River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1894-08-30
REFUSED TO SIGN IT.
President Cleveland Allows the
Tariff Bill to Become a Law.
1t Does So Without His Indorsement-He
Explains His Attitude In a Letter to
Mr.. Catchings-End of Long
Struggle.
SEW TARIFF eoEs INTo ILLICIT.

NEW TARIFF 6oEs INTO EFFECT.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2s.-At L. o'clock
Monday night the Mckinley tariff law.
which had been in operation since
October so. 1890, practically four years,
died on the statute books and the new
democratic tariff bill passed by the
Fifty-third congress became a law
without the signature of President
Cleveland
'ExEcI FIVE MANSION. wAsHINGToS. Aug
Ss.-Hon. 7. c. Catchings-Ny Dear Sir: Since
the conversation had with you and Mr. Clark
OF Alabama, few days ago in regard to my
action upon the tariff bin now before me
have given the subject further and most Sc
rlous consideration. The result is am more
settled than ever in the determination 20 al
low the bill 10 become a law without my sigma
ture.
When REORGANIZATION of legislation which
II was hoped would embody democratic ideas
OF tariff reform was lately entered upon by
this congress nothing was further from my an
tieipation than a result which / could not
promptly and enthusiastically indorse. IL Is
therefore with feeling OF the utmost disap-
pointment that I submit TO denial OF this
privilege
4 do not claim to be better than the masses
OF my party nor do wish 10 avoid any respon-
Sihility which on account OF the passage OF
this law ought TO bear as a member Of the
democratic organization neither will
permit myself 10 be separated from my
party to such ar extent as might be
implied by my veto Of tariff legislation. which.
though disappointing. Is still ehargeable TO
democratic effort But there are provisions in
this bill which are not in line with honest
tarlf reform and IL contains inconsistencies
ard crcdities which ought not to appear in
tariff laws or laws OF any kind
Besides, there were as you and well know,
incidents accompanying the passage Of the
bin through congress which nade every in
cere refOrmer unhappy, while influences sur
rounded 1t in its latter stages and intersered
with its final construction which ought not TO
be recognized or tolerated in democratic tariff
reform councils.
And yet, Notwithstanding all its vscissf-
tudes and all the bad treatment it has received
az the hands OF its pretended friends, Il pr
sents a vast improvement TO existing condi-
tions. II will certainly tighten many tariff
burdens that now rest heavily upon the peo-
pie. II is not only barrier against the return
OF mad protection. but ii furnishes a vantage
ground from which must be waged further ag-
gressive operations against protected monop-
oily and governmental favoritism.
Il take my place with the rank and file OF
the democratic party who believe IN tariff re-
form and who know what il is. who refuse to
accept the results embodied in the bill at the
close OF the war. VINO are not blinded to the
fact that the livery OF democratic tariff reform
has been sto en- and worn in the service AZ re-
publican protection, 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 COM
munism OF pelf, whose Vaccinations have pre-
vented US from reaching the success we de-
serve, should not be forgotten or forgiven We
shall recover from our astonishment at their
I exhibition power. and 10
is forced upon US whether they shall submit TO
the free legislative will of the peoples repre-
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.
Il love the principles Of true democracy be-
cause they are founded in patriotism and upon
Justice and fairness toward all interests am
proud OF my party organization because id
Is conservativeiy sturdy and persistent in the
enforcement 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 il such notifications as VIII more
nearly meet democratic hopes and aspirations
i can't be mistaken as to the necessity Of
free raw materials the foundation OF logical
and sensible tariff reform. The extent to which
this is recognized in the legislation already Sc
cured is one of its encouraging and redeeming
features. but il is vexatiOus to recall that while
free coal ana iron ore have been denied a let
ter Of the secretary OF the treasury discloses
the fact that both might have been made free
by the annual :. rrender OF only $4,000 OF IN
necessary revenue.
Il am sure that there is common habit OF
Understanding the importance of free raw
materials in tariff legislation, and OF regard
ing them as only related TO concessions to be
made TO our manufacturers. The truth is
their influence is so far-reaching that IL disre-
garded complete and benefcent scheme Of
tariff reform cannot be successfully inaugu-
rated.
materials we unshackle American enterprise
and ingenuity. and these will open the doors Of
foreign markets to the reception OF our wares
and give opportunity for the continuous and
remuneratIve employment OF American labor
With materials cheapened by their freedom
from tariff charges. the cost of cir product
must be correspondingly eheapened- There
upon justice and fairness TO the consumer
would demand that the manufacturers be
obliged 10 submit to such a readjuStment and
modification of the tariff upon their finished
goods as would secure to the people the benefit
of the reduced cost of their manufactures and
shield the consumer against the eXactions OF
lnordinate profits
at will thus be seen that free raw materials
and just ami fearless regulation and reduce
tion OF the tariH TO meet the changed cOndi-
lions would carry to every humble home
in tie land the blessings Of increased com
of our countrynen who have fought
bravely and well for tariff reform
should be exhorted to continue the struggle
boldly challenging TO open warfare and Con-
stantly guarding against treachery and half
heartedneSS in their camp Tariff reform will
not be settled until it is honestly and fairly
settled in the interest and to the benefit of
patient and long-sufrering peop e. Yours very
truly. GROVER CLEVELAND"
The placing of the bill upon the statute
books ended one OF the longest and most
remarkable struggles in the parliament
tary history of the government 1t was
practically year ago that the compilation Of
the new tariff was commenced. The extraordi-
nary session of congress was called lgust
Z. 1893, for the lurpoSe OF repeating the
sherman silyer-p rchasing law. Two weeks
later the ways al means committee OF the
house. with Mr. Wilson Of West Virginia as
chairman. was appointed. and almost imme-
diately the work OF framing the democratic
tariff-reform measure began Months were
spent in its preparation. and 1t was not re-
ported until after the holidays during the
regular session beginning in december. For
three weeks il was debated IN the house. pass
ing that body January % Seventeen house
democrats voted againstit The bill went 10 the
senate. and. after being considered until March
20 was reported. greatly changed from the
house bill. The debate which began in the
senate April lasted until July 8 when the
bill passed by vote of 80 TO "a. The crisis
occurred when the bill reached conference
on August - the house yielded and accepted
the senate bill in toto Two DAYS afterward
Wednesday. August IS IL went to the presi-
dent and Monday night at the expiration OF
the constitutional days Sundays not countedl
il became law without Mr.. Cievelands APP
proval a