The Press. POLITICAL. QUESTIONS OF DEMOCRATIC POLICY. tion, and labor under the gold standard, or a currency industrial products to the difference between contracted to the amount of one metal. The friends the cost of labor here and abroad. That is the of silver have always acted in the defensive. They never inaugurated any war. The representatives of theory on which Mr. Mills defended his tariff gold struck down silver in 1873, and when it was parti- Bill, and that is practically the attitude of the ally restored in 1878 by a meagre eoinage, a merciless war was renewed to destroy it in 1886, and in 1890 the Democracy now. Randallism, as it is underMcKinley Bill and the Free Coinage Bill and the stood in the factional battles of the party now, infamous Force Bill were hand in hand in the Senate has not perished because Randall is dead, but in one of the most memorable parliamentary struggles because new occasions, new conditions, and recorded in history, and the world knows that the Government and the country and the Democratic new duties made Randall cease to assert RanSenator and ex-Speaker Carlisle has written quences of the passage of the Force Bill by the invin- to take his seat in the last Congress he would party were rescued from the most perilous conse- dallism as a party policy. Had he been able the following letter: cible courage and fidelity of the advocates and sup- have been a Democratic leader and not the porters of free silver coinage, leader of a faction. Such was his well-settled purpose, and he would have been one of the most earnest as well as one of the ablest antagonists of the McKinley Bill. The cry of Randallism at this day is simply a clap-trap invention, and it should recoil upon any candidate for Speaker who employs it to help or hinder anyone in the battle. TWO LETTERS. United States Senate, Washington, D. C., Nov. 21, 1891.-Hon. John DeWitt Warner, New York: to be found Other considerations being equal, Mr. Roger Philadelphia Record (Ind.-Dem.), Nov. 27.— Q. Mills would be entitled to precedence by as well as of the fact that he has been the acreason of his long and distinguished service, cepted leader of the Democrats of the House since Mr. Carlisle was transferred to the SenBut the good judgment, prudence, and skill exercised by the Texas Representative when Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means in the Fiftieth Congress afford the ate. If the friends of silver are to be classed as unwise counselors and unsafe leaders because they insist that DEAR SIR.-Your favor of the 17th inst. is just rethe silver issue shall not be "abandoned or ignored" ceived. The charge that the Hon. Roger Q. Mills is in the Presidential contest of 1892, but that it shall go unfitted by temperament, to make a dignified and effec- hand in hand and receive the same treatment with all tive presiding officer of the House does that gentleman other issues made in the Democratic platform, espevery great injustice. Mr. Mills is earnest and courage cially when they are so classed and condemned at the ous in the maintenance of his opinions, but he is just instance and in the interest of those Democrats who and impartial in the discharge of his public duties, and throttled the Free Coinage Bill in the last House of always accords to his opponents the same consider- Representatives, all the friends of silver have to say is ation he claims for himself. Before his appointment as that they are accustomed to such classifications, and Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means in hope to be able to persevere in the vindication of their the Fiftieth Congress, the same objection to which convictions and integrity. As Democrats and friends you now refer was urged against him, and there of free coinage they protest against being retired from were many who expressed the fear that his views the councils of the Democratic party because they are were to0 extreme for the position, and that might recommend legislation upon the tariff of such a sentatives to dictate to the friends of silver, and silence he unwilling to allow the corporal's guard of gold repreradical character that the party would be unwilling to and postpone them in their just demands until the veto indorse it; but the provisions of the proposed Bill and power can be put in the hands of a Democrat for four the manner in which it was managed in the committee years to be exercised against any adjustment of the and in the House showed conclusively that all these silver question, except on the formula to be furnished apprehensions were unfounded. His Bill was a very by the wise counselors and safe leaders" conservative one, and his advocacy of it was able and only in the neighborhood of Wall street. judicious from the beginning to the close of the discussion. If elected Speaker, I am sure the same spirit New York Sun (Dem.), Nov. 28.-With of moderation would characterize his administration every disposition to be another " strong man cause to complain of his demeanor while presiding, or of his general course on political questions. Having answered your inquiry, perhaps I ought to say no more; but I will venture to add a word upon another subject to which you incidentally allude. It is unfortunately true that there is a disposition in some quarters to subordinate the question of tariff reform to others which are, in my opinion, far less important to the people, and far more dangerous to the harmony and success of the Democratic party. Upon the tariff question we are practically united, while upon the silver question, and, perhaps upon some others, there are wide and honest differences of opinion among members of our own party-differences which can be reconciled only by patient deliberation and the exercise of a liberal spirit of forbearance and toleration. Why shall we, on the eve of a great National contest, when victory is almost within our grasp, abandon or ignore a vital issue upon which we are united, and waste our strength in a fruitless controversy among ourselves over questions which can be better adjusted after it has been determined what part of their own earnings thing at a time, and all things in their proper order. the people shall be permitted to keep? Let us do one The first duty of the Democratic party, and of all who sympathize with it, is to change the laws under which the earnings of the people are taken away from them by unjust taxation for private purposes, and whoever order to inaugurate a war among ourselves over the folly hardly short of criminal to blink the noto- Congress. Of course, the Force Bill and the of that office, and that no one would ever have just in the Speaker's chair" like Tom Reed, Mr.amplest guarantee that he would display the proposes to postpone the performance of this duty in silver question, or any other question, is not a wise counselor, and would not make a safe leader. I well remember what was generally conceded in 1888, the last year of Mr. Cleveland's Administration, tered the Government as to leave the Republican that he had so ably and wisely and honestly adminis party without a formidable or meritorious issue in the Presidential election of that year, when some wise counselors and safe leaders in their own estimation (I do not intimate that the Senator was one of them) induced Mr. Cleveland to throw away all the jewels in