The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-07-20
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
W. SHINc TON 1nlu q 1907

To Hon. ". 7. WilsOn-MY DEAR SIR The
certainty that conference will be ordered be-
tween the Two houses of Congress for the pur-
pose of adjusting the differences on the subject
OF tariff legislation makes il also certain that
you will be called upon again to do hard service
in the cause Of tariff reform.
My public life has so closely related to the
subject, l have so lOnged for its accomplish
ment and l have so often promised its accom-
phi shment TO my fellowcountrymen as a result
of their trust and confidence 10 the Democratic
party. that l hope no excuse is necessary for
my earnest appeal TO you hat in this crisis you
strenuously insist upon party honesty and
good faith and sturdy adherence TO Demo
cratic principles. l believe these are absolutely
necessary conditions to the continuation OF
Democratic existence
l cannot rid myself OF the feeling that this
conference will present the best, if not the only,
hope Of true Democracy. Indications point to
its action as the reliance Of those who desire
the genuine fruition OF Democratic effort the
fulfillment Of Democratic pledges and redemp-
tlon Of Democratic promises to the people.
To reconcile differences in the details COM
prised within the fixed and well-defined lines of
principle will not be the sole task OF the confer
ence. but. as it seems to me, its members Will
also have In charge the question whether Dem
ocratic principles themselves are to be saved or
abandoned. There is no excuse for mistaking
or misapprehending the feelings and the temper
OF the rank and file OF the Democracy They
are downcaSt under the assertion that their
party failed in ability 10 manage the Govern
ment, and they are apprehensive that efforts TO
bring about tariff reform may fail; but they are
much more downcast and apprehcnsive in their
fears that Democratic principles may be surron-
dered.
In these necessary circumstances they do not
otherwise than to look with confidence TO you
and those who with you have periodically and
sincerely championcd the cause of tariff reform
with Democratic lines and guided by those
principles This confidence is vastly augmented
By the action under your leadership of the
House OF Representatives upon the bill now
pending.
Every true Democrat and every sincere tariff
reformer knows that this bill in Its present
form and as it will be submitted 10 the confer
erence falls far short of the contamination for
which we have long labored. for which we
have suffered defeat without encouragement,
which in its anticipation gives us rallying cry
in our day OF triumph, and which In its promise
of accomplishment is so interviewer with Dem.
ocratIc pl dyes and Democratic successes that
our abandonment OF the Gauss or the principles
upon which it rests means party perfidy and
party dshonor
One topic Twill be submitted to the confer
directly that IL cannot be compromised. We
have in our platforms and In every way pos
sible declared In favor of the free Importation
of raw materials. We have again and again
promised that this should be accorded 10 our
people and our manufacturers as soon as The
Democratic party was invested with the power
TO determine the tariff policy OF the country.
The party has now that power. We are as GER
tain as we have ever been OF the benefit that
would accrue TO the country from the Inaugural
tiOn OF this policy, and nothing has occurred to
release Us from our obligation 10 secure this
advantage 10 our people. 1t must be admitted
that no tariff measure can accord with Demo
cratic principles and promises or bear The
genuine Democratic badge that does not provide
for free raw materials.
In these circumstances 1t may well excite
our wonder that Democrats are willing TO de-
part from This, the most Democratic OF all tar If
principles and that the Inconsistent abs urdity
of such proposed departure should be EN-
hasiZ-d by thu suggestion that the woods of
the farmer be put on the free list aud the pro-
lection OF tai i'll taxation be placed around the
iron ore ana the coal of corporations and capt.
talIsts. How can we face the people after IN.
duIging In such outrageous discrimination and
violation OF principle? IL is quite apparent this