Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1875-02-18
Wells in Lochrens's Bosom.

Yesterday Mr. Wells wrote letter to
the Democratic candidate rendering his
services, we suppose. Lochren wrote
him the following letter in reply: ..
ST.. PAUL, Mimi, Feb. II, 1874.
DEAR SlR:-Your note of this morning
asking my views upon several questions
has just been handed me, with request
for present answer, which must neccs-
sarily be brief.
Upon the so.called question Of estate
Rights"-l hold that by the adoption of
the constitution of the United States a
national government was formed and not
a mere League of Independent States
that the functions and powers Of that nh
tional government are limited by the
terms of the constitution, and that so far
as those powers extend, tho national gov
ernmcnt is supreme: that all powers not
specially or by plain implication confer
rcd upon the national government remain
with the several States; anu that neither
government should be allowed to usurp
or cncroach upon the legitimate functions
Of tho other, and that upon all questions
of doubt as to the power of either, the Su-
prcme Court Of the United States is the fl
nal arbiter and no right of secession or
notification exists.
The amendments to the national con
stitution adopted since the rebellion must
be sustained and preserved intact as a fl
nal settlement Of the principles ond poll
cy which they enunciate.
l am opposed to reputation and to ev-
erything having a smell or tain, of it. The
public faith must be kept, and the nation
al debt paid to the uttcrmost farthins.
The States and the people who assault.
en- the Union to destroy it, as we'll as the
capitalists who furnished moneys to the
same end, must bear the losses they have
brought upon themselves. No govern
ment can afford to encourage future re-
bcllions by adopting the precedent of in
Identifying rebels.
Theoretically, I am inclined to the be-
lief that untrammclcd commerce is the
policy for all nations But at least, until
our national debt be fully paid, it will be
necessary to maintain tariff for revenue
purposes.
I am in favor Of the resumption Of spe-
cic payments, as soon as that measure can
be brought about without shock to bus.
mess interests. A currency which is
ductuating and irredecmable unsettlcs all
values, causing periods of apparent but
fictitious prosperity, leading to reckless
expenditures and speculations, followed
by corresponding periods Of depression
and panic, resulting in financial demon
alization and wide spread bankruptcy.
Corporations, as we'll us individuals,
should be subject to just laws and regu
lations, and all monopolies rcprcsscG. At
the same time, the greatest care should
be exercised that no Injustice be done,
and that the usefulness Of corporations be
not crippled or destroyed by yielding to o
far to clamor or prejudice. They should
be dealt by justly and fairly, and requir-
ed to deal justly and fairly by the people.
Reforms in the Administration of the
General Government should be made to
the extent Of the removal of all abuses
which have grown up, and by the re-
trenchmcnt Of expenses in every depart
ment to the utmost extent consistent with
efficient government.
Respectfully your obedient servant,
VIM LoCHREN
Mr. Senator Wells, St. Paul, MINI.