his Administration and challenge the Republican party to battle on the single, paramount, and all-absorbing issue of tariff reform on the formula furnished in Mr. Cleveland's message and the Mills Bill. This was done by wise counsel and safe leadership on the eve of a great National contest, when victory was almost within our grasp. Is it unwise and unsafe to suggest among ourselves that something had better be learned from experience? When a child gets burned he will not go back in the same fire. What I wish to deny most emphatically is the Senator's statement that any Democrat in the United States who supports the free coinage of silver has expressed any desire, intention, or purpose to abandon or ignore the vital issue of tarriff reform. All that the friends of silver demand is what the Democratic party in every National Convention has done without a single exception-keep taxation and currency together as coordinate and coequal subjects of remedial legislation. Neither tariff reform nor financial reform has ever been ignored or abandoned, nor one subordinated to the other in any Democratic platform during the lifetime of the party. The power of monopoly secured to manufacturers by a Protective tariff like the McKinley Law to regulate prices is not as great, certainly no greater, than the power of monopoly secured to the moncy lender and the purchaser of property, produc same qualities in the more responsible position Mills would make a ridiculous failure if he of Speaker. Although Mr. Mills has been dewere allowed to undertake that dangerous rôle. nounced by his political opponents as a "Free His infirmities of temper are such that he loses Trade doctrinaire," the tariff Bill which he inhis head and his wits altogether when he needs troduced was, in the language of the late Samthem most. Tom Reed can be very exasper-uel S. Cox, "moderation itself." Many friends ating and very much exasperated, and at the of tariff reform were disappointed because the same time command himself perfectly. Mr. bill did not extend the free list to iron ore, coal, Mills loses temper and self-control on very and some other raw materials of industry. But, slight provocation, and when his temper and as a practical statesman, Mr. Mills did not strughis self-control go he ceases to be dangerous to the enemy; he is dangerous only to his friends and to the cause which has made him for the time being its representative. The lack of self-command, the almost crazy flightiness of temper which distinguish his controversial relations with both adversaries and asconsideration if they did not absolutely dissociates, would not be a legitimate subject of qualify him for the post to which he aspires. With all that the Democratic party has at stake in this matter of the Speakership, it would be rious facts, as Mr. Carlisle seems good-natur- situation. Boston Herald (Ind.), Nov. 26.-Mr. Mills's quick temper is being urged as an objection to his election to the Speakership, it being held that the occupant of the Speaker's chair must be a man of calm temperament, who will not allow himself to be disturbed by what goes on before him. It is to be borne in mind, howit would undoubtedly have that effect upon Mr. ever, that responsibility sobers most men, and Mills, should he be elected Speaker. The Chicago Tribune allows that Mr. Blaine used to be as hot-tempered as Mr. Mills, but he did not lose his head while he was Speaker. Henry Clay's temper was not of angelic mould, but he was elected Speaker six times, and made an excellent presiding officer for houses fully as turbulent as the next one will be. Philadelphia Times (Ind.-Dem.), Nov. 30.— There is no Randallism in the politics of to-day as the term is generally accepted, and the term would have been eliminated from party movements by Randall himself had he lived to serve during the first session of the last Congress. He would have been the leader of the opposition to the McKinley Bill, and he would have been in substantial harmony with his party on the issue. The last summer of his life, when confined to his house or room most of the time, he studied exhaustively the question of tariff reform in all its details, and he would have taken the lead in the next session, had his health permitted, in favor of free raw materials and the reduction of tariff duties on our sent such a measure of tariff reform as would gle for the unattainable. His object was to precommand the well-nigh unanimous support of the Democrats of the House, and in this he in the position of Speaker his influence would succeeded. The country may be assured that advocate of free silver, Mr. Mills was prompt be exerted in favor of the same prudent and conservative policy. Though originally an to recognize that tariff reform is the predomigive way in the next election for President and nant issue to which all other questions must extravagace and waste of the Billion Congress will be held up as warning signals against the return of such a body to power; but with a great issue affecting the interests of the whole people, in regard to which the Democrats occupy the vantage ground, they could not afford to throw into the campaign a question of free silver which would divide the party and invite inevitable defeat. Such is the position of Mr. Mills; and so far as ascertained it is the position of all his prominent rivals for the Speakership. But none of the others has so clearly and boldly defined his views, nor has encountered in so great a degree the hostility of the free silver monomaniacs. His election, therefore, would be proclamation to the country that all the legitimate power of the office of Speaker is to be exerted to smooth the pathway of tariff reform and to shield the Democratic party from the disaster that would follow a free silver campaign. It New York Herald (Ind.-Dem)., Dec. I.— Mr. Mills has announced himself a full-fledged Free Trader, and boasted that he will fight for his convictions. That is commendable elsewhere, but not in the Speaker's chair. would be nothing short of a calamity if, on election, he should proceed to make the House a debating ground for the vindication of his individual hobby. That he will do this very few Congressmen doubt. Otherwise his boast is vain, and after all he is not willing to fight for his convictions. The American people are naturally conservative. They dislike and distrust radical changes. When McKinley brought out his panacea for all our ills and declared that what the country needed was excessive and extortionate taxation, a wave of protest swept over the country and the candidates for office who favored his theory were buried at the polls. If the Democrats go to the other extreme and elect a Speaker who represents Free Trade, pure and simple, the people will make another protest, aad it will be equally vigorous. 、 Kansas City Times (Dem.), Nov. 25.