Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1894-08-30
ON THE TARIFF.
Tho President Writes q Letter to
Representative Gatherings.
The BILL DOES NOT SUIT HIN.
Adr. Cleveland Says There Are Provisions
Not in Line with Reform. but 1t Is
an Improvement to Existing
Conditions.

WASHINGTON, Aug. es.-The presi-
dent yesterday sent the following let
ter to Representative Catchings, OF
Mississippi, who consented to its pub
LEGATION in view of its public character
and Importance:
Hon. Il. C. CatchiugS:
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WAsHINGToN. Aug
27.-My Dear Sir: Since the conversation I
had with you AID Mr.. Clark, of Alabama n few
days ago in regard to my action upon the tariff
bill now before me, have given the subject
fun and most serious consideration. The re-
suit is am more settled than ever in the de-
termination to allow the bill to become a 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 the
congress, nothing further from my antici-
patton than result which could not prompt
IL and enthusiastically indorse. 1t is therefore
with feeling OF the utmost disappointment
that submit to denial of this privilege.
do not claim to be better than the
masses OF my party, nor do I wish to avoid
any responsibility which, on account of the
passage OF this law, ought to bear as mem
Der of the democratic organization, neither
will permit myself to be separated from my
party to such an extent might be implied by
my veto of tarin legislation which, though dis
appointing, is still chargeable to Democratic
effort. But there are provisions in this bill
which are not in line with honest tariff reform.
and it contains inconsistencies and cruditieS
or laws OF any kind Besides, there were, as
you and we'll know, incidents accompanying
the passage of the bill through congress which
made every sincere reformer 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 tariff reform councils.
And yet, Notwithstanding all its vicissitudeS
and all the bad treatment 1t received at the
hands Of pretended friends, it presents vast
improvement to existing conditions. 1t Will
tighten many tariff burdens that rest
heavily upon the people. 1t is not only baS-
rier against the return of mad protection, but
it furnishes vantage ground from which muSS
be waged further aggressive operations against
protected monopoly and governmental favorit-
Ism.
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 embodied in this bill the close Of
the war, who are not blinded to the fact that
the livery of democratic reform has been stolen
and worn in the service of republican proJec-
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 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 il then the question
is for ed upon US whether they shall submit to
the free legislative will of the peoples repre-
OE
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 it 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 AMI to have en-
grated upon it such notifications as will more
nearly N eet democratic hopes and aspirations.
cannot be mistaken as 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 its encouraging fea-
lures: but it is vexatious to recall that while
free coal and iron have been denied, n letter of
the secretary of the treasury discloses the fact
that both might have been made free by the
annual surrender of only about 100000 of IN
necessary revenue.
am sure that there is q 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 iafiu-
ence is so far-reaching that If disregarded L
complete and benefccnt scheme OF tariff re-
form cannot be successfully Inaugural ted
When we give to our manufacturers free raw
materials we unshGckle American enterprise
and ingenuity. and these will open the doors OF
foreign markets to the reception of our wares
remunera tive employment of American labor.
With materials cheapened by their free lom
from tariff charges, the cost of their product
must be cores onding1y cheapened There
upon business and fairness to the consumer
would demand that the manufacturers be
obliged to submit to such a adjustment and
modification of the tariff upon their finished
goods as would secure to -he'peopls the benefit OF
the reduced cost of their manufacture and shield
the producer against the exactions of inorJ1-
nate profits. It will thus be seen that FREQ
raw materials AID . 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 cheaper living.
The millions OF our countrymen who haVo
fought bravely and we'll for tariff reform should
be exhorted to continue the struggle. boldly
challenging to open warfare and constantly
guarding against treachery and half-hearteS-
ness in their camp Tariff reform viii not be
settled until Ii is honestly and fairly settled IN
the interest and ID the benefit OF patient AID
hong suffering peop.e- Yours very truly. .
GROVER CLEVELAND.