The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-10-31
Custom Duties Collected With Pro-
lection as Their Chief Object Are
at All Times an Unjust Burden.

Morristown. N. j.. Oct. s1.-Former
President Cleveland spoke here last night
20 a political meeting held in Lyceum
han. Special trains brought hundreds OF
people from other cities and towns In thst
vicinity, and Mr.. Cleveland was given an
ovation.
Following the meeting was a ncn-par-
tisan reception to Mr.. Cleveland In MS
speech Mr.. Cleveland said:
Mr. Chairman and fellow citizens-l
am rejoiced to look into the faces TO-
night Of 30 many who represent united.
harmonious Democracy. Such an atmos-
phers as this brings to mind the old days
when New Jersey Democrats were in the
habit Of presenting to It's enemies a solid
determined front, and when. whatever
happened In other states. there was no
anxious waiting to learn what New Jer-
ssy had done in the battle of Democrscy
''As greet you now. cannot smother
certain sentimental emotions which In
tensify the satisfaction which this occa-
sion affords. I was born In New Jersey
After long absence full of incidents and
vicissitudes. i have returned TO tho old
state, where I hope to pass the re-
ma!nder OF my days and find a fnal rest
ing place.
II have brought back with me a genuine
and undertaking love. not only for my
native state, but for her old-time staunch
and vigorous Democracy.
II am especially pleased 10 learn that
tariff reform has been made the prin-
cipal issue in the canvass you have In
AnfiaS ,ruf
continue TO be the source OF government
maintenance until another plan Is devised.
but a tariff. constructed for the purpose
OF protection as its chief object. Is at
all times and in every feature OF II. an
unjust and unfair burden upon the masses
Of our people.
UNFAIR AND UNJUST.
But the bold and arrogant develop
ments OF its unfairness and injustice in
recent years, and the new directions they
have taken. ought to especially arrest
the attention and apprehension OF every
thoughtful, sober-minded citizen.
when, In 1887. the doctrine OF tho
Democracy on tariff reform was embodied
in an executive message to congress.
though all the Incidents and consequences
OF a high protective tariff were con-
sidered, IL was hoped that the plain and
palpable fact that what was then con-
sidered large surplus remained In the
government treasury which should be in
the possession OF the people, might as
an object lesson from an unusual stand
point erectually present the situation.
This was therefore In N sense made
the keynote OF the message in the OPEN
ing passage as follows: You are con-
fronted at the threshold OF your Iegis-
lative duties with a condition OF the
national finance which imperatively de-
tiors@,
''1n the same message was this state
ment: In speaking OF the increased cost
10 the consumer of our home manufac-
lures resulting from q duty laid upon i'm
ported articles OF the same description,
the fact Is not overlooked that compe-
tition among our domestic producers
sometimes has the effect Of keeping the
price OF their products below the highest
limit allowed by such duty. But II is
notorious that this competition is too
often strangled by combinations quite
prevalent az this time ard frequently
called trusts. which have for their objeo
the regulation OF the supply and price
OF commodities made and sold by mem
bers OF the combination. The people can
hardly hope for any considers ton In the
operation OF their selfish schemes
TARGET FOR ATTACKS
''Jess than a year after this annouace-
ment OF Democratic doctrine. Il was made
target for all sorts OF attack in a presi-
dental election.
The timid were assured that absolute
free trade would follow Democratic sue.
cess. that the importers paid the custom
taxes. and. above all. that N cry re.
vision or change was expedient. n should
be entrusted 70 the friends OF the tariff
The people were persuaded 10 con-
finue these friends In political control
and they forthwith constructed a new
scheme of high protection.
The bill then passed was 60 fun o-
sbomiaations and 80 plainly showed the
heedlessness OF It's authors and benefcla
rtes. and their disregard OF the interests
Of the people that the voters Of the land
though accustomed 20 yielding 10 tari1
Geiusion. were prompt IN their revengs
and condemnation.
"a unyegenerate ss ever ss srrogan,