—The country realizes that Mr. Cleveland is not For this it adafraid to use the veto power. He would veto a New York or mires him. Buffalo extravagance at National expense with the same freedom that he would employ in Maine or California. But the politicians understand this also, and to them it means more than abstract theories. The opposition to Mr. Cleveland is largely among the political adventurers who derive largess in some form from to lobbyists. To all who depend upon Treaslegislative extravagance. He is absolute poison and convince everyone that the Democracy are one candidate for the Speakership of the committed to Free Trade and calamity beyond House has relied on Tammany to secure his all question. Mills's election would forecast position. the renomination of Cleveland by the Democrats next year and make the tariff the leading issue. What is even more important, his election would indicate a determination on the part of the big Democratic majority in the House to monkey with the McKinley Bill, and that is St. Louis Republic (Dem.), Nov. 27.-Mr. precisely what the Republicans hope it will do. Crisp is personally unobjectionable in his pri- The Democrats will not have long to fool with vate character, but he has no claim to Demo-i: till they will learn that it is loaded. cratic leadership, because he has not been at the front on the leading Democratic issue. And it is for this very reason that the campfollowers and the conscripts are for him. Look for the men who have knifed the Democratic party in Congress and in Presidential campaigns during the last sixteen years and you will find them all supporting him. Perhaps he cannot help it now. The time he could have helped it was when the Democratic party needed its strongest and truest champions at the front in its past struggles against the high He was not at the front tariff plutocracy. then, and camp-followers cannot put him there now. Indianapolis Sentinel (Dem.), Nov. 26.-One year ago the Democrats swept the country on the tariff question. At the recent elections the tariff issue was again the commanding issue, and the Democrats held all the ground they gained one year ago. The question now is whether they shall be put before the country in the light of abandoning it by rejecting Mr. Mills as Speaker when circumstances have combined to render him the exponent, and indeed the very embodiment, of that issue in the pending contest. Charleston News and Courier (Dem.), Nov. 28. The Democratic party in Congress cannot afford to take any backward step upon the question of tariff reform. The election of Mr. Crisp as Speaker would undoubtedly be regarded as a weak and cowardly concession to the Protection wing of the party, not because Mr. Crisp is personally opposed to the revision of the tariff, but because he would be elected as the special favorite of the old Sam Randall Democrats and could not be elected without their support. New York Evening Post (Ind.), Nov. 27. The importance of this deliverance by Mr. Carlisle can hardly be overestimated when we consider the commanding position he holds in the party, having been thrice Speaker of the House, and representing a free coinage State in the National Senate. It is not to be supposed that Mr. Carlisle wrote these words without due consultation and due understanding. We look upon his letter as very nearly equivalent to a guarantee that no free coinage Bill will pass Congress during the coming ses sion. New York Times (Ind.), Nov. 30. Certainly the silver idea is one that men in public life do not readily subordinate to other ideas. It is held, where it is taken up honestly, with something very like fanaticism. That such men as Mr. Carlisle and Mr. Mills have delib GROVER CLEVELAND. "6 at ry looting for a living Mr. Cleveland is the any party. There are men who honestly opmost objectionable candidate mentioned by pose Mr. Cleveland. All men cannot see alike. getting that these threats are made to influence Timid voters fear ante-convention threats, forpreliminary action. If carried out, the men who betray the party are certainly not sufficiently loyal to make good advisers. A few men who call themselves Democrats retain some Protection dogmas. Tariff reform and Democracy have become synonyms. This class should not be considered in the approaching Democratic Conventlon. Their choice lies The among Harrison, Blaine, and McKinley Brooklyn Eagle (Dem.), Nov. 28.-A wail comes up from Missouri. The St. Louis Republic is angry with Grover Cleveland. Having for months painted him in colors truly angelic it now waxes censorious. Mr. Cleveland, it fere in the Speakership fight. Whereupon the appears, has intimated a disinclination to inter Republic pronounces the anouncement wholly unnecessary," and declares that it was drawn from Mr. Cleveland by his enemies and not by his friends." Moreover, "it shows conclusively that he is himself a candidate for public office." This hurts the Republic's feelings. "For a year or more past," it says, "his Eastern friends have been posing Mr. Cleveland as a man who, if not actually prefering to remain a private citizen, was sitting apart in calm indifference, refusing to say or do anything designed to further his chances of becoming the Presidential nominee of his party.' "This veil," it continues, Columbus Dispatch (Ind.-Rep.), Nov. 26.all times rather diaphanous, has now been The views expressed by Mr. Cleveland in his brushed aside by his own hands and the avowed letter accepting the Democratic nomination of Presidential candidate stands disclosed." 1884, in which he placed himself upon record Toward the Presidency and the Speakership as opposed to a second term for the President, alike Mr. Cleveland's attitude is honorably and are now often quoted against him, although— courageously consistent. Wherein would be to the credit of the Republican press be it said the propriety in his taking sides with any can--they are quoted chiefly by a number of Demdidate in the contest at Washington? Of Mr. ocratic papers. The fact is that there can be Cleveland's Administration, and of his candi- no inconsistency in the attitude of Mr. Clevedacy for a reëlection in 1888, Mr. Mills was land eight years ago and now upon this suban earnest, effective, and faithful supporter. ject. He never said that he was opposed to a But so were Judge Crisp, Mr. Springer, Mr. second term for himself or anybody else while McMillin, Mr. Hatch, and every other Demo- the right to a second term continued to be reccratic representative who has aspired to the ognized by Congress and the people. He did Speaker's chair. 66 For Mr. Cleveland to come say, however, that he would favor a Constitufor Mr. Mills or any of his competitors tional Amendment prohibiting the President would be not only impolitic, but ungrateful. from serving a second term. But in the That he would wittingly impair the prospects absence of such legislation it cannot be charged of Mr. Mills is not more likely than that he that Mr. Cleveland is inconsistent because he would deliberately affront Democrats who have is himself willing to be a candidate again, or equally upheld his policies and adhered to his willing that another man, under present condipolitical fortunes. If the impression has gone tions, should aspire to a second term. abroad that he is “posing," the error is attributable not to himself, but to the absurd and idolatrous demonstrations by which the St. THE NEW YORK LEGISLATURE-GOVLouis organ and similar publications have sought to obtain a certain distinction. Mr. Cleveland's rights in the controversy are unmistakable. They are the rights which belong to every American citizen. Whatever he has said is in keeping with an intelligent recognition of those rights. In no respect has he overstepped the limitations of duty or propriety. out New York Herald (Ind.