The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1896-03-27
COMES HOME +!
General Baker, After Wander
ing Among POpulists and
Democrats,
Comes Home to Rest in the
Bosom of the G.
O. p.
A LETTER DEFINING HIS REASONS

| MANKATO, March 1S.-Fully aware
that it is of the least possible import
ance to the public what my political
convictions may be, yet L choose TO
announce purpose which L have
come to entertain since the ADJUST
ment of the tariff by the Wilson bill,
and the strange history OF it's enact
ment. 1t is now evident that the
contest for tariff reform has been
fought to it's substantial, ultimate
settlement Senator Hill, of New
York, the highest authority, in an
address before the Democratic clubs
of New York city, said that the tariff
had practically reached it's final ad-
justment, and 1.-THE party must turn
to other questions" The political
drama involving the enactment of the
Wilson bill has no type similar in
character in our history. The presi-
dent denounced it as record covered
with "perfidy and dishonor," 1t
forced quasi settlement of the tar
! if question, unforeseen to either party.
! 1t taught us that whatever the fut-
IRE notifications of the tariff 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 summon the superb allied forces
of 1892 to battle royal upon that
single idea. Tariff reform had its OPP
poruunity, its innings, and lost. 1t
need not complain. The fact is un-
covered 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 know better.
The tomb stone of tariff reform is set,
and it's epitaph is written.
The powerful and independent con-
Gingent whose numbers and strength
elected Mr.. Cleveland are permanent
| ly alienatcd. They came in honor,
they can now depart with dishonor.
They agreed upon certain definite
point; the agreement did not become
general.
Fer myself, I tenderly loved tariff
reform, and bid it goodbye with all
! the regret of lover for a capricious
mistress. 1t was a question upon
| which | followed my sincere cOnvic-
tions without the least reference to
It's effect upon me personally. | gave
earnest and loyal support to the party
eSpouSing the doctrine, from whom l
never sought or expected reward.
FREE TRADE AN IDEAL VISION.
Many were the good men who be-
| lieved, with BaStiat, Adam Smith and
| RicaidO, that the freeSt trade would
be productive of the happiest results.
| But with some this ideal vision has
vanished. Social problems, labor prob
lens and financial problems crowd the
hour, and have elbowed the tariff
to the rear. The sIpreme court
also has swept away all irect taxes
and we are compelled to look
to the tariff as the great source
of revenue for the general govern
ment. Our ideals must yield to
rugged necessities. Free trade may
come under conditions which will
bring the millennium. But the politics
of hostile and selfish nations will not
admit it in this era. Experience goes
to prove that tariffs are especially
practical matters, and cherished
theories get so roughly handled that
some of our fondeSt hopes are dis
persed like dreams.
1t is to be added that the general
effects of the Wilson bill have been
disappointing. 1t has neither allev-
lated the general depression in any de-
gree, nor has it brought prosperity to
the treasury. The test of such eXper-
fence upon the condition of the nation
necessarily invites the thoughtful
theorist to halt. The changes in pO-
litical economy and the evolutions In
progress teach, if they teach anything,
that free trade is an impossible ideal.
When / identified myself with the
Democratic party on the tariff, in no
manner renOunced other Republican
policies and traditions. My Demo-
cratic friends would not thank me for
| insincere cooperation and methods of
administration in which did not con-
cur, and | would not respect myself
| by affecting pretensiOnS which falsi-
| fed my convictions. What | fully be-
lieve in politics my friends know |
have never hestated to avOw and de-
| fend, whatever the consequences to
myself. To those who are TOO narrow
to appreciate honorable motives in
politics, have nothing to say; but
for men of large mould, whether con-
curing in ones views or not the per-
| Torrance of conscientious duty is
ever regarded with generous respect.
| President Cleveland is the admitted
chief and the best Of his party. Brave
and courageous, those who are not
stricken with partisan blindness will
concede his superiority. part COM
pany with him with profound respect
for his repeated and patriotic efforts
to protect the national honor, to pre-
serve the public peace and to promote
the general welfare. That verdict
which cOnsigns many of his co-part-
ners to general opprobrium will kind
ly commit him to honorable fame
With unfeigned pleasure l desire to
place on record my appreciation of the
many noble Democrats I have met.
and whose confidence [ have had the
honor TO enjoy. 1t is confidence
have never betrayed, and a respect /
shall never Withdraw. By associating
with such men my faith in human ma
ture has not lost, but gained I have
found that manhood, honor and pat
riOtism are common and divided pIop-
erty of the mass of both our great no
litical parties.
Il In view of the situation, I feel at
perfect liberty, honorably to resume
my association with the Republican