Question. Not even in the case of a Democratic victory?
Answer. Not even in the event of a Democratic victory. No State in the Union is for free trade. Every free trader has an exception. These exceptions combined, control the tariff legislation of this country, and if the Democrats were in power to-day, with the control of the House and Senate and Executive, the exceptions would combine and protect protection. As long as the Federal Government collects taxes or revenue on imports, just so long these revenues will be arranged to protect home manufactures.
Question. You said that if there were a great principle at stake, you would take part in the campaign. You think, then, that there is no great principle involved?
Answer. If it were a matter of personal liberty, I should take part. If the Republican party had stood by the Civil Rights Bill, I should have taken part in the present campaign.
Question. Still, I suppose we can count on you as a Republican?
Answer. Certainly, I am a Republican.
—Evening Post, San Francisco, California, September 16, 1884.