The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1896-11-26

Ii the loyalty of an administration to
party principle is to be tested 10y results,
then IS Cleveland's administration emln-
emily successful. Had democrats stood
by Cleveland the party would be united
today and on the road to we'll earned
success. The principles which the demo-
cratic party advocated are IN the ascend
ant, though by no means by party action.
1t is a singular situation, ard shows
clearly that principles Of government are
greater than party organization. Never
since the tariff question assumed protec-
tive features in the United States has the
conviction been more deep and general in
the public mind than /. is to-day, that
tariff for revenue only is the limit beyond
which 1t is not safe to go. This has been
democratic contention for years. But
just as the battle was won the party
wearied of the contest and sought sue
cess on other lines. Tariff reform didn't
die because it was deserted by party. 1t
had found lodgmeut in the peoples in
telligence and conscience and there it de-
veloped to conviction. The next con-
gress will not dare to re-enact the Nc
Kinley tariff or anything approaching it.
Whatever tariff bill will be enacted if any
change be made, its basis will be revenue
and not protection. That is q substan-
tial victory for tariff reform. The only
cause for regret is that ii was not won
under the democratic banner, with a
united party. The education which led
to this result has largely been done dur
ing the Cleveland administration.
The country is pledged to maintain the
national credit, and the money of the
country is to be that of the great COM
merclal nations of the world. Good money
has always been democratic doctrine.
The Cleveland administration goes out
with this thing accomplished and made
possible by the firm stand of the admin
istration.
The Monroe doctrine has been en-
| phasized, broadened and accepted by the
nations of Europe. What was simply an
assertion by the United States has rs.
sumed the dignity of international Law,
This is a victory by tie Cleveland adj
ministration, won by an exhibition OF
firmness and courage and practically
without the party support there was
every reason to expect.
Here are three results of the Cleveland
administration which will find promin.
ent place in history, and will be regarded
as epochs. How unwise it seems to dis.
credit an administration which has been
SO steadfast for party principle and ira
dition.
The Cleveland administration has
been remarkably strong one in its
foreign relations, firm and clean in its
management of public affairs. The
one feature of it which led to antag
onisms is that it was isolated from
congressional and political influences
The party policy was carried out but
without advertisement or ostentatious
display. 1t was a formal proceeding
Oh the surface but had the momentum
of intiexible purpose, if apparently
lacking in the warmth of enthusiasm
The people had willed that certain
things be done, and Cleveland execut
ed the commission with punctiiious
regard to every detail, but in the I'm
imprisoned manner of an automaton
He asked no further instructions thar
those contained in his original com.
mission, and refused to modify the PEG
pies edict at the solicitation of those
having personal ends to serve. Strict
adherence to line of principle is &
disorganizing element of party as par
W has been managed. Resentment al
Cleveland's iutexibilitv was The first
manifestation of dissension. Resent
ment grew to open opposition and
party principle was attacked for the
sole reason that Cleveland adhered tC
it. To humiliate him, popuIism was
gloritied and the party quit the party
path because it was Travelled by the
President.
Perhaps he was an unwise leader
for not sacrificing something to ex
pediency. He certainly is lacking il
magnetic qualities and may have more
| faith in business sagacity than in pc
litlcal acumen. Certain it is that ht
has carried democratic principles to /;
degree of success never before achiev
ed, though in doing SO party organic
alton has been badly shattered.