atic convention that
adopted it by a large majority.

"Such a tariff might be levied exclusively on articles we cannot
produce in this country, such as sugar, coffee and tea. I have
believed that as to certain items in different tariffs we have gone
beyond the line of protection which is necessary to foster American
industries. A few rates have been adopted that I think will exclude
competition between foreign and American productions and secure a
monopoly to the American manufacturer. This I do not believe to
be a wise policy. There are some details of the McKinley tariff
bill that may be subject to this objection, but on the whole it is
the fairest and best tariff, not only for revenue, for the protection,
that has had a place on our statute book. The tariff plank of the
Republican convention at Minneapolis is the clearest statement of
the extent of protection favored by the great mass of the Republicans
of this country.

"The actual result of the McKinley bill has been not only to give
to all American industries reasonable protection, but has increased
our foreign trade, enlarged our exports and our imports, and greatly
encouraged and added to all kinds of American productions, whether
of the field or of the workshop. I fear the Boston 'Herald' has
overlooked the striking difference between the old position of the
Democratic party and the one now proclaimed by that party. The
tendency and drift of the Democratic party is now more and more in
favor of free trade, and in open opposition to any favor shown by
discriminating duties to foster, encourage and diversify American
industries."

I attended the state fair at Columbus early in September and met
the leading Republicans of the state. I noticed an apparent apathy
among them. The issue between the parties was for or against the
McKinley tariff. The parties did not differ materially on the
silver question, but did differ as between national and state banks.
The Democratic party had resolved in favor of the repeal of the
tax on state bank circulation, but it was believed that Cleveland
would repudiate or evade this dogma. There seemed to be no enthusiasm
on either side, but there was less dissatisfaction with the existing
administration than is usual during the incumbency of a President.
The country was prosperous. The people had confidence in Harrison
and the general drift seemed to be in his favor.

In September I wrote an article for the New York "