Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-09-12
That is to Be the Main Issue Next
Year.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. FOREIGN POLICY
1t Will Be Severely Attacked by
the Republicans.
THE ARIFF QUESTION

d
times for their vindication and If the sill
yer question is to be eliminated as an issue
between tie two parties, each convention
declaring for sound money there are but
two issues 10 sight for the presidential
campaign. One is contingent upon the
policy adopted by the republicans, the other
is already made up. If the republicans
should contend for another general revision
OF Inc tarin, looking to a practical restora-
tion OF the high Mckinley duties, as indi-
Gated by Senator Sherman, that would. in
all probability, become the main issue. The
democrats would be glad to have the issue
made in that way, for they would then as
sumo the conservative attitude of letting
well enough alone and not disturbing husi-
ness by ceaseless agitation. In this attt-
tsae ts tney would expect to have the sympa-
thy CT all who are not actual, direct suf-
Ierers from the present tariff and of all
those who prefer fixed condition not en-
tireiy satisfactory to a condition constantly
shlfting, even with the hope of temporary
betterment Moreover, a fight on these
lines would unite the democrats, those who
favored and those " no opposed the German
OIL and those who favor and those who
ing hands in opposition to "a return to
Mckinleyism." 1t would also distract at.
tentfon from the not too satisfactory record
OF the party since Mr.. Cleveland's election,
TartH Issue Not Expected
1t is not believed, however that the re.
publicans will allow the contest to take
this form. large number of leading re-
publicans. especially those in the eastern
manufacturing districts, say that the Law
passed by the last Congress is protection
measure, unavoidabi recognizing the prin-
and repudia;ing the professions of the
free traders. They -criticise il as fmper-
feet, illogical and uneven but not opposed
to the protection theory nor not even as
making the duties too low in all cases
II is said that the manufacturers in iron,
woolens, cotton and most of the important
manufacturing industries are amply pro-
tected. contrary to the theories of the
party responsible for the law. The COM
plant is that il does not informally apply
the principle which it recognizes, but dis
eliminates unjustly in few conspicuous
In stances, where some attempt is made
to apply the doctrine of low tariff, and in
60 doing makes a sacrifice OF revenue
which the government cannot afford. An
Ateaok On the law on this ground does not,
or necessity, imply purpose to disturb
business by another general revision of the
tariff, nor involve struggle for the restor-
alton of the Mckinley duties, which the
republicans are by no means united in de-
string.
Won't Disturb business Interests.
1t is believed manufacturers generally
would not unite in support of proposition
for a general increase Of duties and that
the business interests would not sympathize
with a renewal of tariff agitation. The
party proposing any general disturbance
of existing conditions OF law would prob
ably be at {. disadvantage. Recognition OF
this sentiment has led Mr. Cleveland and
those who agree with him in opposing the
German bill to abandon the purpose de-
clared in Mr. Cleveland's famous letter to
Mr.. W. l.. Wilson, not TO accept that bill,
but TO continue the fight for lower duties.
There is now no intention on the part OF
any democrats to go into the campaign
next year to fight for lower duties. Those
most intimately in sympathy with Mr..
Cleveland on this question d.savox any
such idea.
A similar recognition of public senti-
ment in favor of not being disturbed is al
most certain to deter the republicans from
entering upon an agitation for general
increase of duties. They will probably hold
the law up as an evidence of the abandon
ment by the democrats of their freo trade
theories, and attack its imperfections in
detail without committing themselves to
aggregate of duties. 1t is believed that
but a small minority Of the republicans
favor a different course.
The Democratic Record.
If the tariff is thus eliminated a live
question, the issue left in sight is the rec
ord made by the democrats during the
past two years. Even If some i'm
portant new issue should arise, it would
of recessity enter one way or the other
into the record of the administration. At
present there is no issue looking TO the
future if both parties are to take the same
position on the silver question, and the
democrats must go before the country ask
ing approval of what they have done.
These are the more important acts they
will have to ask approval for: The repeal OF
the Sherman law for the purchase OF silver.
which was accomplished chiefly through the
assistance of the republicans in the House
and Senate; the passage of the German
tariff bill, the repeal of federal election
laws, the interference with the formation
of the Hawaiian republic and attempt to
restore the dethroned queen: the sale OF
bonds, increasing the public debt more than
s165, 100000, ard involving the syndicate
contract under which S5U,0OO,OU of bonds
were sold far below their market value, and
the accu- ,ulating deficiency in tue treasury.
Some Specific Criticisms.
Besides these, and a large number of mat
ters of less Importance, the action or inac-
ticn of the administration in a number Of
matters which establish the character Of
the ADMINISTRATORS policy in dealing with
foreign powers will have to be defended
against most severe criticism.
This is briefly the record which biGs fair
to be the only issue in the campaign. The
democrats are not themselves united in
support Of this record in its entirety, but
features strongly approved by some are as
strongly disapproved of by others.
The bond contract. which has terrors for
mcst democrats, gives Mr.. Cleveland and
his immediate supporters very little uneas-
mess.
While Mr.. Cleyeland's own sentiments
are not known. his friends and most earn
est supporters are chiefly concerned about
the record made in foreign affairs. They
be.ieve that the republicans contemplate a
very Vigorous assault upon the admins
trations foreign policy. Therefore they
are particularly anxious TO mend it, Mr.
Oiney has the disposition to make amends
for the past of the State Department, and
wants to have the weakness and umidity
driven out of mind by new acts OF bold
necs. He wants to make a new record. The
question is whether an occasion of suff1-
cient consequence to overshadow the past
wi arise