The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-10-29


Washington, October 2s.-Secretary
sherman has made public written let
ter by him to the editor of the Cincin-
natl Volksblat, giving his views on the
coming Ohio election, in which he says
in part:
My chief regret is that I could not
personally participate in it as by usage
carefully observed from the days Of
Jefferson to this time, the Secretary of
State is precluded from actively sharing
in political discussion other than on
foreign affairs. 1 look upon the pending
canvass in Ohio as retrial of the Is
sues involved in the election of 1896.
State issues, if any, do not seem to be the
subject of debate.
Naturally the first issue now is wheth-
or the administration of William Nc
Kinley thus far is approved blythe peo-
pie of Ohio.
Upon this question there ought not to
be any difference OF opinion His prompt
calling together the Congress Of the
United States to provide requisite reve-
nue. for the support Of the government
and his recommendation of the prompt
repeal of the feeble and indefensible
tariff law known as the Wilson German
law, has met with general approval.
The revival of all industries and the
commencement Of prosperity in all parts
of the United States was the natural and
necessary result of tho action of the
President and Republican Congress
ttIf &c fha 6aotAra1 of ho Ro-
publican party to restore and maintain
the policy embodied in the Mckinley
tariff act, and the recent tariff act
known as the Dingley tariff 1t is un-
fortunate that the beneficial provisions of
the latter act cannot be in full operation
for year or more owing to the exces-
sive iInportations under tho Wilson act,
but I confidently believe that within
year under the present law, the reve-
nue. of the government will be ample to
pay not only current expenditures, but
large sum yearly in reduction Of the
public debt.
"To secure this desirable result, the
Republican party must be sustained not
only in Ohio but in the United States.
"Another question of public policy
of Importance to the tariff Is what Is
known as the free coinage of silver with
out regard to its market value or the
action OF the great commercial nations
of the world. This is the issue that Will
largely control the vote OF Ohio next
week.
"Aside from this important measure
the people of Ohio should bear in mind
that one of the most eminent citizens
OF the state is now President of the Unit
ed States. He Is especially entitled to
your kind and considerate favor and dc
serves praise for the careful selection and
appointment of officers of the United
States. There has been no abrupt haste
In making changes and white from the
nature of things he could not appoint
all who apply for Offices, yet the change he
had to make met with and deserved the
approval of the Republican party. 1t Is
| impossible for any executive officer
charged with the duty of appointments
to meet the wishes Of all. Many must
be disappointed. but they will all con-
cede that they hare had fair hearing,
for no President would have given ap-
| plicants more kindly and patient atten-
| ton nor could any President have felt
more keenly his inability to comply with
| the wishes of his friends. AS to the is
sues of the future as in the PAST the mode
of levying duties on imported goods and
the free coinage of silver will be the
| dividing lines of the two great parties, -
| The Secretary concludes this letter
with warm endorsement Of the entire
state ticket and Of Senator Hanna, and
declares his intention of going to Mans
field next Tuesday and casting his vote
for the Republican nominees.