The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1894-08-31
The Presidents Views on the Tariff Bill

L uc IEeSkueutS Vows Oh shC aim Dhh'
Washington, Aug. 27-Presid ut Ceve-
land has written the following letter to
Representative Catchiugs of Mississippi, in
which he Gets forth his views Of the new
tariff law and gives his reasons for not
approving the bill:
EXECUTIVE MANSION.
Washington, ID. c August p.
Hon. C. T. Catchings.
had with you and Mr.. Clark Of Alabama n
few days ago. in regard to my action on the
tariff bill now before me. have given the
subj ect further and most serious copsidera-
ton. The result is. am more settled than
ever iu the determination to allow the bill TO
become law without my signature.
When the formation Of legislation, which
il was hoped would embody Democratic
ideas of tariff reform, was lately entered
upon by the Congress nothing Was further
from my anticipation that result which
could not promptly and enthusiastically
endorse. 1t is, thereto Q, With feeling of
the utmost disappointment that submit TO
a denial of this privilege.
do not claic, to be better than the mass
es of my party nor do wish to avoid any
responsibility which, on account of the
passage Of this law, ought to bear as a
member of the Democratic organization.
Neither will permit myself to be separated
from my party to such an extent as might be
implied by my veto of tariff legislation,
which, though disappointing, is still charge
able to Democratic effort But there are
provisions in this bill which are not in line
with honest tariff reform, aud it contains iu-
cunsistencies and crudities which ought not
to appear in tariff laws or laws Of any kind
Besides there were, as you and we know,
incidents accompanying the passage of the
brll through the Congress which made every
sincere tariff reformer unhappy, while in
fuences surrounded it in its latter stages
which interfered with its fipsl construction
and which ought rot to be recognized or
tolerated in Democratic tariff reform counsels.
And yet, Notwithstanding al its vicissitudes
and a | the bad treatment it received at the
hands of pretended friends, it prevents a
vast improvement to existing conditions. 1t
will certaiuly tighten many tariff burden
that now rests heavily upon the people 1t
is not only n barrier against the return of
mad protection but il furnishes q vantage
ground from which must be waged further
aggressive operations against protected
moncpolies and governmental favoritism.
l take my place with the rank and file Of
the Den ocratic party who believe in tariff
reform and who know what it is: who
refuse to accept the results embodied in this
bill - The ciosc &C ;hc war: who are aware
of the fact that the livery Of Democratic
tariff reform has been stolen and worn in the
service Of Republican protection and who
have marked the places where the deadly
light of treason has blasted the counsels of
the brave in their hour Of might.
The trusts and combinations, the COM
muuion of relf. whose Vaccinations have
prevented us from reaching the success we
deserved, should not be forgotten or forgiven
We shall recover from our astonishment at
their exhibition of power, and if then the
question is forced upon us whether they
shall submit to the free legislative will Of the
peoples repres entatives, 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
insti' utions.
| love the principles of true Democracy
bee lusc they are founded in patriotism and
uron justice and fairness toward all interests.
| am proud of my party organization,
because it is couservatively sturdy and per-
sistent 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 engrafted
nearly meet Democratic hopes and aspira-
tions.
l cannot be mistaken as to the necessity of
free raw materials as the foundation of
logical and sensible tariff reform. The ex-
tent TO which this is recognized in the legis-
tion already secured is one ofits encouraging
and rcdeeming features; but it is vcXatious
to recall that free coal and iron ore have
been denied US. a recent 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
unnecessary revenue.
am sure that there is a common habit of
understanding the Importance Of free raw
materials in tariff legislation, and ofregard-
ing them as only related to concessions to be
made to our manufacturers. The truth is,
their influence is so far reaching that il dis
regarded complete and bcnc6cicnt scheme
of tariff reform cannot be successfully inaugu-
rated. When we give TO our manufacturers
free raw materials we unsbackle American
enterprises and ingenuity and these will open
the doors Of foreign markets to the reception
Of our wares and give opportunity for the
continued remunerative employment OF
American labor. With materials chcapened
by their freedom from tariff charges the cost
Of their product mus. be cOrrespondingly
cheapened. Thereupon justice aud fairnes:
to the consumer would demand that the
manufacturers be obliged TO submit to such
rcadjustmcnt and modification of the tariff
upon their finished goods as would secure iC
the people the benefit of the reduced cost O
their manufacture. and shield the consumer
against the exaction of inordinate frofts. Il
will thus be seen that free raw material ant
| just and fearless regulation and reduction
OF the tariff to meet the changed condition:
would carry to every humble home in tn,
land the blessings Of increased comfort ant
cheaper living. The millions Of countrymcr
who have fought bravely and well for tarif
reform should be exhortcd to continue tn,
struggle, boldly challenging to open warfar,
and constantly guarding against treachery
and half heartcdness in their camp.
Tariff reform will not be settled until it il
honestly and fairly settled in the interes
and to the benefit Of a patient and long suf
ferng people
Yours very truly,
"Signcd." GROVER CLEVELAND.
Electric Bitters.
This remedy il becoming go well knoBI