-Dem.), Nov. 27.erately put it aside in favor of the idea of tariff The Democrats can't afford to offend the reform is an indication not only of statesman- people of the West by thrusting down their like intelligence on their part, but of their conthroats any candidate who will make success uncertain. fidence in the intelligence of their party, par: choose an available leader, who will not be The business of the party is to ticularly in their own section. It may be said that this is mere party expediency. Expedi-handicapped by entangling alliances from the ency it is, and of the most imperative sort, but also of a high sort. There is a marked difference between the policy of a public man who subordinates principle to popular prejudice and that of one who urges principle against a feeling that he knows is strong that may be sincere, but the object of which he thinks either mistaken or of inferior consequence. Cleveland Leader (Rep.), Nov. 26.-The Republican party can ask nothing better, as a preparation for next year's contest, than the election of Roger Q. Mills to the Speakership of the Democratic House. It would accentuate the free silver and Free Trade issues next year start. than to place in the field a man, whether it is ERNOR HILL. Christian at Work (New York), Nov. 26.In the fact that the courts of the State are called upon to an unusual extent to decide as to the awarding of election certificates, we have now an illustration of the imperfect character of our election laws, and the necessity of a change. Under the present law the Boards of Supervisors of each county forms a Board of Canvassers for counting the votes; they have no power to pass upon the legality or illegality of the votes cast, but are only authorized to complete and report results to the State Board venes at the office of the Secretary of State in of Canvassers. This State Board, which conAlbany on Dec. 15, consists of five officers, the torney-General, State Treasurer, and State Secretary of State, the State Controller, AtEngineer, three of whom constitute a quorum. In the event of the failure of a majority to ized to notify the Mayor and Recorder of Alattend, the Secretary of State is authorcopies of the returns of County Canvassers, bany to act. The Board receives the certified canvasses them, and declares the result, the certificates of the Board determining what State officers, executive, judicial, and legisla tive are elected. What is especially objectionable in this method is this: while the duty of the Board of Supervisors is limited to a simple count and declaration, they are inclined, when a party advantage can be gained, to throw out votes deemed informal or illegal, and send no report of them to the State Board. Especially are they inclined to this course when, as at the present time, the vote is close and the Legisla Then there is the present State Board, the whole matter in the courts. chise. In this way to as far as in him, lies, the honorable office of Chief Executive of the State, and put the State of New York under the feet of the rumsellers, Never before has such a Governor sat in the leaving them to do what they will with her. Executive chair. God grant that never again may that chair bear such a burden. or wear and tear of mind. The Legislature | rather, person,-that ever disgraced the imwill not be stolen; and yet if the Democrats portant, honorable, and responsible office of are entitled to the majority they will get it. Governor of the great State of New York, will not be with us long. A person without the the actual steps in the progress of this scheme Albany Argus (Dem.), Nov. 28.-What are first conception of the dignity due to the place, ture is in doubt. Already it has been necessary a creature who saw only political opportunity "steal' the Legislature? The first step in every incident arising, and who used every to mandamus" two Boards of Supervisors to secure from them a performance of their duty; Republican majority in the Canvassing Board make a ward heeler with any sort of aspirawas the counting out in Sullivan County by the such opportunity in a petty way, which would and proceedings are threatened in other counties. of Dr. George M. Beakes, the lawfully-elected tions hang his head in shame, he has degraded, Democratic candidate. That crime was commost of them men of high character. Still, they were elected as party candidates, and those who mitted under orders of members of the RepubAs soon as the fraud recall the votes cast by the famous Commis- lican State Committee. sion that seated Mr. Hayes in the Presidency and proper course for redress. They appealed to was perpetrated, the Democrats took the only -every one, including the Supreme Court Judges, voting according to his party predilec-a Justice of the Supreme Court and obtained, tion-can readily see how the members of the according to the recognized process of the law, The State Board might be led to decide, where the an order for the undoing of that wrong. theft was indefensible, and it is not to the credit Boston Herald (Ind.), Nov. 27.-There is elections are close, along the lines of party pre- of the Republican press that it has not had the the usual organic indignation expressed in dilection. Furthermore, a Legislature being returned, however unjustly, giving one majority does or not is immaterial. The reliance of the Hill of New York represents, because of his courage to condemn the fraud. Whether it the journals opposed to the party Governor to a party, enables that body to unseat memDemocracy is in the administration of justice assumed intention tn engage in sharp practice bers of the opposing party till it secures a by the courts. The next case is the alleged to take possession of the New York Legisla"working" majority. Here is where the un"theft" of the Senate seat in the 15th Disture. We will only remark, as to the candor satisfactory character of our election laws betrict by the Democracy. If that seat has and firmness of these organs, that they are the comes evident. The only remedy is the one been stolen," it has been "stolen" in the same same journals that justified the stealing of the suggested by Governor Hill in his last message fashion that the Sullivan Assembly seat was Montana Legislature and the election of two -to take from the Senate and House the stolen by the Republicans, and redress may be United States Senators by the theft two years power of deciding election contests, and place found in the same place, before a Justice of the ago, and never raised a voice against the en. alone can the State be delivered from an abuse Supreme Court. And let it not be said that forced resignation of a Clerk of their own party which assails the integrity of the elective fran- the Justices of the Supreme Court in the 2d in New Hampshire last year who it was feared District are partisans. At the late election would not further the schemes of partisans to Justice Calvin E. Platt was nominated by both gain possession of that body. They only object parties and elected uuanimously, and two years to tampering with election results when it does ago the same honor was bestowed upon Justice not injure their own party. Governor Hill Jackson O. Dykman. It is within the power may be right or wrong in New York. We do of the Republican party, in spite of the unfor- not believe he is as grossly