The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1908-06-26

the mistaken enthusiasm of Rev. Mr..
Burchard, who, during the course of u
reception to Blaine by the ministers
of New York, bIurted out, and the self,
appointed mouth piece of the Repub-
lican party, that fatal epigram on the
Democratic party as affiliated with
"Rum. Romanism ane Rebellion."
Blaine seemed not to notice the fatal
words: but drOwsy Associated Press
reporter: electrified to quick action,
flashed the death knell to Blaine's
presidential ambitions throughout the
country. New York, always Demo-
cratic, frenzied by the stinging abuse
Of Bnrchard: stampeded for Cleveland
and when the smoke had cleared away
from the battle of election day in the
fall of 1854, the baton Of the presidency
was placed in the hands of Grover
Cleveland, but 4S years old.
Like John Adams. Grover Cleveland
was willing, if necessary, to sacrifice
his chances Of second term by the
enactment of those policies which he
accepted when the nomination was
placed ia his hands.
In spite of the opposition, stern and
determined, of many Of his political
advisors. Cleveland wrote into his first
message to congress recommendations
favOring a reduction of the high tariff
then on the national statute books.
The ruin of his political career was
Threatened Powerful interests
brought pressure to bear in the efforts
of certain classes to prevent the en-
actment of low tariff schedule. but
Cleveland, big. burly fellow, worked
away during the hot summer mouths
in his undershirt, and when the time
came launched the thunderbolt forth
that was to split the Democratic party
in twain.
Cleveland's first administration was
marked by great industrial activity
and also by labor troubles.
The opening of the Brooklyn bridge,
Captain Eads' work in deepening the
channel. or south pass, of the Missis
| sippi river, the cotton exposition at
Atlanta, Ga, are shining stars whose
brilliancy ovcrshadows the gloom Of
the labor troubles with which the
Cleveland administration had to con-
tend.
Knights OF Labor boycOtts, and the
tragedy of the Haymarket riots in Chi
for the new president to solve or de-
eide upon.
With characteristic courage and
fortitude which had marked his long
political career, Cleveland shirked not
from any question demanding his at
| tentiOn.
| When the strikers in Chicago inter-
fered with the United States mails
and the executive called in vain on
Governor Altgeld of Illinois to main
tain order within his jurisdiction, he
sent General Miles and United States
troops to uphold the authority of the
national government. He was crit
iciscd severely for this action.
The Republicans, adhering to the
policy Of protection and high tariff,
in 1883 nominated Benjamin Harrison
to oppose Cleveland, ana Harrison
was elected by a small majority.
In 1892, by curious twist Of fate,
Cleveland, who had been defeated by
| Harrison, in his turn defeated his
onc-time successful opponent, and
for the second time, although not in
succession, took up the duties of presi-
dent.
As in his previous administration,
Cleveland preferred to adhere TO his
principles to seeking popularity. The
Wilson tariff, a compromise between
free trade and high tariff, resulted
from his recommendation to congress.
Under his guidance congress also
passed a graduated income TAXA meas
urc opposed bitterly by those whose
wealth or income was to be subjected
to the new tax. The bill was decided
invalid in the supreme court by a
majority of one.
A great believer Of civil service re-
istration, 1893 1897, obtained the en-
actment by congress Of a civil service
reform act, whereby hundreds Of thou
sands OF the governments employees
were assured the permanency of their
positions during good behavior.
More employees were placed on THE
civil service reform list by President
Cleveland than all succeeding presi-
dents from Washington to 1897
When England's rapacity for land
grabbing was turned toward Vene-
zuela by discovery of gold in the vi
cinity of the Orinoco river. Cleveland
showed his mettle in a memorable
message to congress in which he up
help in rigorous terms Monroe'S asser.
tion more than seventy years before,
"That the American continent, by
free and independent position which
it has established and maintained
among the powers of the Garth, is
hencefOrth not to be considered as a
subject for further colonization by
European powers, and any attempt on
their part to extend their form OF gov
ernment to the Western hemisphere
will be considered as menace to the
peace and safety of the United States
of America and manifestation OF an
unfriendly disposition toward the
United States
To boil it down, Cleveland told the
English ambassador in plain, blunt,
almost offensive words, "The United
States would fight"
That we were not prepared for war,
that the country was then suffering
from commercial depression, affected