Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-05-28
HIS MAIDEN SPEECH
Senator Walsh Discusses the Tariff as a
Matt onal Issue.
He Believes I'm Tariff Reform, Free
Coinage and An the Abolition of
the Bank Tax.

The speech OF Senator Patrick Walsh of
Georgia in the Senate today on the tariff
bill was listened to with more than usual
interest, as IT was his first formal speech in
that body since his recent appointment TO
fill the vacancy caused by the death of SEN
ator Colquitt. AT the outset OF his speech
Mr.. Walsh called attention to the charges
which he said had come from the republi-
can side, that the south was endeaNoring
to destroy the industries of New England.
Speaking for the people of Georgia, he was
free to say that no such sentiments are
cherished by them. They have no hostility.
he asserted, for the people or industries of
New England. When the war ended they
buried their resentments in the grave with
their dead. They have labored to build up
their waste places. Nobly have they per-
formed their task. The story of the re-
sources and advances of the south is n re-
markahie one. He said that the south is TO
become the greatest manufacturing section
of the United States. Hence the absurdity
of the charges that the south is seeking TO
destroy the manufacturing Industries of the
country and the wages OF labor in urging
this tariff reform legislation. He then
spoke of the material wealth and resources
of Georgia, presenting tables illustrating his
theme.
He said that there is no race problem in
Georgia. The negro is treated fairly, and
tented together. He then referred to the
resources of the entire south I'm a material
way. and said that their interests were as
vital as any section of the country. At this
time the south asks that the democra tic
party should simply carry out the pledges
made to the people TO reform the tariff, and
In connection with the tariff reform bill
they champion an amendment to IL which
provides for a tax upon incomes. The south
is not Influenced by sectional or partisan
motives i'm favoring the income tax, but
because IL is equitable and right. He spoke
OF the position of the democratic party on
tariff reform, and asserted that the repub-
licans opposed the passage of the Wilson
bill because IL would inaugurate an era OF
prosperity and growth in this country
which would be disastrous to republican
rule. He said that the Wilson bill is not
all that its trainers designed. but is a sub
stantial compliance with democratic pro-
fessions.
Income Tax and silver.
He then defended the income tax from the
charge that it was undemocratic and Sec
t:onal and claimed that it would distribute
the burdens of taxation equally upon all
classes and upon all interests. He said that
while he considered IL was desirable 10 Sc
cure the reconciliation of silver by inter-
national agreement, still. If the opportunity
offered. he would not hesitate to vote for
free coinage, with. or without, international
agreement believing that ihe immense re-
sources ana energies or This
country would enable our government 70
sustain silver on parity with gold and
compel recognition for II from the en-
lghtened governments of Europe. He ia
vored the repeal of the bank tax, permitting
every state to manage its own local banks
without let or hindrance on the part of the
general government.
In closing. he referred to the stagnant
condition of the business of the country,
due, as he said, to the uncertainty of con-
eressional legislation on the tariff. Imme-
date action. he said. is what the country
needs. and what the country has a right 10
expect The democratic party, he asserted,
will be false to its high mission, and ne
glectful of its great opportunity, IT, in addi-
ton to tariff reform, II fails to carry out by
defective legislation, it's solemn pledges OF
fir ancial relief. as embodied in the demand
for free silver coinage and the recommenda-
ton for the repeal of the 10 per cent tax en-
state banks circulation. He urged that the
republican Senators should lift themsel res
above party and sections and no longer Oh
struct the will OF the people, as embodied
in the Wilson tariff reform bill. Finally. he
said that the people of the south admired
President Cleveland for his integrity and
his ability, and honor him for that exalted
patriotism which seeks the welfare of the
people and the best interests of the whole
country.