Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-09-04

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stitution of human - nature
pFeeludes any effectual regulation
OF It,, In monarchy there may be some
supervision, but in republic the tendency
to abuse is absolutely incorrigible. No
human skill can devise or human diligence
put in force adequate checks upon its ex-
ercise. If allowed to exist at all, 1t must
inevitably be abused, and the abuse must
progress to an extent absolutely intoler-
able. The mere burden of taxation in
duced by it is
The Least EVIL
among its foul progeny. Fraud and cor
ruption became virtues under its influence,
statues to be set up as objects of popular
reverence, and similar honors have been
proposed for its cultivators, and If it be not
extirpated win hereafter be decreed to them.
Government restrained within the limits
OF absolute necessity may be supported
by moderate taxation. Still the nature and
amount of the taxes imposed should always
De patent. They should be plain, visible
and palpable. The deceitful and fraudu-
lent methods which have been devised to
draw money from the pockets of the people
without their consciousness of the imposi
ton, should be abolished. Duties and ex-
cises for revenue belong to this class. Such
Furtive Methods
of obtaining money should be known only
through the prosecutions against the Grim
inals. The asserted difficulty of sustaining
Government under such system is unreal.
The public expenses need not be great, and
the necessity Of raising all revenue by taxa
ton at the very moment Of expenditure
or before it is susceptible of being utilized
and made a source of great public benefit.
However true it may be in a certain view
of the matter, that all taxes are ultimately
borne by the laboring class, they are, new
ertheless, in the first instance collected from
those who possess property, and if, by the
uniform usage, every dollar required for
the expenses of the Government should be
at once exacted from the tax payer, pow.
erful class would be enlisted in the duty of
guarding against official extravaganza.
Government Mortgages upOn Labor,
the most safe and desirable of investments,
would cease, and in their pls e the alright
ed capitalist could contemplate only the
approaching tax. gatherer. In self-defence
they would then perform public duty
hitherto neglected. Legislative corruption
would be effectually opposed under this
keen scrutiny. No man, whose record was
tainted, could pass the ordeal Of an cleo
ton.
Long and patient study has convinced
me that on the practicability of establishing
precisely this popular surveillance rests the
last hopes of our republic. A paternal
government is not necessarily mischieVous
in a monarchy, but in republic based
upon universal suffrage it cannot fail to fos-
ter innumerable evils. 1t is in fact
"rhe sum of all ViIlainies.'
A government which devotes some of its
powers in quitting money 10 mems pock-
cts" must employ others in extortion. The
policy involves a continuous career of "a
pine and fsyoritism. My deep aversionto
all these things has induced me to encour-
age the movement which you represent,
and doubtless my name will be presented
for your consideration as a nominee. In
that event beg leave .s
Respectfully to Withdraw
it. The strength and emphasis which have
marked the language employed by some
gentlemen in addressing me on this sub
Jet, must be my excuse for the remarks
which follow:
Success should, of course, be an object in
the present condition of affairs. Other
leadership will afford a better prospect of
attaining it. A choice can be made from
many equally reliable as reformers, prob
able more capable Of public Office, and yet
less likely to combine formidable elements
of opposition. Icould not consent to SUBJ
scribe to platform containing either pro-
fession Of faith, or recantation of error
and promise of amendment. The
existing practice requires this and that
practice may not be abruptly set aside.
Love of that absolute independence which
cannot now be maintained in public office,
desire to promote your success instead of
impeding it, and belief that l can thus
perform the individual citizens quota of
public service, have created in my mind an
unalterable resolve to remain in private
station. Yours truly, ca. O'CoNOR.
The reading of the letter met with an
occasional outburst. The allusion repu-
dating the action of the Baltimore Conven-
ton received an uproarous demonstration
of enthusiasm.
On motion of Van Allen, committee
on credentials was appointed. The Ten
nessee member is Fl. +. Parrish.
During the call of States to nominate
members of the Committee on Credentials,
Mr.. Bayard, of California, said he had
letter addressed from the officers of cont
vention held in San Francisco to appoin-
delegates to this convention, and express
ing their preference for the name of Chas
OConor [Applausel for President.
By Delegate move that Mr.. Bayard,
of New Jersey, represent California in this
convention. Adopted.
Mr.. Vallandingham, of Kentucky,
Moved to Adjourn Until Nov. 20.
Cries of put him out.
On motion of Chauncey Burr, commit
tee on permanent organization was ap-
pointed, including S. F. Kendrick, of Ten
nessee.
Ad;ournod tn Al o,clock ID N