_Question_. I understand that there was some trouble in connection
with your lecture in Victoria, B. C. What are the facts?
_Answer_. The published accounts, as circulated by the Associated
Press, were greatly exaggerated. The affair was simply this: The
authorities endeavored to prevent the lecture. They refused the
license, on the ground that the theatre was unsafe, although it
was on the ground floor, had many exits and entrances, not counting
the windows. The theatre was changed to meet the objections of
the fire commissioner, and the authorities expressed their satisfaction
and issued the license. Afterward further objection was raised,
and on the night of the lecture, when the building was about two-
thirds full, the police appeared and said that the lecture would
not be allowed to be delivered, because the house was unsafe.
After a good deal of talk, the policeman in authority said that
there should be another door, whereupon my friends, in a few minutes,
made another door with an ax and a saw, the crowd was admitted and
the lecture was delivered. The audience was well-behaved, intelligent
and appreciative. Beyond some talking in the hall, and the natural
indignation of those who had purchased tickets and were refused
admittance, there was no disturbance. I understand that those who
opposed the lecture are now heartily ashamed of the course pursued.
_Question_. Are you going to take any part in the campaign?
_Answer_. It is not my intention to make any political speeches.
I have made a good many in the past, and, in my judgment, have done
my part. I have no other interest in politics than every citizen
should have. I want that party to triumph which, in my judgment,
represents the best interests of the country. I have no doubt
about the issue of the election. I believe that Mr. Blaine will
be the next President. But there are plenty of talkers, and I
really think that I have earned a vacation.
_Question_. What do you think Cleveland's chances are in New York?
_Answer_. At this distance it is hard to say. The recent action
of Tammany complicates matters somewhat. But my opinion is that
Blaine will carry the State. I had a letter yesterday from that
State, giving the opinion of a gentleman well informed, that Blaine
would carry New York by no less than fifty thousand majority.
_Question_. What figure will Butler cut in the campaign?
_Answer_. I hardly think that Butler will have many followers on
the 4th of November. His forces will gradually go to one side or
the other. It is only when some great principle is at stake that
thousands of men are willing to vote with a known minority.
_Question_. But what about the Prohibitionists?
_Answer_. They have a very large following. They are fighting
for something they believe to be of almost infinite consequence,
and I can readily understand how a Prohibitionist is willing to be
in the minority. It may be well enough for me to say here, that
my course politically is not determined by my likes or dislikes of
individuals. I want to be governed by principles, not persons.
If I really thought that in this campaign a real principle was at
stake, I should take part. The only great question now is protection,
and I am satisfied that it is in no possible danger.
_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.