wrong as were the tunate death of the Hon. Gilbert A. Deane, to Republicans who stole the vote of Montana, appear before either of these Judges for the and, as far as the equities of the case are consame order that Justice Fursman issued in the cerned, they are with him. A reapportionSullivan case. Have they done so? Have ment of New York for members of the they thought of doing so? They have not State Legislature was ordered by the enough confidence in their own case to submit Constitution, and should have been made it to a fair court, and therefore propose to call in 1885. The Republicans took measures to Platt's Committee together to hold an indigna- see that it should not be done then, and they tion meeting! And what is the third step? In have, by their control of one or both branches the 1st Onondaga Assembly District it is of the Legislature, prevented its being made claimed that the Democrats are "stealing a every year since. It is for this reason that member. So far as we are aware, not a Demo- the State, though just carried for the Democratic newspaper in the State believes that votes crats by almost 50,000 majority, is still so close intended for David A. Munro, Jr., should be in the Legislature as to be in doubt. No one taken from him through mistakes over his questions that it would be Democratic by a name in the returns. Of such a technicality considerable majority, if the apportionment the Democratic party does not propose to commanded by the Constitution were made. take advantage. But it is asserted that By refusing to make this, the Republicans are ballots were so distributed as to enable voters cheating the Democrats out of the control of to be " spotted in several towns in the the State to which their vote entitles them, county, and that this was done deliberately by and nullifying the operation of the Constitution a Republican County Clerk. If that be proven, to accomplish such an end. If sharp practice the Republican nominee ought to suffer for were ever allowable, it is to prevent such a that violation of the law in his interest. wrong. How long would the party which to determine whether it was done, the County stole Montana hesitate before engaging in it? Clerk has been summoned to answer, before the Governor, on charges preferred against him in the proper legal form. At every step the Democrats have appealed to the laws and At every step the Republicans have resorted to newspaper clamor, and that The Republican cry thief" in these days does not avail with the American people whose memory recalls publican theft of: New York Tribune (Rep.), Nov. 30.-What is the true inwardness of the Governor's present disgraceful performance? The question is easily answered. He yearns to be nominated for the Presidency, but cannot fail to be aware that the Democratic National Convention would be radically opposed to withdrawing him from the United States Senate, unless he was to be succeeded by a Democrat. How is Hill to be succeeded in the Senate by a Democrat if the Republicans control the New York Legislature? These considerations constitute a perfectly reasonable explanation of the Governor's anxiety for a Democratic majority in the Senate. His affection for the Presidential boom constrains him. Backing bogus election returns ostensibly with the hope of securing Democratic supremacy in the Legislature for the good of the party, in reality he is scheming to serve his own voracity as an officeseeker. Nov. 26.-When the day of reckoning comes the feeling will be general that all who had anything to do with the plot to steal the Senate shall be punished to the full extent of the law, beginning with Hill. Let him be sentenced to do time for the State in a striped suit, and the enemies of honest elections will learn a lesson the significance of which they cannot fail to appreciate. New York Sun (Dem.), Nov. 26.—We are sure that there is not any desire on the part of the Democratic leaders, or any one of the hun dreds of thousands of honest Democrats in this the courts. only. 1. The Presidency of the United States And stop MR. BLAINE AND THE PRESIDENCY. New York Evening Post (Ind.), Nov. 30.The latest "health bulletin "upon Mr. Blaine's condition is sufficiently explicit, both in its con tents and in the circumstances of its publication, to command the thoughtful attention of PresiRe-dent Harrison. According to the Philadelphia Press, which publishes the bulletin, Mr. Blaine visited Philadelphia on Friday last for the express purpose of having himself examined with a view to ascertaining his ability to withstand the strain of another Presidential cam State, to secure a majority in the Legislature unless it has been fairly and lawfully obtained at the polls. We are equally sure that there is no occasion for alarm on the part of the Republicans lest they should be cheated out of the majority, if it actually belongs to them. In the act of 1880, which empowers the Supreme Court to require the Board of County Canvassers in any county of the State to correct any errors which may have occurred in its "A close friend of the Secretary," determination, the various controversies which says the Press of to-day," said yesterday that have arisen in regard to the recent election are Mr. Blaine hesitated in his candidacy, and was all subject to judicial review and decision. If seriously counting the cost to his health, knowa candidate who is defeated before a single ing the arduous character of such a contest, Judge at Special Term believes that the deterand doubting whether he was physically able mination is erroneous he may take it into the to stand the strain. These doubts, it is said, General Term or appellate branch of the were removed by what his physican told him." Supreme Court for review, and if unsuccessful The bulletin, which is published over all the there he may go up to the Court of Appeals. United States to-day, gives us what his physiUltimately, therefore, all these election discian told him. In brief it was that Mr. Blaine putes may be carried to the court of last resort is a "well man; for his years he is sturdy," and there finally and authoritatively settled; Brooklyn Standard-Union (Rep.), Nov. 25. and "he will be even better in six months and no one has ever yet seriously questioned-One cause for thanks the people of New from now." The Republican National Conthe absolute impartiality of that tribunal. In York have is in the fact that David Bennett vention will meet just six months and seven no event is there any occasion for public worry, | Hill, the meanest, cheapest, trickiest man—or, | days from this time, so he will be in his best 4. The Legislature of New Hampshire. interests. Chicago Tribune (Rep.), Nov. 28.-Mr. Blaine's friends need no Democratic advice as to his physical condition or his political strength. They will take the liberty of judging of those matters for themselves. This much may be said to these anxious Democrats in order that they may understand the fixed purpose of the Republican party: If Mr. Blaine is able and willing to run for the Presidency next year he will be nominated unanimously. In 1876 three-sevenths of his party were for him, in 1884 five-sevenths were for him, but in 1891 99 per cent. of all the Republicans are for him. He has grown on the people as well as the party. He stands confessedly at the head of the originative American statesmen of his day. There is not a man among the Democrats who comes up to his shoulders. it likely that there will be any repetition, if he is nominated next year, of the shameless Democratic blackguardism and vilification of 1884. That powder has been burned; those poisoned bullets have been fired away. Envy and malice have exhausted themselves. Mugwump" treason has done its worst." Nor is ate. TAX REFORM.