie IiSert of democratic reform has been stolen
and worn in the Service OF republican protec-
ton. and who have marked tie places where
the deadly blight of treason has blasted
might. The trusts and combinations-the
communism Of pelf-whose Vaccinations have
prevented us from reaching the success we de-
serve should not be forgotten or forgiven. We
shall recover from Our establishment at their
exhibition Of power, and if then the question
is 70. C ed upon us whether they shall submit TO
the free legislative will Of the peoples repre1
sentatives 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.
love the principles OF true democracy be-
cause they are founded in patriotism and upon
Justice and fairness toward all interests. lam
proud Of my party organization because 1t IS
conservative. sturdy and persistent in the en-
forcement Of its principles. Therefore do
not despair Of the efforts made by the house Of
representatives to supplement the bill already
passed by further legislation and to have en-
grated upon it such notifications as will more
nearly meet democratic hopes and aspirations:
cannot be mistaken to the necessity 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 It's encouraging fea-
lures: but it is vexatious to recall that while
free coal and iron have been denied. letter OF
the secretary Of the treasury discloses the fact
that both might have been made free by the
annual surrender Of only about s1OO,OO OF I'M
necessary revenue.
1 am sure that there Is common habit OF
Understanding the Importance OF free raw
materials in tariff legislation, and OF regarding
them as only related to concessions to be made
to our manufacturers. The truth is their 1nfu-
ence Is so far-reaching that il disregarded a
complete and benefcent scheme OF tariff re-
form cannot be successfully Inaugural ted.
When we give to our manufacturers free raw
materials we unshackle American enterprise
and ingenuity. and these will open the doors OF
foreign markets to the reception Of our wares
and gi We opportunity for the continuous and
remunerative employment of American labor.
With materials cheapened by their freedom
from tariff charges. the cost OF their product
must be correSpondingly cheapened. There
upon business and fairness to the consumer
would demand that the manufacturers be
obliged to submit to such readjustment and
modification of the tariff upon their finished
goods as would secure to the people the benefit Of
the reduced cost of their manufacture and shield
the producer against the exactions OF inordi'
nate profits. 1t will thus be seen that free
raw materials and just and fearless regula-
ton and reduction Of the tariff to meet the
changed conditions, would carry to every hum
BILE home in the land the blessings OF increased
comfort and chearer living
The millions of our countrymen who have
| be exhorted to continue the struggle, boldl!
challenging to open warfare and CONSTANT!
| guarding against treachery and half-hearted
| ness in their camp. Tariff reform will not b.
settled until it is honestly and fairly settled ii
| the interest and t. the benefit Of a patient ant
| long-sunering people. Yours very truly,
| IT'D Cyy ~