The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1895-04-06
THE POLITICAL OUTLOOK.

1t is not premature at this time to
take review of the political situation,
and arrive at some conclusion o. the
prospects for 1896. For two years De-
mocracy has had free rein in the con-
troll of national affairs, and that party
must be held responsible for whatever
has been done end left uudone. Dur
ing the canvass and after the victory in
November. 1892, the Democracy was
prolific in promises, and sufficient time
has elasped to note the result. The
Mckinley tariff bill has been repealed,
and reform measure, ON the line of
Democratic policy, has been inaugu-
rated. la monetary matters no change
has been made EXCEPT in the repeal of
the silver purchase clause of the Sher-
man act The economic and financial
questions are those which more directly
affect business, and these will be dis
cussed oftener during the canvass of
1896 than all other issues between the
parties.
During the past two years the
country has passed throug n distress
full period, and all branches of industry
have been disastrously affected. The
people have felt the pressure of hard
times in the wage schedule and in the
lack of employment, and following as
it did on the heels of the Democratic
victory in 1892 1t is considered of
political significance. When the ballot
is cast next year men will consider re-
suits before placing faith in promises,
and weighed in this balance the Demo-
cratic party will be found wanting.
The campaign of 1896 will not be one
of education, but one in which careful
computation will be made of the effects
of Democratic tariff reform, and a
candid comparison of the conditions
now and under Republican adminis-
trations. Deluslon and subterfuge |
were successful in 1892; but next year
great care will be exercised that these |
are eliminated from the political eqaa-
sion.
: The Democrats have had full con-
troll of the legislative and executive
branches of the government, and the
large majority they received at
the polls inspired them with confidence
that any reform measures that were
adopted would have the support Of the
people. A thorough test has been
made, and the country is aware of the
result. The tariff has been amended
to suit Democratic notions, and the
treasury has become depleted. Rev
enues have fallen off, and varied means
have been devised to keep the receipts
equal to the expenditures. This has
discouraging effect upon business, and
increases the financial depression that
is being suffered.
It requires no great foresight to dis
cern the burdens which the Democrats
will be forced to carry in 1896, and
which it will be almost impossible to
overcome. A weak foreign policy has
been pursued by the Cleveland admin
and American rights
have been trampled on in
other countries. Nothing has been
lone In financial matters, and ON the
sarriff question the most disastrous
have followed the legisla-
tion adopted. All these will be object
essons to voters, and the ballot will
be cast intelligently, and in a direction
which will insure the highest prosperity
If the country. The people have been
ieluded once in placing faith in the
differing promises of reform; but the
lelusion has past, and In 1896 they
will act independently and according
% their best judgment.