-Every one who has given any thought to the subject admits that we are very far from having reached an ideal system of taxation. In fact our so-called tax systems resemble our systems of weights and measures. being, like those, relics of barbarism. New York Tax Reform Association is making a strong effort to educate the people in the true principles of taxation, and we heartily concur in the following planks" from its "platform:" The gives to the real payer of taxes a conscious and direct 1. The most direct taxation is the best, because it pecuniary interest in honest and economical government. trade should be exempt from taxation, because taxes on such capital tend to drive it away, to put a premium on dishonesty, and to discourage industry. 2. Mortgages and capital engaged in production or condition at the very moment when the dele- | Upon questions of finance, when discussed upon | man. The same is true of Senator Iden. The gates are assembling. general principles, and not for a party pur- Sherman bluff don't work this year as it has pose, no vision is clearer and no judgment always done in the past. Its day is over. The all such questions, so far as true and safe views Ohio Republicans, and they propose to exersounder than that of Senator Sherman. Upon whip has been cracked once too often over are involved, he is easily the leader of the Sen-cise their own discretion as to the choice of Is it proposed to supersede him by an Senator, now and hereafter. abler man, a sounder statesman, of longer experience, of larger intelligence, of ampler equipment? Without detracting from Mr. Foraker's qualifications, has his career made it evident that Ohio and the country would be more effectively served by him than by Mr. Sherman? Does his party think to commend itself more to general respect and confidence by substituting Mr. Foraker for Mr. Sherman? The reelection of Mr. Sherman under the cirIt involves cumstances is a National interest. very much more than a personal result. Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper (Rep., New York), Nov. 28.-The two commanding questions of the near feature in our National politics will be those of tariff and of finance. These questions affect every important interest of the people, and their settlement will demand the highest sagacity and wisdom. Ohio elected Major McKinley as Governor because he represents better than any other man of his time the Protective idea. It would be remarkable, indeed, if, after having done this, it should refuse to return to the Senate the man who has done more than any other to establish a sound fiscal policy. It is no doubt true that ex-Governor Foraker deserves well at the hands of his party. He represents fairly and fully the aspirations and purposes of the younger and more aggressive Republican element. He is unquestionably a man of high ability, but in point of public service and of equipment for the Senatorial post his most cordial admirers will scarcely insist that he approaches the distinguished senior Senator from Ohio. The great central commonwealth should, by all means, return to the Senate the man who in the field of finance has attained a prominence enjoyed by few others of his generation, and who, in the sphere of general legislation during the crucial period of our history, not only proved himself capable and trustworthy, but kept his reputation unspotted from the world. Philadelphia Times (Ind.-Dem.), Nov. 27.No man who has seen the Plumed Knight since his serious illness in New York six months ago can be deceived as to his physical condition. He may live for years, but any severe mental or physical strain would suddenly terminate his life. If he could permit his friends to nominate him and to manage his campaign without consulting him on the subject, he might survive a National contest; but Blaine is not built that way. He is a leader of leaders. His nervous system is impaired to an extent that always magnifies trouble, and magnified troubles always magnify disease. It would be utterly impossible for him to be serene in the great battle for the Presidency and leave its management entirely to others; and from the day of his nomination he would be the prey of his malady that could not fail to conquer him. If nominated for the Presidency in the early part of June of next year, even if in better physical condition than he is to-day, the chances would be a hundred to one that Blaine would not survive sixty days. In his present feeble health the strain would be vastly greater than it was in 1884, and the exactions of that contest dated the destruction of Blaine's physical vigor. SENATOR SHERMAN, 3. Real estate should bear the main burden of taxation. because such taxes can be most easily, cheaply, and certainly collected, and because they bear least heavily on the farmer and the worker. It is safe to say that every form of indirect wage-earners, and those of moderate means. taxation bears most heavily on the poor, the These are not able to defend themselves and are universally the victims. The rich can alespecially, should advocate the most direct ways escape. Every man, every poor man taxation. He can then learn who pays the taxes; and he will soon see to it that public expenditures are economically administered. The best way for any man to get rich is to hold on to what he gets, and not let his hard-earned means be taken in taxes, whether concealed as tax that is paid by the poor and honest and an outrageous tariff or as a personal property evaded by the rich and dishonest.—Engineering and Mining Journal (New York), Nov. 28. FOREIGN. COUNT KALNOKY ON FRANCIS JO SEPH'S UTTERANCE. [No recent utterance has had a more disturbing Francis Joseph, implying a fear that the danger of war effect in Europe than a remark made by the Emperor is increasing. To this remark is attributed very much of the uneasiness that has been observed throughout the Continent in the last few weeks, and that was manifested especially in the financial crash in Vienna and other capitals. The extract below, from an article in one of the most prominent dailies of Vienna, embraces the chief points of the explanation made by the Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Cincinnati Times-Star (Rep.), Nov. 28.Omitting every paper which does not classify itself as Republican in the "Newspaper Directory for 1891," the number of Republican papers in Ohio which have thus far declared their preferences for Senator are for Sherman 108, anti-Sherman 30. Considering that the Harper's Weekly (Ind., New York), Nov. 28. papers rarely take sides in a contest between -The threatened displacement of Mr. Sher-Republican leaders in the State, the fact that man as Senator from Ohio by Mr. Foraker has three-fourths of them have already taken sides elicited an expression of opinion throughout in this contest, while the others are daily fallthe country which cannot fail of a decided