The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-08-28

''aS WI Sou' o6S W oNO " ""''J
Stand Against What He Terms the
Treachery of His Friends.
WASHINGTON, Aug. o.
TMRESIDENT CLEVELAND has
lU) written the following letter to
Representative Catchings, OF
u Mississippi, in which he sets
forth his views of the new tariff law.
and gives his reasons for not approving
the bill:
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, Aug, 27, 1894.
Hon. T. g. Catchinss:
My DEAR SIR-Since the conversation
had with you and MIR. Clarke, of Alabama,
few days ago, in regard to my action
upon the tariff bill now before me, have
given the subject further and most serious
Consideration. The result is / am more
settled than ever in the determination to
allow the bill to become law without my
signature.
When the formation of legislation which
1t was hoped would embody Democratic
ideas of tariff reform was lately entered
upon by congress, nothing was further
from my anticipation than result which
l could not promptly and enthusiastically
endorse. 1t 10, therefore, with feeling Of
the utmost disappointment that l submit
to denial Of this privilege.
NOT A CoNsECRATED BEING.
/ do not claim to be better than the
masses of my party, nor do wish to avoid
any responsibility which, on account of
the passage of this law, ought to bear as
member Of the Democratic organization.
Neither shall l permit myself to be separ-
ated from my party to such an extent as
might DO implied by my veto OF tariff legis-
lation,. which, though disappoint-
ing, is still chargeabls to Demo.
cratic effort. But there are pro-
visions in this bill which are
not in line with honest tariff reform, and
it contains Inconsistencies and crudities
which ought not to appear in tariff laws
or laws of any kind. Besides, there were,
as you and well know, incidents accom-
panying the passage of the bill through
the congress, which made every sincere
tariff reformer unhappy, while influences
surrounded it in its latter stages and inter-
fered with its final construction, which
ought not to be recognized or tolerated in
Democratic tariff reform counaels.
And yet, Notwithstanding all its vicissi-
tudes and all the bad treatment it re-
eeived at the hands of pretended friends,
1t presents vast improvement over ex-
isting conditions. 1t will certainly
tighten many tariff burdens that now rest
heavily upon the people. 1t is not only
barrier against the return Of mad protec-
tion, but it furnishes vantage ground
from which must be waged further
aggressive operations against protected
monopoly and governmental favoritism.
l take my place with the rank and file Of
the Democratic party who believe in tariff
reform and who know what it is, who re-
fuse to accept the results embodied in the
bill as the close of the war. who are not
blinded to the fact that the livery Of Dem.
ocratic tariff reform has been stolen and
put to work in the service OF Republican
protection, and who have marked the
places where the deadly blight of treason
has blasted the counsels of the brave in
their hour Of might.
HAS A KNIFE UP HIS SLEEVE.
The trusts and combinations-the COM
munism of pelr-whose Vaccinations have
prevented US from reaching the success we
deserved shall not be forgotten nor for
given. We shall recover from our astonish-
ment at their exhibition of power, and il
Nthen the question is forced upon us
whether they shall submit to the free
Legislative will Of the peoples representa-
tivess, or shall dictate the laws which the
peoNlc must obey, we will accept and
settle that issue as one involving the in.
tegriEy and safety of American institu.
tionsl
l lo(ye the principles of true Democracy,
becauee they are founded in patriotism
and upon justice and fairness toward all
intereAts. | am proud Of my party organ
ization( because it is conservatively sturdy
and persVistent in the enforcement of its
principles. Therefore do not despair of
the efforth made by the house of represen-
tatives To supplement the bill already
passed by further legislation, and there
have engrafted upon it such modi-
fication As will more nearly meet
Democratic hopes and aspirations.
cannot be mistaken as to the necessity
of free raw materials as the foundation Of
logical AID sensible tariff reform. The
extent to (which this is recognized in the
legislation already secured Is one of its
encouraging and redeeminR features; but
it is vexatious to recall that while free coal
and iron ore have been denied us, a recent
letter Of the secretary Of the treasury dis
closes the fact that both might have been
free by the annual surrender Of only about
s'UVVVU ol unnecessary revenue.
WANTS FREE RAW MATERIALS
am sure there is common habit of
under estimating the Importance of free
raw materials In tariff legislation, and Of
regarding them as only related to conces-
sions to be made to our manufacturers.
The truth is, their influence is so far
reaching that if disregarded complete
aud benehcient scheme OF tariff reform
cannot be successfully inaugurated.
When we give to our manufacturers free
raw materials we unshackle American en-
terprise and ingenuity, and these will open
the doors Of foreign markets to the recep-
tion Of our wares and give opportunity for
the continuous and remunerative employ
ment Of American labor.
With materials cheapsned by their free
dom from tariff charges, the cost OF their
products must be correspondingly cheap
ened. ThereupOn justness and fairness to
the consumer would demand that the man
ufacturers be obliged to submit to such a
readjustment and modification Of the tar
iff upon their finished goods as would se-
cure to the people the benefit OF the re.
duced cost Of their manufacture. and
shield the consumer against inordinate
profits. 1t will thus be seen that free raw
materials and just and fearless regula-
tion and reduction of the tariff to meet
the changed conditions, would carry to
every humble home in the land the bless
ings Of increased comfort and cheaper liv-
ing.
DOESN'T KNOW HE Is DEAD.
The millions Of our countrymen who
have fought bravely and well for tariff re-
form, should be exhorted to continue the
struggle, boldly challenging to open war
fare and constantly guarding against the