The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-07-21
Senator Hilrs Speech.

u
When Mr. Smith concluded Mr.. Hill
jumped to his feet and, being recognized.
launched his speech, as follows:
"a theory, as we'll as condi-
ton now confronts us. The theory
of the Democratic. party is that IN tne
enactment OF tariff legislation free raw ma
terials should always be an essential and
conspicuous element 1t is our creed that
the materials which enter into our manu-
factures should be freed from the burden
of tariff taxation The best interests of the
manufacturers, well as the consumers,
of the land demand the recognition of this
wise discrimination We are committed 10
this side of the question; we cannot retreat,
and we cannot retract. We are honorably
bound 10 redeem our professions ana our
promises Justice good faith and decent
regard for public sentiment all require this
course. Until recently / had supposed that
there was no dispute upon this question OF
of the name was willing to concede that If
there was something more than another to
which the Democratic party was committed,
it was i'm favor of the doctrine of absolute
ly free raw materials. The true and honest
construction of every Democratic national
platform for twelve years past irrevocably
commits us to this just and reasonable prin-
ciple."
Speaking of the pledge in the Democratic
national platform Of 1872 Mr. Hfll @ Sald; :,r,nl0
promise to the letter but breaking it in
and deliberately approved the measures
for free iron ore. free lead ore, free coal
and free wool, which were pending In Con-
Democratic position was so plain and is
so clear that he who runs may read II
any Democratic orator in any part or the
country, forgetting the interests or the
whole land and subscribing the supposed
interests of locality promised the people
of any State or section that there would be
of the general principle of free raw ma
terials when the Democrats should Ii obtain d3iG
interpreted our position.
1T is said by some in justification or eX-
cuse for their present action that the Pres,
ident's letter of acceptance OF 1892 modified
the extreme demands of our platform. 1t
is true that some portions of his letter may
tend to bear that. construction. 1t was not
that ringing and explicit declaration in
favor of the platform which his party
had a right TO expect, but was regarded
by many as timid, cautious and conSerYa-
tive but whether this criticism is or is
not we'll founded, the fact remains that he
had no power or authority TO change or
alter one line, or sentiment. or provision
of the national platform which had been
deliberat tely adopted in the national con-
vention duly assembled.
NO PRESIDENT CAN DICTATE.
mo President can be above his party.
No President dictate to his party. No
President can change his party platform.
But no matter what idea it may be claimed
was intended to be conveyed in his letter
ton of the platform there can be no doubt
as to the Presidents position at this time
upon this essential principle of free raw
materials. Let me read from that remark
able letter of the Presidents which was
yesterday submitted to the House of Rep
resentatives 1t expresses better than
can hope to do the true, sound and logical
position of the Democratic party upon his
After reading extracts from the letter
Mr.. Hill went on as follows: MIR. Presi-
dent | approve every word of that
statement Of the true attitude which the
party should assume in this crisis. 1 am
not required to defend the propriety or
wisdom of the PRONUNCIATION Of this letter
at this particular time. II may have been
indscreet; II may operate as a hrebrand
to spread the flames of discord already
kindled among party friends, honestly diff
fering as / am disposed to concede, upon
questions Of public and party policy. II
may widen the breach already existing in
the Senate. and in that view it may be
regarded as unfortunate and ill-advised
1t was a time for diplomacy. statesman
ship and conciliation rather than recrlm-
ination, denunciation and arraignment. But,
aside from the question of its mere expe-
dents letter in far as 1t demands that
the party shall not be led astray in the
violation of Democratic pledges and prin-
terials the President is right and you know
IT, You cannot answer his arguments
sitions You cannot doubt his sincerity and
patriotism. You must yield in the end to
his views You cannot stand up against
the sentiment of the great Democra tic
masses of the country which will rally
around the President in his contest with
YOU upon this particular branch of the sub
ject The time TO yield is now. before
there Is further humiliation, embarrass-
ment and discord.
"Mr President. having demonstrated that
the true Democratic theory of revenue re-
form requires that free raw materials
should be it's distinguishing feature, let us
next inquire what is the condition which
now confronts US. The Senate BILL which
has been passed, violates this Democratic
iron, coal, lead and some other raw ma
terials. from those imposed under the Me-