The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-06-28
TARIFF IS FIRST.
Grover Cleveland Discusses Probable
Paramount Issue.

Princeton, N. J., June 2S.-Ex-Presi-
dent Grover Cleveland today discussed
some of the political topics that have
a personal bearing upon the coming ma
tional election in an interview had with
him at his nome here.
Mr.. Cleveland expressed the opinion
that the question of tariff adjustment
must certainly occupy a large place in
the canvass. He criticised the vague
ness of the Republican promises as to
the political future of the Philippines,
and characterized Elihu Roots speech
at the Chicago convention as an eX-
ceedingly ''adrOit' instrument. He
confirmed the approval already express
ed by him of Parker and Olney as as
pirants to the presidency, but he took
especial pains to disclaim any idea of
influencing the choice of the Demo-
cratic national convention, or any
thought that his influence could avail
in that particular.
To the question bluntly put to him:
IF the Democratic national convention
again dominates you for the presidency,
would you accept?" His first reply was
a pantomime. He vigorously shook his
head and lifted his hand deprecatingly.
Then ne exclaimed, with rapid utter
ance:
THAT will not happen; that will not
happen so there is no use OF talking
4 am out of political affairs" he
continued. Il have said it often, so
that it ought to be well understood"
Asked what he thought of the sug-
gestion that the Democrats would do
most wisely to take their candidate
for vice president from the southern
states, the ex-president dictated the
following:
4 must decline to enter into any
discussion of political questions at this
time. 1t cannot be possible that my
opinion on any question that is about
to be involved in the national canvass
can be misunderstood. do not eX-
pect to be concerned actively in the
plans that are now occupying the
thought and effort of the Democratic
managers, and it is quite proper that
7 should be out of that account, mas
much as I consider myself as abso-
lutely retired from political activities.
I'm answer to your question as TO
what issues 1 would regard as most
important in the present situation OF
the country, I would say that it IS i'm
possible at this time to specify the
questions which in the mutations, of
occupy their attention when they are
called upon to express themselves at
the polls"
DO you think, Mr.. Cleveland. that
the tariff question will be of prime i'm
portance in the campaign o.
Il have no objection to saying" re-
piled the ex-president, with marked
emphasis and deliberation that in
nv OPINION Whatever else udDpGIlSy
the question of tariff adjustment can
not fail to occupy a large place in the
political discussions of the present
canvass.
Even the few evasive and grudg-
ing words contained in the Republi-
can platform. in a half way fashion
permitting Republican followers to
exercise Independent thought on the
subject. in combination with the in
sistence of the Democratic party, in
season and out of season. upon tariff
changes, it seems to me, will certainly
bring this question to the front in a
most important way
"Win you, Mr.. Cleveland, express
your views of the attitude of the Re
publican party upon the Philippine
question:"
My opinion on the Philippine ques-
ton is, I think. pretty well known. The
promise held out to the people of those
islands of independence and self-gov-
eminent, should. in my opinion, as
sumo a more definite shape and one
sufficiently tangible to bank a pledge
upon which can reasonably be made
the grounds of an appeal to the good
faith and honesty of those assuming it
and of insistence upon its enforce
ment."