The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-06-05
CURRENT COMMENT.
ATTACKS ON SPEAKER REED.
[ Kennebec journal.

The attacks, which have been directed
against Speaker Reed for the purpose of
securing to few demagogues a little
political capital had pretty thoroughly
dlsgusted the country before the possibili-
ty OF serious aspect to this sort Of abuse
ening letters, which have been addressed
to the speaker are found to have been
written by crank, who is probably a
harmless one, the possibility that some
crank who is not harmless, who has in
him the capabilities, under excitement
such as these attacks might produce, of
performing such a devilish deed as did
Gulteau, cannot be overlooked. We do
not presume that Mr.. Reed is alarmed.
We do not think he would be were the
menace much greater. We all know that
he is not the man to be swerved from his
purpose by all the antagonism known to
political and crank warfare. Neverthe-
less the unreasonable and absurd state
ments made concerning him should be
condemned by all right thinking people.
1t may be well in this connection to
refer to the unreasonableness Of all these
filings and falsehoods directed against the
man, who as the instrument of the ma
jority in Congress and of the majority of
the people in accordance with their will
expressed last November, is doing what is
undeniably best to hasten legislation on
the tariff. The desirability of expedi-
tlously solving this vexing problem, re-
moving this dead weight on returning
confidence, must be admitted by ALL
Congress was callednn into extra session to
dispose of this very matter. The House
did it's part and has since attended to the
appropriation bills left over from the
previous Congr ess, also of the measures
to provide relief for the Mississippi flood
sufferers and the Americans starving in
Cuba, matters which demanded imme-
date attention, and which did not open
up endless discussion along partisan lines
and for political effect. The result is that
the eyes of the whole country are upon
restless under that gaze. The Democrats
see that filibustering, when it is evident
that it is for delay, will be very unpopu-
lar. Senator Morgan is just now with
ing because his hobby horse is not mount
ed and ridden to the fray, but because he
fears public condemnation will hesitate
before going to the extreme lengths he
otherwise might
1t is also worthy of notice that up to
this time most of the Free Silver Repub-
licans, whose constituents are for pro-
lection as well as for free silver, have in
the main supported the tariff bill Sup
posing the House were now discussing
the currency, which many of the Cleve-
landites have urged, those Free Silver
WOulu Dc LII pOSlulOu TO
log roll and dicker. Now they dare not,
for their constituents believe protective
tariff is needed and that business is sim
ply awaiting it. We're the currency I'M
der discussion in the House these constit-
uents would be diverted and their
representatives relieved of the pressure of
public sentiment would act more nearly
as suited their personal whims.
One thing at time, when that one
thing is of such paramount Importance
as suitable tariff bill, is best all around,
was so recognized at the beginning of this
extra session and Speaker Reed is simply
adhering to that principle, supported by
his party and the administration. The
situation was carefully considered and
Morgan's objection of unconstitutionality
is believed by practically all to have no
ground to rest upon. Under such cir
cumstances how petty, and not only I'M
| reasonable but inexcusable the assaults
| upon the Speaker are The cartoons rep
resenting Mr.. Reed as the country IS
tyrant appeal only to the ignorant and
| the cranks both mild and vicious. This
| reckless abuse has in it the making of
Guiteaus and those who persist in it
will do SO with reckless, constituencies
disregard of their incendiarsm.