has only recently
passed away. He was one of the most astute and ablest politicians
in the history of the Democratic party. President Cleveland
determined, for some reason or other, to drive him out of public
life, and he succeeded in doing so during his second administration
as President.

The campaign of 1892, just as the previous Presidential campaign
had been, was entirely fought out on the tariff issue; and the
question in general was the McKinley Law and its results. The
Democrats were able to show that there had been increase in cost
in many articles regarded as necessaries, while the Republicans
pointed to a great era of national prosperity. The Republicans
contended also that wages had advanced and prices declined under
the McKinley Law; but I have always doubted whether we were able
to sustain that contention. For instance, the department stores
and retail merchants generally marked up prices, and wholly without
reason, on articles on which there had been no increase in the
tariff; and when asked why, they would reply, "It is because of
the McKinley tariff."

For these economic reasons, added to the labor disturbances, Mr.
Cleveland was again elected President of the United States, and
carried with him for the first time both the Senate and the House.
The Democrats now had complete control of all branches of the
Government, and were in a position, if united, to enact any
legislation they might desire. The result of the election was a
complete surprise to every one. Why the voters should have turned
against the Republican administration, it is hard to say. Mr.
Harrison's personality had much to do with it.

The times were never more prosperous. In his message to the Congress
which convened after his defeat, President Harrison appositely
said: "There never has been a time in our history when work was
so abundant, or when wages were so high, whether measured in the
currency in which they are paid, or by their power to supply the
necessaries and comforts of life." And yet, with this admitted
condition prevailing, the Democratic party was returned to power.

I felt very badly over President Harrison's defeat, as I had done
everything I could to secure, first, his renomination and then his
re-election. After the election I wrote President Harrison as
follows:

"U. S. Senate Chamber,
"Washington, D. C., _Nov. 11, 1890_.

"Dear Mr. President:--

"I have delayed writing you since the electio