The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-01-18
THE BALTIMORE CELEBRATION.

THE BALTIMORE CELEBRATION.
That the Republican party came to its death.
temporarily at least, from blows dealt it by the
ment OF tariff revision pledges, was the verdict
of the Democratic coroners inquest In Balu-
iF looms large on the horizon of those who
prohted by the blows, and stalks ominously
through the ranks of the powers that be to-day.
Although an informal celebration for gen
erai iollihcation over the defeat OF the Repub
lican hosts. the Baltimore meeting was filled
with political significance, which could not be
smothered under the wit. satire, criticism and
merry-making of the occasion. The voters who
turned out great numbers OF Republican legs
lators last fall and replaced them with Demo
Gratis had their eyes on that celebration and it
must be said that the celebrators withstood the
scrutiny more than passing we'll
Drawing a Lesson from the fate OF those who
had been in the majority for many years, the
Democrats analysed the cause OF the effect and
found IT to be dissatisfaction and distrust of
public servants and those In whom confidence
had been reposed. Overwhelming majorities
last fall voiced not only the unmistakable dis
gust felt with the Republicans. but the supreme
confidence in the Democrats The Jeffersonian
party is on trial For years and years 1t has
cried out against governmental and legislative
abuses and outrages. and It's plea for an oppor-
tuntfy to correct them has been needed. The
protective tariff is symbolic of tyranny and
oppression. II is this yoke first which the
Democratic party must lift from the backs OF
the long suffering American public.
How will the party into whose hands the
reins of legislative authority have been
mitted meet the issue? The sentiment express
ed at the Baltimore celebration means that the
Democrats realize they have most important
duty to perform. that they are willing to per-
form 1t. and that they will take the bull by the
horns and throw him out OF the china shop.
Tariff for revenue only is a Democratic prin
riple II has been for countless years. and IT
should be the paramount principle to-day, since
1t is the issue which the national legisla-
fure was revolutionized. There may be differ
ences of opinion in the ranks of the Democratic
party as to the methods to be employed in CIV
Ing the people of this country a fair and equi-
table tariff without doing injury to our indus.
trial institutions but there can be no divergence
change. The enormously wealthy industrial
institutions of America represent the nations
wealth and progress II Is simple matter
to adjudicate as between the backbone OF
ton and its arteries. The task OF the Demo
Gratis is herculean. but they appeared at the
Baltimore celebration TO be courageous, fearless
and At for It. and the first step toward turin
for revenue only is awaited with hope In some
quarters and anxiety in others.
Senator Bailey's proposition to draft tariff
bill providing for revenue only. with disregard
for the present tariff measure. is too radical for
passage. The greatest care, study and thought
10 to be given TO the tariff bill of the future to
do the most good and work the least harm
while 1t Is true that IL the Democrats did not
deem themselves capable of drafting tariff bill
aiming at revenue without protection. they
should not have gone before the electorate for
control OF Congress. It is equally true that the
voters. in putting them In power. expected san
fly. caution and thought, The revision of the
tariff should be done slowly. but done exceed
Ing we'll The man proposes drafting a
new tariff bill without regard for the existing
one is crossing waterfall on a rotten log
One OF the strongest effects OF the gathering
in the Monumental City will be the strengthen
ing Of the public faith IN the Democratic party,
and the creation OF the impression that the
members Of the next Congress conscious of
their responsibility and duty. and ready to
serve the public with their best energy and
thought