ef- ing into line, is indeed extraordinary. Prob-ing.] fect upon the result. It may not suffice to se- ably on no previous occasion has the Republi- Vienna Freie Presse, Nov. 17. — Yesterday cure the election of Mr. Sherman, but it will can press of Ohio been so thoroughly aroused Count Kalnoky took occasion to declare what and outspoken on a question within party had already been intimated by the official press, ranks. The explanation is apparent. noisy and impudent claim that the Republican [Francis Joseph's] address to the Austrian that the interpretation put upon the Emperor's papers of the State were practically a unit Deputies, not only in Vienna but also in Ber certainly show to Ohio Republicans the opinion held in all parties out of the State of the possireported to have said that Ohio Republicans ble election of Mr. Foraker. Mr. Foraker is The against Sherman, left them no alternative. To adds comments that are more interesting than reassur know their own business, and are entirely capa- have remained silent would have placed them lin, Paris, and London, was an erroneous one, in a false position, and in sheer self-defense ble of attending to it. But this remark omits and that a proper understanding of the Imthe fact that the membership of the Senate of perial utterance would preclude the idea that the United States is the business of the whole there was anything conflicting between that country. The withdrawal of a man of the Toledo Blade (Rep.), Nov. 28.-As the claims utterance and the remarks of the Minister to great public ability and experience and intelli- of the Sherman boomers are submitted to the the Hungarian Deputies in committee. Το gence of Mr. Sherman would take from the test of time, their hollowness becomes more such an explanation from such a Source Senate a personality which belongs to the and more apparent. When the statement was opinions must yield. But that it was possible whole country, and a Senator whose iufluence made that the Hamilton County (Cincinnati) for misunderstandings to arise, and for the upon the legislation which is likely to engage delegation was solid for Foraker it was fiercely belief to be entertained that the speech from the attention of Congress would be of the disputed; but when those thirteen members- the throne was really couched in words signifyhighest value. If Mr. Sherman, like Mr. Ed- elect_announced their preference, behold, it ing that peace was endangered and the polimunds, had declined to return to the Senate, was Foraker, sure enough. The announcement tical situation had become threatening; the whole country would have reason to regret that the Northwest was solid for Foraker, that it was not possible to dismiss it. The general interest in Mr. Sherman is not except Mr. Williams, of Williams, was vigor-apprehensions until now, and that it needed a party interest. It is the kind of National ously disputed; but there is not one of the these assurances from Count Kalnoky in order pride which is felt in public men of proved members claimed for Foraker who has author- to be persuaded that there exists no adequate service and conspicuous ability. This is ac-itatively denied it. The Cuyahoga County reason for genuine alarm or for the interrupknowledged in the case of Mr. Sherman. He is indeed a strong party man, and he has often given up to party what was meant for the country. But his long public service has been that of a man who is indeed a partisan, but much more. delegation (Cleveland) was claimed to be solid tion of peace-these are reflections to which one is not so easily reconciled. Wherefore it is plain that the restricted understandings of loyal subjects should confine themselves to the reception of words as they are spoken; and Giers's visit to France and Germany is to-day an inspired Government organ. Naturally the expressed by the Strassburger Post, which is article is attracting much attention. It is as follows: M. de Giers is a sharp old gentleman and has learned from Prince Bismarck. M. DE GIERS.-The German view of M. de " since naturally time must elapse before the and organized in Manchuria, and not in China | link. The Dom.nion is no stronger than Queexplanation of words can be afforded, and proper, is explained by the fact that after the bec. Were the matter not so serious it would meanwhile the words themselves may some- Manchu invaders swooped down upon China be amusing to hear Ontario people speaking of times be so construed as not to contribute to two hundred and fifty years ago and overran Quebec as if that province were a foreign power prevent diverse interpretations, it is wisest to the Empire, their lands which they left vacant that we may probably take up arms against await the course of events and not undertake were gradually colonized, and in course of time some day. For better or worse we are in the to draw venturesome conclusions from official densely settled by native Chinnse of an adven- same boat, and if Quebec makes shipwreck pronouncements. How important it is to turous and lawless character. Up to within a Ontario may have an anxious time pulling for practice circumspection, and not inquire too few years ago these settlers availed themselves the shore. And the question arises-what particularly into the significance of official of the exemption from taxation formerly en- shore? phrases, is well illustrated by the speech that joyed by the Manchus to evade making any Count Kalnoky made yesterday. Persons contributions toward the Imperial revenue. whose wits are not sharpened by expe- Recently, however, an attempt has been made rience might without difficulty miscon- by the Central Government at Pekin to form ceive, in many respects, the spirit of the the ancient Manchuria into three new provobservations that the Minister delivered inces, and not only to subject the population to the Austrian Deputies-observations that are thereof to the same rule, but also to the same materially different from what he recently fiscal obligations as the population of the other said to the Hungarian Deputies. Yesterday provinces of the Empire. It was the efforts on Count Kalnoky asserted that the sum asked for the part of the Government to bring about this by the War Department affords the best indica- that led to the rise of the Chinese settlers in tion that the situation is not regarded as "im- Manchuria who are now marching on Pekin. minent" by the responsible authorities; and he added that there were various other reasons for viewing the present position of affairs as “relatively" satisfactory. What deductions might be drawn by the pessimists from this description of the outlook as not imminent, but relatively satisfactory! But this was only the least suggestive of his statements. Continuing, Count Kalnoky said that it would be negligent to close one's eyes to the danger which the continued maintenance of armaments carries with it. A LAZY NATION. Saturday Review (London), Nov. 14. The keynote to the present situation in Brazil may be found in the century-old pages of Raynal's Histoire Philosophique des Deux Indes. Then, as now, the curse of the country was its extraordinary languor. It is not the eternal procrastination, interspersed with hot-blooded revolution, of the Spanish Republics, but The danger lay in the massing of great rather the indolent apathy of the Oriental. An