The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1894-04-23
NEARING A PECIPICR.
Democratic Majority In Congress IN
viting Ruin by Tariff Delay.
From The New York Herald.

From The New York Herald
In the reputation of the currency plaihh
of the democratic platform, as the result
OF the extra session Of congress, the al
ministra ton sowed the wind from when IL
is now reapng the whi31wnd. Since thaC
shameless denial of the party's platform
there has been nothing but confusion, as
order fractional discomfort and party stIiie
in the ranks OF the democrats not only III
congress, but throughout the country.
The precedent established by the adnlH-
istration assisted by d handful of demo-
Gratis in congress, of counting republican
combination to defeat the will of the over
whelmng majority Of the party IN order 10
establish the SINGLE gold standard IS eHf
IDENTIFY to be followed in the consideration
OF the tariff bill
The bill was bad enough as it left the
house but il was better than nothing, ana
infinitely less damaging than the poicy
of delay and naction. What the mousse
failed to do in recognition of the principle
on which the Mckinley law was built the
senate promptly did, and the bill now be-
fore the consideration of that body much
more nearly harmonizes with the tariff
plank of the republican platform than that
Oh which the democrats went before the
country.
In other words, the bill is, in principle.
republican and not democratic, but it nat
urally meets with republican opposition
since, while being founded on the principle
of the Mckinley law, it does not so to the
same extreme. Not only that, but it is not
surprising that the republicans should take
the position that if republican policy is to
be enacted into law it must come through
a republican congress.
But the bill, even in the shape in which
the senatorial bushwhackers have put it,
is better than no bill at all-that is, ii
would be if there were any reasonable ex-
pectation of immediate action. What the
people now want above all things is to get
the tariff out of the way, to put 1T on a
definite basis to let the business interests
OF the country understand just on what
they are to base their calculations. The re-
enactment of the Mckinley law year ago
would not have created the havoc when
has been caused by the inane policy that
has characterized every movement IN the
consideration Of the tariff bill from the day
it was introduced until now, when We ind
it in the throes OF strangulation IN the
senate.
Every day emphasizes the Indignation of
the people. Democratic strOngholdS ars
polling tremendous republican majorities in
the advance election being held all over
the country Rhode Island which q few
years ago gave strong hope of becoming
fixed democratic state, has turned it's face
again to the republican SUM- Municipal
elections in New York, New Jersey, Ohio,
California and elsewhere reflect the senti-
ment OF democratic disapproval and dis
content at the policy OF reputation, which
seems to have control of the course of
legislation in Washington
The party yet has time TO strengthen it.
self and to regain what it has lost in the
estimatio of the people. Prompt and effec-
tive return to the platform VIII satisfy the
people. VIII congress take the step? I'm
less it answers soon its response will be
too late to save the party from the impend
ing disaster which threatens it.
CLARK HOWELL.
Atlanta, Ga, April Is, 1894.