Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1911-01-27

1t is infinitely gratifying to those OF
us who have, and wish to retain, fsith
In the capacity ana integrity OF the
Democratic party, to precieve how
little dissension developed at the recent
congressional caucus, on the subject of
the all-important issue of the tariff
Many looked forward TO the discussion
Of this subject by the Democrats with
grave misgivings. The most demoraliz-
ing and disquieting views had been an
nounced by many of our Democratic
leaders in congress, and many had
utterly failed to iveup to the faith and
pledges Of their party in the long con-
test against tariff protection. Some
offered the speeious and discredtable
excuse for tueir detection from the
faith that since protection had become
the fixed policy of the country, they
wanted some part of it for their ow
people-that is, some portion of the
products of tariff robbery to distribute
among the special in terests in their
own districts and states. Such views
had grown scandalously fashionable,
and Contributed much to the facility
with which the worse enormities of the
Payne AIdrich tariff abomination were
put upon the country.
Our Democratic congressman at this
caucus, however, seem to be sobered
by success and the responsibilities
which success involves. Even tie dull
est could scarcely fail to see the mean
ing of the revolt against Republican
rule.
1t was obvious that the country had
made up its mind to free itself from
this "Old Man of the Sea" called "pro-
lection that the Republican party
had bound about its neck.
When, therefore, this all-important
subject came up for discussion among
the Democrats IN caucus, the chief diff
ferences developed were merely diff
ference in methods by which the same
objective point should be reached
namely, a tariff for revenue only.
AS Senator Bailey well said, there
should be no quarrel in the matter of
methods when the objective was agreed
upon by all. For our own part, we pre-
fer the course favored by Senator Bail
ey. We urged this course editorialIy
immediately after the news of the great
victory throughout The country
namely, that logical ard com pre-
hensive tariff reform measure, having
for its object the one Iegitim ate purpose
of raising a revenue for the needs of
government, should he framed, put
through the Democratic house, sent up
to the Republican senate, and then let
the party"go to the country" in 1912
on this plain, clear-cut Issue of the tar
III for revenue, as against tariff for
the protection Of the general public,
We trust that this course will be
adopted; that the lines will be plainIy
drawn; that both Democrats and Re
publlcans will be forced to take their
stand, especially that every Democrat
IN congress, or every one who calls
himself Democratic constituency,
will be compelled 10 come out ia the
open, to fight under his true colors,
and to range himself among the sheen
or the goats.
1.-THE party is ever TO keep its pledge
to the country; is ever TO vindicate the
faith that has been placed in it, or ever
to demonstrate its capacity to pursue
logical and broad lines of public policy
now is its opportunity an opportunity
which cannot be grasped if there be
any failure on the part of the Demo-
Gratis, or any Of them, TO keep the faith
any preaching one thing with their
mouths and practiclng another with
their hands-any playing the part of
political tumble bugs looking one
way and pushing another.
Let the division be plainly drawn
between the sheep and the goats!
In the matter of selecting United