Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 November 1892 — JUDGE GRESHAM’S LETTER [ARTICLE]

JUDGE GRESHAM’S LETTER

In order to silence the dieolaimeis ol * he-republican | ress and speakers, Don M. Dickinson, chairman of the Democratic campaign committee, hi* made public the following iot'er from Judge Greshim to Hon. Bluford Wilson: To the Hon. Buford Wilson, Springfield, Ill: Dear Major—l have your letter of the 21st iust. I did tell you a Springfield that, after matu e roll ction, I ha t determined to vote for Mr. Cleveland this fall, because I agree n the main with 1 is views on tne tariff, and (id not believe in the principles embodied in the McKinley bill I adhere to that determination, and have said nothing indicating a change of purpose. It is not true that with my knowledge or consent the President was asked to appoii tme to any oilioe. It is not true that I requested any one to do anything to obtain the Republican nomination this year; it is not true that I voted for Mr. Cleveland in 1888. I voted the Republican tioket at every eleolion einoe the party was organized, except in IftiH, when I was not able to go to the polls. The Republicans were pledged to a reduction of the war tariff long before 1888, and during the campaign of that year the pledge was renewed witr. emphasis again and again. Instead of keeping that promise the McKinley bill was passed, imposing still higher duths. It was passed in the interest of favored classes and nut for the benefit of the whole people. It neither enhanced the price of farm products nor benefited labor. Wages are and ever will be regulated by supply and demand. Duties were imposed on some a tides sc high as to destroy competition and foster trusts and monopolies. I think you will agree with me that this was an abandonment of the doctrine of moderate incidental protection. The tariff is now the most impoitant question before the people, «nd whatever others may do, I shall exorcise the right of individua 1 judgment and vote afoording to my convictions. I think with you that a Republican can vote for Mr. Cleveland without joining the Democratic party. How I shall vote in the future will depend upon the questions at issue. Very truly yours.

WALTER Q. GRESHAM.