St. Paul daily globe., 1896-03-21
a REPUBLICAN AGAIN.
Gen. j. ii. Baker Returns to the Old
Party.

To the Editor of the Globe
Fully aware that 1t is of the least possible
Importance to the public what my political
convictions may be, yet l choose to an
nounce purpose which l have come to en-
tertain since the adjustment of the tariff
question by the Wilson bill and the strange
history OF its enactment 1t is now evident
that the contest for tariff reform has been
fought TO its substantial, ultimate settle
ment. Senator Hill, of New York the high
est of authority, in an address before the
Democratic clubs of New York city, said
that the ;s:in had practically reached its
hnai adjustment, and ''the party must turn
TO other questions" The political drama
involving the enactment of the Wilson BILL
has no type similar i'll character in our his
tory. The president denounced it as a record
covered with perhdy and dishonor." 1t
forced quasi settlement of the tariff ques-
ton unforeseen by neither party. 1t taught
us that whatever the future notifications Of
the tarln may be, up or down, they will be
along the lines of protection. The victory
which reform won was thrown away, and
the hearts of real tariff reformers were
broken. No drum beat can ever again sum-
mon the superb allied forces of 1892 to a
battle royal upon that single idea. Tariff
reform has had its opportunity, its innings
and lost. 1t needs not to complain. The
fact is fully uncovered that local interests
are stronger than party interests, and will
prevent any further important action in the
direction of tariff reform Partisan papers
will continue to talk differently, but they
is set and its epitaph written.
The powerful and independent contingent,
whose numbers and strength elected Mr..
Cleveland. are permanently alienated They
came in honor; they can now depart without
dishonor. We agreed upon certain definite
point; the agreement did not become gen.
eral.
For myself. I tenderly loved tariff reform.
and bid it goodbye with all the regret Of a
lover for caprcious mistress. 1t was a
question upon which | followed my sincere
convictions, without the least reference to
its effect upon myself personally. | gave
earnest and loyal support to the party espous-
! ing the doctrine, and from whom | never
sought or expected reward.
Many We're the good men who believed with
BaStiat, Adam Smith and Recaido, that the
freest trade would be productive of the hap
piest results. But with some this ideal vision
has vanished. Social problems, labor prob
lens and financial problems crowd the hour
and have ebowed the tariff to the rear. The
supreme court, also, has swept away all direct
taxes, and we are compelled TO look TO the
tariff as the great source OF revenue for the
general government. Our ideals must yield
to rugged necessities. Free trade may come
under conditions which will bring the millen-
mum. But the policies of hostile and selfish
nations viii not admit ii in this era. Expert
ence goes to prove that tariffs are especially
practical matters, and long-cherished theories
get roughly handled that our brightest
hopes are dispersed like dreams. 1t is to be
added that the general effects OF the Wilson
bill have been disappointing. lt has neither
alleviated the general depression in any de-
gree nor has it brought prosperity to the
treasury. The test of such experience upon
the condition of the nation necessarily invites
thoughtful theorists to halt. The changes in
political economy and the evolutions in prog
ress, teach, if they teach anything, that free
trade is an impossible ideal.
When | identified myself with the Demo
cratic party on the tariff, | in no manner re-
nounced other Republican policies and his
tories. My Democratic friends would not
lnSlncere cooperation
DDS OF administration in which did not con-
cur; and ] would not respect myself by af-
fecting pretensions which fasifed my cOnvic-
tions What 1 fully believe in politics, my
friends know have never hesitated to avow
and defend, whatever the consequences to
myself. TO those who are too narrow to ap-
preciate honorable motives in politics, / have
nothing to say; but for the men of larger
mould, whether concurring in ones views or
not, the performance Of a conscientious duty is
ever regarded with generous respect.
President Cleveland is the admitted chief
and the best of his party. Brave and courage
Gus, those who are not stricken with partisan
blindness will concede his superiority. part
company with him with profound respect for
his repeated and patriotic efforts TO protect
the national honor, to preserve the public
peace, and TO promote the general welfare.
That verdict which consigns many of his CO.
partners to general opprobrium will kindly
commit him to honorable fame.
With unfeigned pleasure, / desire to place
on record my appreciation of the high personal
character and fervent patriotism of the many
noble Democrats have met and whose con-
fidence have had the honor to enjoy 1t is a
confidence | have never betrayed, and a re-
spect / shall never withdraw. BY associating
with such men, my faith in human nature has
not lost, but gained. | have found that man
hood, honor and patriotism are the common
and undivided property of the mass of our
great political parties.
In view of all the situation, | feel at perfect
liberty honorably to resume my association
with the Republican party which is most in
harmony with my convictions. and accept it's
principles as the better suited to the present
conditions of the country. j. H. Baker.
Mankato Mimi, March IS, 1896.