The farmers' union. (Memphis, Mo.) 1891-1895, 1894-09-06

Congress mich made every sincere reformer
unhappy. while influences surrounded 1t in its
latter stages and iuterfered with its final con-
structiOn which ought not to be recognized or
tolerated in Democratic tariff refOrZ-i councils.
And yet, notwithstanding all its vicissit udes
and all the bad treatment it received a the
hands OF pretended friends. it presents "ast
improvement to existing conditions. II Will
certainly tighten many tariff burdens that now
rest heavily upon the people. 1t is not only
barrier against the return OF mad protection.
but il furnishes vantage ground from which
must be waged further aggressive operations
against protected monopoly and governments al
favoritism.
take my place with the rank ard file of the
DemocIa ic Iarty who believe in tariff re-
accept the results embodied in this bill as the
close OF the war: who are not blinded to the
fact that the livery of Democratic tarlft re-
form has been stolen and worn in the service
Of Republican protection. and who have
marked the places where the deadly blight OF
treason has blasted the COUNCILS OF the brave
in their hCd' OF n. light.
The trusts and cumbinat ons- the commun-
ism of pelf whose machinations have pre-
vented US from reaching the success we de-
serve. stOuld not be forgotten Or forgiven. We
shall recover from our astOni> hment at their
hibition of power: and it then the question
is forced upon us whether they shall submit
to the free legislative viii OF the peoples rep
resentatives OF shall dictate the laws which
the people must obey, we will accelt and
rity and safety Of American institutions.
lore the principles of true Democracy be-
cause they are founded in patriotism and up
on justice aud fairness TOW ard all interests. I
am proud or my party organic ton because
it is cOnservatively stn...y and persistent IN
the enforcement OF its principles Therefore
l do not despair Of the efforts made by the
House of Representa- iyes to supplement the
bill already passed by further legislation and
to have engrafted upon it such notifications
will more nearly meet Democratic hopes
and aspirations.
i can't be mistaken as to the necessity Of
free raw materials as the foundation OF logical
10
which this is recognized in the LEGISLATION al
ready secured is one of its encouraging and
redeemng features. but it is vexatiOus to re-
call that while free coal and iron ore have been
denied a letter Of the Secretary of the Treas
ury discloses the fact that both might have
been made flee by the annual surrender OF
only about 600 OF unnecessary revenue.
/ am sure that there is common habit OF
Understanding the Importance of fee raw
materials in tariff legislation and OF regard
ing them as only related to concessions to he
made to our manufacturers The truth is their
influence is so far reaching that if disregard
ed; complete aud beneficent scheme of tariff
reform cannot be successfully inaugurated
When we give to our manufacturers free raw
materials we unshackle American enterprise
and in yenUity. and these will open the doors
of foreign markets to The reception of our
wares and give opportunity for the cont1nu-
GUS and rernunerative employment of Amert-
With materials cheapened by their freedom
from tariff charges the cost of their product
must be orre-pOndinely cheapened. There
upon justice and fairness to the consumer
would demand that the manufacturers be OBJ
liged to submit to such a read ia stment and
II. odificatiOn of the tariff upon their finished
goods as would secure to the people the bene-
MT of the reduced cost of their manufacture
and shield the cons u:ner against the eXactiOns
of inOrdinate profits.
1t will thus be seen that free raw materials
and just and fearless regulation and reduc-
ton of the tariff to meet the changed cOndi-
tons would carry to every humble home in
the land the blessings of increased comfort
and cheaper living.
The millions Of our cOuntrymcn who have
fought bravely and we'll for tariff reform
should be exnOrted to continue the struggle
boldly challenging to open warfare and con-
stantly guarding against treachery aud half
heartedness in their camp.
Tariff reform will not be settled until it Is
honestly and fairly cited in the interest and
to the benefit of patient and long suffering
people. Yours very truly.
GROVER CLEVELAND.