Democratic Sentinel, Volume 10, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 July 1886 — FRANK HURD INTERVIEWED. [ARTICLE]

FRANK HURD INTERVIEWED.

The Tariff Issue Upon Which Parties Must Henceforth Be Formed. Ex-Congressman Frank Hurd, of Toledo, Ohio, was recently interviewed by a New York reporter. Said he: “I consider the action of the Democrats in the House who refused to vote with Morrison on the question of bringing up the tariff bill as inexcusable. It means a serious rupture in the Democratic party. What will be the result? Why, everything is tending toward a tariff issue, and the lines will be tightly drawn. Randall and those Democrats who believe in protection will have to leave their party and join the Republicans. They will find no other alternative in the end. At present, and possibly for a short time in the future, they may call themselves Democrats and have platforms doctored to suit their tariff ideas, but that will not last long. When the issue boldly faces them—free trade or protection—they will have to go with the Republicans and protection. Then the triumph of the Democratic doctrines will be assured. On the single issue of tariff or free trade every Western State, with the exception of Ohio and Minnesota (the latter is Republican, but free trade), will declare unmistakably for Democracy aud free trade. It is narrowing down to that, and nothing can change the result. Five years ago 1 could not get an audience to listen to me when I spoke on the question of free trade; they did not care anything about it. To-day it is just the reverse. Everybody desires to hear that issue discussed. Michigan went Democratic two years ago solely on tl at ground. Whenever it becomes the only political issue the Democrats will win every time. Of course President Cleveland favors tariff reform — he is with the Democrats. If he desires renomination he can get it.”