The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-03-17
A Democratic Policy.


The Argus admits the fairness of our sug-
gestion that the Democratic party ought not
to ask to be entrusted with power until some
indication of its proposed poiicy Is given to
the country, and lays Down the following pro-
gramme:
A sound currency is the first requisite for
commercial nation and therefore after aprompt
restoration of the Union and the complete
pacification of the country, the Democracy
would proceed to bring the currency to sound
condition, equaliza taxation, strike Off the
Onerous restrictions which are destroying
commerce, remodel the internal revenue sys-
tenn, discharge $4,000 unnecessary employees,
retrench expenditures to the absolute necessi-
ties of the country, and relieve labor by re-
moving the burdens which are now crushing
it and thus killing national prosperity at its
very fountain head. The principles by which
all this can be done are simple, well defined
and easy Of application. These PRINCIPLES have
been thoroughly tested and their soundness
has been demonstrated in the previous history
of the government. Not single ne princi-
lle OF political economy is required tor the
right administration of affairs, and for the re-
forms which are now needed TO give us back
the Y mon, to give US back our commerce, to
revive industry and to inaugurate the old-time
prosperity. But it requires craftsmanship to
apply these principles.
We might object that the Argus has no
authority to speak for the party, but we dis
miss this cavil. We are willing to take the
the statement of the party from the better
class of its representatives, though such papers
as the New York Day-Book and the La
Crosse Democrat would tell very different
story. We admit furthermore that the pro-
gramme is an exceedingly good one, and we
take pleasure in assuring the Argus that it is
~ IL ~.
can party is now putting In execution.
Congress has provided for a prompt restora-
tion of the Union and the complete pacifica-
ton of the country, and has impeached the
President for persistent opposition to the exc
cution of its scheme Congress is now consid-
ering how the return to specie payment may
best be accomplished, and among all the plans
which have been offered there is none better
than that of Representative Lynch, Mai aeRe-
publican. The taxation ofthe government bonds
is q difficult subject, as the Argus knows. Since
the foundation of the government the Demo-
cratic party never taxed them or tried to tax
them. A Democratic court has repeatedly de-
cided that they are not consttutionally SUBJ
iect to local taxation. We hope the Republic
cans will not go "outside the constitution" in
this matter, but if the bonds can be fairly and
lawfully reached we have no doubt they will
be, by this Republican Congress. The relief of
our commerce has engaged the attention of
our Republican Senators and Representatives
from Maine; and their measures have received
the appreciation of the shipbuilders and own
ers of the State. IF the Democrats in the
House and Senate would not vote SO persis-
tently against these measures, we might be-
leye that Democratic majority in Congress
would adopt them. Commissioner Wells, a
Republican officer, has made an admirable re-
port which will undoubtedly be adopted as
the basis of complete revision of the internal
revenue system. The number of employees of
the government is being steadily reduced. The
civil service bill of Representative Jenckes, a
Rhode Island Republican, will still further di-
minish the number and promote the efficiency
ofthe officers ofthegovernment when it becomes
a law, as it will one day in spite of the unani-
nous opposition of the Democrats. AS to re-
trenchment, take two illustrations. The ar
my in Buchanan's time, when that eminent
Democratic statesman, John B. Floyd, was
Secretary of War, cost per regiment in gold
more than double what it costs now in paper
under Stanton. Again, the contingent expen-
SEES ofthe Senate for one year in Pierces time
were greater by $165,332 than now,
The Argus is right; the policy which this
Republican Congress is pursuing is the
true policy, and the principles which should
control it need only to be applied by such
practical statesmen as Fessenden, Trumbul,
Morrill,, Jenckes and the rest who make up
Republican majority. With the exception
of Reverdy johnson, who is a good lawyer,
the Democrats have not man of command
ing influence in either House. They are at
odds among themselves on the most vital
questions, and unite simply in factious oppo-
sition to the majority. There is nothing to
hope from them. The success of the policy
which the Argus recommends depends upon
the success of the Republican party.