The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-08-27
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 1868.
Questions and Answers.

questions ana Answers
Mr.. WILLIAM A. WALLACE, Chairman Of the
Democratic State Central Committee, Is out
in another address to his followers, which
merits passing notice. 1t seems that the
fearful exposure Of the conduct of Seymour,
and the black and dastardly record Of the
Democratic party are having the effect which
we contemplated, on the masses of the people,
and thousands who for the moment were de-
luded by the fallacious cry of "retrenchment,"
have had their attention called to the history
of the Democracy, and are turning from that
party in disgust. This fact, which has been
palpable to us for weeks past has at last
forced itself on the unwilling ears of the De-
mooratic Committee, and hence the present
address. It commences with urging the
people to forget the "stale ISLANDERS of the
past" Delusive hope
ia man wants to act as your agent to trans
aot your business, is it "Stale slander" to see
whether he robbed his previous employer 2
Is anything stale which shows the character
Of him who now asks from US so great a conf
dencsi We think not. There are some crimes
which are never outlawed by time, and sym
pathy with treason is one of them. To dis
tract attention from the "stale slanders' which
are being so uncomfortably raked up, Mr..
Wallace tells his followers to ask the radicals
the following questions. We give them all,
and answer them all.
"Why is the natioual debt greater now than
when Lee surrendered, and why does IL still
increase2"
1t is not. The debt has decreased since the
war over $780, 600, 900. 1t is not increasing.
II has been steadily decreasing. The only in
crease has been for the last month, when the
payment of the Alaska purchase money caused
temporary increase. On an Average it has
exhibited a steady decrease for nearly two
years.
millions of dollars they have wrung from the
comforts and necessities of the people since
June. 1852
There have not been fifteen hundred millions
collected in that time. A little more than b alf
that amount is nearer the figure. What has
been collected has been paid in bounties, inte-
rest on the debt, and other expenditures, all
of 'ohich passed through the hands and under the
management of Secretary Nc Culloch, an avo,oed
member of the Democratic party
"Why are more than one hundred millions of
dollars annually wasted on the unrecon sLructed
South. and why is il not made to yield Us
much TO relieve us from taxation, and aid ia
paying our debt 2"
There is not. Less than $4,000, 900 has
been the largest amount of reconstruction ex-
penses, as was shown by the reports of the
Congressional Committee aud by that of Mr..
Wells, special agent. The fact that So, ,000, 900
is necessary, much less $50, 900, 900, as due to
the Democratic party itself. 1t has been foster
ing and encouraging spirit of rebellion and
resistance in the South, which necessitated
heavy expenditures. Had it not thus bred
treason and kept the smouldering fires alive,
all would now have been we'll, and it would
have required no more money to govern
South Carolina or Texas than it does Massa-
chusetts or Pennsylvania.
"Why Is the white man made the inferior Of
the ne gro In every Southern State"
He is not, as Mr.. Wallace knows full well.
They are equal only in the eye of the law.
Socially, there is as much distinction as ever.
The Chairman knows that there is no superb
ority in the blacks, and presumes too much
ON the ignorance and credulity of his follow
ers in making such an assertion.
"Why is one class of men totally exempt from
taxation while all others grOan beneath the
load they should aid in bearing?"
There is no such class, except people who
have less than $1,000 year, and own neither
gold watches, dogs, or silver plate. The
Government bondholders pay five per cent. on
their income the same as every one else does,
as every sensible man can see if he reads the
law, and examines his return blank. There is
no such class in America except the one we
have mentioned.
gold when by the express terms OF the contract,
they were made payable In legaLtender notes?"
The express contract don't say they are pay
able in notes. There is doubt as to its mean
ing, and at the time the loan was contracted
the faith and honor of the Government were
pledged to their payment in gold by the asser-
tions of Congress, its agents, the Secretary OF
the Treasury, and every official, high and low.
Because we are in honor bound to pay
them, they should be so paid. Such
are the questions of Mr.. Wallace, and such
are candid and truthful answers. If out OIL
this catechism any converts to Democracy can
be made, we are willing to give Mr.. Wallace
advertisement free of charge.
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