The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-05-08
The drumbIers Neatly Answered.

street car companies are bound to re-
gpect.
The GrumbIers Neatly Answered.
At the farewell dinner given in New
York at the Union League club on
Monday last to General Horace Por-
ter, on the eve of his departure for
Paris. where he is to assume the duties
of American ambassador to France
one of the best speeches made was
that of Governor Griggs, OF New Jer-
sey, who took advantage of the oppor-
tunity to exhibit the smallness of the
Cleveland Grumbling club. SO apt
were his words on this subject thai we
feel justified in reproducing them.
Governor Griggs said:
II am disposed to quarrel a little
with our friends of the Reform club.
They have been unjust and unfair in
their criticism of the administration
before it has had time to distinguish
the faces of the colored servants in the
white house. We cannot, and we will
not, forget the patriotic service that
hundreds of thousands of Democrats
rendered to their country by their sup
port of Mckinley and Hobart in the
last election. They were honored then,
and we honor them now. But l deny
that they have any reason to complain
that they were deceived or defrauded
That which they hoped to gain by the
election Of Mckinley and Hobart they
have gained. Look back at the situa-
tion.
"Over the western horizon hung the
dark cloud of Populism, black and
angry with gusts of communism and
ali the winds of financial heresy and
ruin. Deluded and destructive hands
were raised against the national hon
or, against the supremacy of the law,
the dignity of the courts and the per-
manency of our industrial system. The
organizing forces of the Democratic
party had been perverted to the sup
port of Organism. The safety of the
country, its integrity it's financial
honor, were threatened with over
throw. Confidence, the very breath of
commercial prosperity, was lost. Men
went about with lips white with patri-
otic resolve--that their country should
not fall into the hands of the forces of
destruction. They turned in mighty
hosts towards the party that could be
trusted to preserve us from the new
and special danger that threatened.
And we have been saved. The turning
11..
of victory went up over the election of
Mckinley and Hobart, they expressed
rejoicing. for honor saved and institu-
tions preserved.
What care we now whether gold
goes out or comes in? Financial dis
honor will not come through President
Mckinley. All our Democratic allies
had right to expect they have re-
ceived by the victory already won.
They can rest nights in peace. as
sured that their property will not be
cut down one-half in value by cur,
rency depreciation. What else have
our friends a right to ask or expect? ?
Were they promised that the currency
system should be reformed according
to their ideas? That the greenbacks
should be retired? That the Wilson
tariff should be revised to suit their
views? That an income tax should be
re-imposed? Did Mr. Mckinley agree
to give up the protective policy OF
which he has been the most distin-
guished champion, provided the tariff
reformers would vote for him? Did
he promise to get along with insult
fcient revenue; to live on a deficiency?
our friends have not been buncoed OF
cheated. They got all they were prom
ised-safety from impending disaster
and assurance that national honor and
institutions will be preserved at least
four years longer? Why do they stir
up discomfort and foster discourage
ment in commercial circles, when the
country needs only a little sensible
patience and forbearance, to give the
administration, not yet two months
old, a chance to prove the efficiency
of it's long avowed principles? Why dc
they do it? / cannot say. I only know
that the first notes they raise are .ot
of gratitude for what they have been
spared, but of fault finding and unfair
complaint"
They complain because they are
built that way. 1t is their one grin
on publicity.