The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-10-26


and the nation is soon to pass its ver-
dict upon the Democratic administra-
tion and the legislation 1t has been re-
sponsible for, aud for other legislation
It's leaders are pledging themselves to
perform if reelected.
A new condition confronts every voter
this year. although the question of
tariff is the most prominent one in the
present campaign. In all other elections
the Democrats have had merely their
promises of what they would do If en-
trusted with the power to cSrry their
plans out. This fall, after having been
in full power Is months, they are going
to the people to receive their approval or
their disapproval for legislation accom-
plished.
The question, therefore. that the pres
ent election is TO settle is whether this
country believes In the Democratic
theory of the tariff, for they have
theory in spite Of their mongrel tariff
bill, or whether it will reject the free
trade ideas which are really the funda-
mental rules underlying the Democratic
policy. and return to the Republican
system of protection.
A vote for Democratic Congressman
means vote for free trade and a vote
for Republican Congressman means a
reputation Of free trade and vote for
protection.
After having sought power for
80 years the Democracy was
Mt last given the control of govern
ment, but as soon as the country
realized what had been done aud awoke
to the fact that the whole political econ
omy of the nation was to be overturned
that the business conditions upon which
our mercantile, manufacturing and
industrial lifo were based were
to be radically altered, there came
a feeling of disturbance followed by
dread of the consequences, which soon
changed into panic. Every one knew
that tine Chicago platform meant free
trade. How it was to come and when
it was to come were the unknown factors
in the case, but ~ absolute change in
business conditions was known to be un-
avoidable.
Manufacturers began to curtail pro-
duction, jobbers to close out their lines
and without ordering new ones, mer-
chants TO get rid OF their old stocks,
everyone fearing to get caught with
stock of goods on hand when the new
change was made. This brought cut
downs and shut-downs, and commercial
as well as industrial distress.
The Democracy came into power and
what was done Protection had been de-
nounced as a robbery, as crime. as
unconstitutional, yet the day heightened
into weeks and the weeks rolled into
months and still the Democracy gave no
sign Of desire to put stop to this al
legged robbery"
The financial panic burst upon the
nation aud Mr.. CLEVELAND, determined
upon giving an "object" lesson 10 the
country, failed TO move. Finally Congress
was convened in extra session to repeal
the silver purchase clause Of the Sherman
act Of 1890 upon which it had been de-
cided to place all the blame for the con-
ditions then existing.
The Democratic Congress was unable
10 control the situation and the Renub-
licans came TO the aid Of President
CLEVELAND and repealed this clause.
All these months, with the dread of
free trade staring the nation in the face,
the Democracy had given no indication
by legislation begun Of its intentions,
and the extra session died and the
country was as much at sea as ever.
In business life nothing is so danger.
ous 10 the successful management OF an
enterprise as uncertainty and ignorance
OF theconditions under which business
be carried on.
When Congress finally a ssembled long.
aud weary weeks OF wrangling passed
before tariff bill, embolying many
free trade points, was pas ei but before
the country could figure out the changed
conditions under the new law. the Sugar
Trust Senate totally altered the House