The times., 1897-03-18
The Democratic Duty.


Democratic minority. Probably nothing of
the kind is intended, which is well The
great measure of the trusts, prepared in
secret, cannot be forced into the condition
or enacted law, equally in secret, and
without allowing TO legitimate and con-
scientious opposition the opportunity for
analysis and criticism. This necessary
concession ought To and must include time
for the Democratic members of the Ways
and Means Committee TO study the propo-
sition. To compare it with the Wilson and
Mckinley tariffs, and to Formulate mi
nority report.
We are aware that to show prompt will
ingness TO allow these things might seem
like acknowledgment ON the part of the
Republican managers that their conf
dence in the whipped and submissive at
tltnde of representative Democracy in the
Congress has been misplaced Neverthe-
less, the fight which is coming would be
not less bitter nor more lasting if the
Autocrat and the ma jorty of the House
were to violate the amenities Of parlia-
mentary proceeding and seek TO lam
through this peculiar scheme Of legislation
without permitting their adversaries
chance TO prepare for the conflict.
Frankly, Republican and Administration
confidence in the assumed complaceacy OF
Democrats and silver representatives in
the Congress. iii relation to this measure,
has been sadly misplaced and viii be
bitterly disappointed. The more so be-
cause there has been some ground for it:
but that ground no longer exists. There
was willingness among Democrats aud
other opponents of the powers that be TO
refrain from factious opposition To some
moderate measure, some rearrangement of
the tariff, which might be presented as a
remedy forlately- deficient revenue; but we
do not believe that it ever did or could
contemplate acquiescence in the subjection
OF the country 10 a measure which, on its
face, ia a clear, unmistakabie and inn
pudent project OF public robbery for the
benefit of trusts and rnanopolies. and to
tax and persecute an Impoverished people
that those obnoxious and oppressive in
terests may thrive and multiply their
millions.
IfUhe question were one of revenue alone,
even Of revenue with incidental features of
protection, the bait might have been
swallowed; but the Dingley bill is as bare
OF revenue principle as it is of justice and
equity If any Senator or Member has been
misled into promise OF acceptance or non
opposition, without reservation, and should
be foolish enough to abide by such prom
Use, he might just as well order his political
coffin now as at any future time; because,
at the very next opportunity, his constitu-
ents will attend a funeral, and his will be
the corpse in the front wagon.
There has been some indication that
our Administration friends have thought
to plow with the enemy's heifer, tax
OF view. Democrats at least are convinced
that a protective tariff, even Of less
vicious type than the one proposed, would |
not produce revenue, and would antagonize |
the country to the extent probably OF |
oyertUrmng the party in power at the |
next general elections. Certain silver i
men, and perhaps a few Democrats, have |
declared that the Republicans |
ought to have the opportunity TO disgust |
pressed a scmi-serious desire TO let them |
do it. Nothing would better please Re
pBblicans, trusts or monopolists, than just
such attitude. They are entirely, and
with reason, confident that the thing for
them to accomplish is to get firmly seated
in the saddle; TO pile up the millions re-
sulting from tariff profits, and then to
use as many millions may be necessary
10 conduct the ''educa tionai'' features
Of any polit ioal campaigns that may
ensue
The Democrat, the silver Republican or
,he Populist who does not fight this
act OF popular enslavement with
every means in his power. and who does
not think, scheme and labor to that end
from this very day to the end OF the
session. will help to put club into the
hands of sordid oppression with which
10 batter the heads of the masses, and
Hill be treasonably rccreant to his honor
md his duty.