Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. IV.djvu/66

42 LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS act of justice," and "the instinct of a decent hu manity and our Christian civilization." In accordance with Mr. Cleveland s third annual message, December 6, 1887, which attacked the protective tariff laws, a bill was prepared and in troduced in the house by Mr. Mills, embodying the president s views and policy, and the two parties were arrayed in support or opposition. Then oc curred one of the most remarkable debates, under the inspiration and encouragement of the presiden tial canvass already pending, in the history of con gress. It may be classed as the opportunity of Mc- Kinley s congressional life, and never was such an opportunity more splendidly improved. Absenting himself from congress a few days, he returned to Canton December 13, 1887, and delivered a mas terly address before the Ohio state grange on "The American farmer," in which he declared against alien landholding, and advised his hearers to re main true to their faith in protection. He also went to Boston and discussed before the Home market club, February 9, 1888, the question of "free raw material," upon which the majority in the house counted so confidently to divide their repub lican opponents, with such breadth and force that the doctrine was abandoned in New England, where it was supposed to be strongest. On February 29 he addressed the house on the bill to regulate the purchase of government bonds,