The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1894-08-31
PRESIDENT CLEVEL4ND'S LET
TER

The amended Wilson bill became
effective at midnight last Monday,
President Cleveland having persisted
in his determination to let it become
a law without his signature. He
made no communication whatever to
Congress in regard to it but i'll a man
ly letter to Representative t. 9.
Catchings, of Mississippi, he gives his
views on the tariff situation and his
opinion of the bill He starts
out by saying that he does not claim
to be better than the masses of his
party and disclaims a wish to avoid
any responsibility which on account
of the passage of the law he ought to
bear as a member of the Democratic
organization. He also says he will
not permit himself to be separated
from his party to such an extent as
might be implied from a veto of the
bill. He could not sign it he says, be-
cause it does not measure up to his
idea of tariff reform, but, nevertheless
he asserts it to be vast improvement
over existing conditions. He says
truly that it will tighten many tariff
burdens that now rest heavily upon
the people, and is not only n barrier
against the return of Mckinlyism
but having carried commanding
position, we will have vantage
ground to carry on the warfare against
protected monopoly and government
tai favoritism. We cannot do better
than to quote his exact words as he
sounds the watchword and battle cry
for the future. The conclusion of
his letter is as follows:
The trusts and combinations-the commun-
ism of pelf-whose Vaccinations have prevent
ed us from reaching the success we deserved,
should not be forgotten nor forgiven. We
shall recover from our establishment 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 re-
representatives. or shall dictate the laws which
the people must obey, We will accept and set
tie that issue as one involving the integrity
and safety of American institutions.
l love the principles of true Democracy be-
cause they are founded on patriotism and up
on Justice and fairness toward all interests.
! am proud of my party organization because
it is conservatively sturdy and persistent in
the enforcement of its principles. Therefore
l do not despair of the efforts made by the
House of Representatives to supplement the
bill already passed by further legislation aid
to have engrafted upon it such notifications
as will more nearly meet Democratic hopes
and aspirations.
l cannot be mistaken as to the necessity of
free raw materials as the found ition of logi-
cal and sensible tariff reform. The extent to
which this is recognized in the legislation al
ready secured is one of its encouraging and
redeeming features, but it is vexatious to re-
call that while free coal and iron ore have
been denied u.s. a recent letter of the Secretary
of the Treasury discloses the fact both might
have been made free by the annual surrender
of only about 500, 900 of unnecessary revenue.
am sure that there is a common habit of
Understanding the Importance of free raw
materials in tariff legislation, and of regard
ing them as only related to concessions to be
made to our manufacturers. The truth is, their
influence is SO far-reaching that if disregarded
a complete and benefcient scheme of tariff
reform cannot be successfully inaugurated.
When we give to our manufacturers free
raw materials we unshackle American enter
prise and ingenuity, and these will open the
doors of foreign markets to the reception of
our wares and give opportunity for the con-
tinuous and remunerative employment OF
American labor.
With materials cheapened by their freedom
from tariff charges the cost of their product
must be correspondingly cheapened. There
upon justice and fairness to the consumer
would demand that the manufacturers be
obliged to submit to such readjustment and
modification of toe tariff upon their finished
goods as would secure to the people the bene-
fit of the reduced cost of their manufacture
and shield the consumer ageinst the exaction
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-
tions would carry to every humble home in
the land the blessings of increased comfort
and cheaper living.
The millions of our countrymen who have
fought bravely and well for tariff reform
should be exhorted to continue the struggle,
boldly challenging to open warfare and con-
stantly guarding against treachery and half
heartedness in their camp.
Tariff reform will not be settled until 1t is
honestly and fairly settled in the interest and
to the benefit of a patient and long suffering
people.