armies, and was easily to be perceived. But, intestinal war in Brazil is of all things the the Minister went on, notwithstanding this se- least probable; the populace has not sufficient rious danger that was latent in the situation, the energy. Ever temperate in its emotions, it hope could not be excluded that the necessity for loved Dom Pedro more than it now hates Fonpreserving the peace which is so generally felt seca. The upper classes were full of esteem by peoples and Governments was analagous to for the genial old gentleman who had so long a permanent condition of peace, and would ruled over them as Emperor; the recentlyreally banish the danger of ultimate war-a emancipated slaves, who not many years before danger that nobody now proclaims. Does had themselves threatened the stability of the Count Kalnoky really believe that the charac- State, were loyal-to what little backbone they teristic impression left upon the mind of the have-to the monarch who had given them unbiased hearer or reader will be a soothing their liberty. The foreign merchants and one, seeing that the word danger is used three brokers who reside in the fine towns along the times in a few sentences-sentences, albeit, three thousand miles of sea-board from the which aim to cultivate the feeling that hope first viewed the change of government with for definitive banishment of the danger of war dismay, for they feared more trouble, and is nevertheless not to be shut from view? And were at once able to form the right apprecianeed he wonder if this disquieting word shall tion of Fonseca's assurances of financial imsound so loud and so long in the ears of the provement. The very army and navy, upon listener as to quite drown the assurance that whose support the success of the revolution there exists no acute question of political con- depended, cared nothing how it resulted. But troversy? How can he think that there is Fonseca knew his public. The worthy exno justified reason for serious concern Emperor is reported to have said recently that, when one hears it said by the same Minister had he chosen to appeal to arms, or to the that the continued maintenance of armaments populace, he might have retained his own. Occasions the understanding that there is a And this boast would be perfectly justified but serious danger latent in the situation? Afor the simple fact that his adversary kidMinister of Foreign Affairs, however, is to be napped him in the dead of night, thereby dejudged more by his acts than by his words, priving him of any such opportunity. As it and fortunately the deeds of Count Kalnoky was, all classes took things as they had come, are more lucid and more assuageful than his and waited idly to see how events would utterances. resolve themselves. THE REAL TROUBLE IN CHINA. THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC. New York Tribune, Dec. 2.-For many Canada Presbyterian (Toronto), Nov. 25.-It years past a popular superstition has prevailed is easy to talk in a severe or patronizing way in China to the effect that young Kwangsu, the about Quebec and the French. Anybody can reigning Emperor, would be the last of the say that the province is deeply in debt, that Manchu dynasty, and according to the recent there is a deficit in revenue every year, that dispatches received from Shanghai it would the credit of the province is low and that the appear as if matters were_tending toward the French people are too easily excited and too fulfillment of the belief. For the revolutionary easily led. Loud talk about Quebec politicians outbreaks which are now raging not alone in being rotten to the core "neither mends matthe north, but also in the south, the east, the ters nor shows that the talker has any political west, and the center of China, are essentially virtue himself. Violent harangues against the of an anti-dynastic character. The hostility Catholic religion and jingo threats to drive toward the foreigners, and the massacres of the French into the sea make matters worse. Christians, are merely secondary considera- The plain, hard facts of the case are that Quetions in the movement, and due partly to a bec is in the same national ship with the other desire to embroil the Emperor with the West- provinces, and if the French province scuttles ern Powers, and partly to the blow to national the ship all must go down together. A crisis pride caused by the young monarch's conces- in Quebec will force a crisis on the rest of the sions to the " foreign devils in connection Dominion. Should the contending parties in with the international controversy on the sub- Quebec unite against the other provinces-and ject of diplomatic audiences and other dis- there is some evidence that a union of the Bleus putes of an analogous character. The and Nationalists is being considered the inevifact that the insurrectionary forces now table result would be a rupture of the Confedemarching on Pekin should have been raised ration. A chain is no stronger than its weakest " He takes advantage of his journey to kill seve- Should Russia SOCIAL TOPICS. THE SOCIALIST PARTY OF GERMANY. of sex 1. Universal suffrage, without distinction for all subjects of the Empire over twenty years of age; direct election by the people by secret ballot; the principle of "one man one vote," and biennial Parliaments. 2. The direct participation of the people in legislation, with the right to initiate or reject laws, and the annual revision of the scale of taxation. 3. A wide extension of the principle of local government, and the election of all public officials by the people, to whom such officials are to be held responsible. 4. The training of the people in arms, so as to form a national defense to take the place of a standing army. 5. The decision of peace or war to rest with the elected representatives of the people; international disputes to be decided by arbitration. 6. The repeal of all laws prohibiting or restricting free expression of opinion, or the right of association, or of public meeting. payment of public funds for confessional or religious 7. Religion to be a matter of private opinion, and all objects to cease; ecclesiastical or religious communities to be considered private associations which manage their own affairs. 8. The secularization of the national schools, attendance at which is to be compulsory for everyone: free education, free books, and free dinners for children attending the public schools, as well as for those pupils of either sex who, by their general capacity, are considered fit to pursue their studies at the higher educational establishments. 9. Free administration of justice and free legal advice; Judges to be elected by the people. 10. The abolition of capital punishment, the establishment of criminal courts of appeal, and the payment of compensation to persons unjustly accused, arrested, or condemned. 11. Free medical assistance, including attendance at childbirth, free medicine, and free disposal of the dead. the public expenditure, so far as it is to be met by taxa. 12. A graduated income and property tax to defray tion; the obligation of self-assessment; the succession duty to be fixed on a sliding scale, according to the amount of the inheritance and the degree of relationship between the legatee and the testator. 13. The abolition of indirect taxation and duties, and |