The Van Buren press., 1896-04-18
BLAINE,S ANGRY BLOW.
Smashed His Hat in Protest Against
MeKinleyism-A Dramatic Scene
Recalled.

versal demand On the part of the rank
and file of the Republican party to
nominate Mr.. Mckinley, there is con-
siderable doubt in the minds of the
leaders as to whether the appearance of
the Ohio man at the head Of the
Presidential ticket will not be a
dangerous thing. They recall the very
effective campaign which the Democrats
made against the champion of high
lprotection in 1890, and they fear that
the facts and arguments then SO
successfully put forth win again have
great weight with people. It is true
that the Mckinley men assert that the
conditions now are vastly different.
They say that in 1890 the Democratic
policy of low tariff had not been tried,
and that the revolt against Nc Kinleyism
was natural because it was believed that
its opponents had something better to
offer. They claim that experience has
shown that the then despised Mckinley
ism is really the corner stone of the
nations prosperity.
In this connection the conservative
men in the party are recalling the
dramatic scene which occurred in the
room of the Senate Committee on
Appropriations, in the month of July,
1890, when Blaine raised his voice in
most emphatic protest against the
passage of the Mckinley bill. Should
tae ex chairman of the Ways and Means
Committee be the Republican nominee,
this scene will be the text for many a
Democratic speech, and the words of
Blaine will be quoted in condemnation
of Republican policy. The episode Is
worth relating, for it illustrated to a
remarkable degree the prophetic soul of
Blaine as we'll as an antagonism to that
extreme of protection which the Nc
Kinley bill embodied, and the fear of
which today is the one weakness Of the
Mckinley cause.
POURED FORTH A TORRENT OF INvEcTIVE.
Like many other things, Blaine s
denunciation of the Mckinley bill was
all the more intense and striking
because it was absolutely unpremedi-
tated. He had gone to the committee
room, as Secretary of State, to discuss
with Senators Allison, Hale and Black
burn the details of the consular and
diplomatic appropriation bill. It was
a warm day and he was attired in a
light summer suit, but also wore a
brand new beaver. The Mckinley bill
was then pending in the Senate, having
passed the House, and naturally it came
up in the casual conversation which
preceded the business for which the
Secretary had gone to the Capitol
What do you think of it, Mr..
Mr.. Secretary2' asked Mr.. Blackburn.
To the surprise Of everybody present,
instead of commencing the measure,
Mr.. Blaine burst forth with the most
bitter and fiery denunciation.
IF you want my honest opinion, :"
he said. II will tell you that / think
the bill is an infamy and an outrage.
1t is the most shameful measure ever
proposed to civilized people. Go on
with it and it will carry our party to
perdition. -
Mr.. Blaine paused for moment in
his invective, and Senator Blackburn
remarked that he wished the Secretary
was in the Senate to speak as publicly
as he had just done privately.
II wish were, he answered, for
would stamp it under my feet and
spit upon it. ="
Advancing toward Senator Allison
and Senator Hale, he snapped his finger
in the face of each man and with rising
infection said
go on with your driveling idiocy
and see to what destruction it will lead
the Republican party. Pass this bill
and in 1892 there will not be man so
beggared as to accept your nomination
for the Presidency.
HOW THE CLIMAX CAME.
Not content with this general
criticism, Mr. Blaine took up the items
Of the bill, with which he seemed to be
perfectly familiar, and dissected 1t
without mercy. The tremendously high
protection, beyond all reason or
necessity, which had been given to the
manufacturers, was especially the
object of his condemnation. With the
sugar schedule he was particularly
severe. This gave Senator Blackburn
an opportunity to add fuel to the flame.
but the Senate has gone further
than the House. he remarked. I'm
order to protect the great American
industry of boring hole in maple
tree and boiling the juice, the Senate
has given a bounty of cents pound
to the maple sugar growers of
New England.
Mr.. Blaine turned around in surprise.
Il was evidently the first time he had
heard Of the proposition. He appealed
to Mr.. Hale and Mr.. Allison to know if
Mr.. Blackburn had spoken truthfully.
They confirmed the statement.
II suppose this was done al the
solicitation of Morrill, and Edmundsf''
he inquired. Mr.. Allison nodded his