The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-02-18
THE ISSUES OF THE DAY.


on the great questions stlh unsettled.
or In dispute. between the dominant par
ties, We stand now Just as We did in lsse.
for Republican principles are unalterable-
ON the subject OF protection TO American
labor and American Interests. we can re-
affirm. ard Will reasfIrn, the Lincoln plat
form OF lsal 1t seeks neither amendment
nor elaboration. Indeed, We could begin
the platform Of 1sss in the exact words
with which the fathers OF the Republican
party began the platform OF 1850 Its first
nlank. You viii remember. reads al fol-
lows:
RESOLVED, That the history Of the ma
ton during the last four years has fully
established the proprlety and necessity OF
the organization and perpetuation OF the
Republican party. and that the causes
which called IL into existence are peTfia-
nent in their nature. and now. more than
ever before. demand its peaceful and con-
stitutionaI triumph.
This was said near the close Of the last
Democratic administration. which for a
time controlled all branches of the national
government With what truth 1t apples 10
th. present Democratic administration,
which for two years following March 1. issiS.
again had control OF all branches Of the
national government
Now. let me read the Lincoln platform
on the tariff, adopted on May Il, lsvs, by
the second Republican national cohyen-
ton. and | submit whether il does not ex-
press the sentiment OF the great majority
of The people Of Illinois. and OF the whole
country, even better To-Day than tx did then.
Here Is what il said:
Resolved, That, while providing reSe-
nue. for the support OF The general govern
ment BY duties on imports. sound policy
requires such an adjustment of these i'm
posts as to encourage the development or
the industrial interests of the whole coun-
try: and we commend that policy OF ma
tsonal exchanges which secures To the work
ingnen liberal wages, 10 agriculture re-
muneratiEe prices. TO mechanics and man
ufacturers an adequate reward for their
skill, labor and enterprise. and TO the na-
ton commercial prosperity and indepeId-
ence."
Better protection no Republican could
ask or desire. and poorer none should adj
yocate or accept We are faithfully we'd
ded 10 the great principle OF protection by
every tie OF party fealty and affection, and
it is deaTer 70 US now than ever before Not
only is II dearer TO us as Republicans, but
ii has more devoted supporters, among the
great masses of the American people, Ir-
respective OF party, than at any previous
period In our history. 1t is every where
recognized and Endorsed as the great, mas
terflll, triumphant American principie-the
key To our prosperity in business, the SAT
est prop to the treasury Nk hAS AhAANN
States, and the bulwark of our national IN
dependence and financial honor
The question of the continuance or
abandonment of our protective system has
been the one great overShadowinS, vital
question IN American politics ever slncs
Mr. Cleveland opened the contest In De-
cember, 1881, TO which the lamented James
q. Blaine made swift reply from across
the sea, and it viii continue the issue until
h. -
America. is firmly established and uerpet-
uated The fight will go on, and must so
on. until the American system is every
where recognized. until all nations come TO
understand and respect il as distinctly.
and all Americans come TO honor or love IL
as dearly, as they do the American flag.
God grant the day may soon come when all
partisan contention over ii Is forever at an
endi
The Republican party only Is compe-
tent 10 carry this policy into effect. When
ever there is anything to be done for this
country il is To the Republican party we
must look TO have it done We are not
contending for any particular tariff law or
laws. or for any special schedules or rates,
but for the great principle-the American
protective policy-the temporary over
throw of which has brought distress and
ruin 10 every part of our beloved country.
lican tariff law Will provide cannot tell
you. | cannot tell you what the rates will
be. but they will measure the difference
between American and European oondi-
tions, and viii be fully adequate TO protect
ourselves from the invasion of our mar
kets by Oriental products TO the injury Of
American labor. and viii in no case be too
low TO protect and exalt American labor.
and promote and increase American pro-
duction.
/ cannot better answer this grave ques-
ton than by an illustration OF Mr.. Lin
coins Some one asked him: How long
ought a mans legs 10 be-" He said: That
IS a very serious question. and have Civ
en- much thought TO il a great many times.
Some should be longer and some shorter:
but / want TO tell You that a mans legs
ought always 10 be long enough 10 reach
from his body 10 the ground" And SO I
ten you. my inquiring free trade friend.
that the legs OF the next Republican tariff
law will be long enough 10 firmly support
the American body polite. sustain its pub
&c treasury: lift up our national credit;
and uphold the dignity and Independence
OF American labor. and the enterprises and
OCCUPATIONS Of the American people.
No one need be IN any doubt about
ssssxssey "A Il II