commit me upon matters which have not yet fully developed themselves.  The condition of the country is an extraordinary one, and fills the mind of every patriot with anxiety.  It is my intention to give this subject all the consideration I possibly can before specially deciding in regard to it, so that when I do speak it may be as nearly right as possible.  When I do speak I hope I may say nothing in opposition to the spirit of the Constitution, contrary to the integrity of the Union, or which will prove inimical to the liberties of the people, or to the peace of the whole country.  And furthermore, when the time arrives for me to speak on this great subject, I hope I may say nothing to disappoint the people generally throughout the country, especially if the expectation has been based upon anything which I may have heretofore said.  Notwithstanding the troubles across the river [the speaker pointing southwardly across the Monongahela, and smiling], there is no crisis but an artificial one.  What is there now to warrant the condition of affairs presented by our friends over the river?  Take even their own view of the questions involved, and there is nothing to justify the course they are pursuing.  I repeat, then, there is no crisis, excepting such a one as may be gotten up at any time by turbulent men aided by designing politicians, My advice to them, under such circumstances, is to keep cool.  If the great American people only keep their temper on both sides of the line, the troubles will come to an end, and the question which now distracts the country will be settled, just as surely as all other difficulties of a like character which have originated in this government have been adjusted.  Let the people on both sides keep their self-possession, and just as other clouds have cleared away in due time, so will this great nation continue to prosper as heretofore.  But, fellow-citizens, I have spoken longer on this subject than I intended at the outset.

It is often said that the tariff is the specialty of Pennsylvania.  Assuming that direct taxation is not to be adopted, the tariff question must be as durable as the government itself.  It is a question of national housekeeping.  It is to the government what replenishing the meal-tub is to the family.  Every varying circumstances will require frequent modifications as to the amount needed and the sources of supply.  So far there is little difference of opinion among the people.  It is as to whether, and how far, duties on imports shall be adjusted to favor home production in the home market, that controversy begins.  One party insists that such adjustment oppresses one class for the advantage of another; while the other party argues that, with all its incidents, in the long run all classes are benefited.  In the Chicago platform there is a plank upon this subject which should be a general law to the incoming administration.  We should do neither more nor less than we gave the people reason to believe we would when they gave us their votes.  Permit me, fellow-citizens, to read the tariff plank of the Chicago platform, or rather have it read in your hearing by one who has younger eyes.