Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1878-08-08

tence Of horest differences Of opinion
among Republicans respecting certain
features of the policy of the present
national administration, difficulties ar
isung largely out of an anomalous Pc
litical situation and the difficult nature
of the questions upon which it has
been called to act, we cordially ap-
prove the aims of the President in
seeking to restore fraternal relations
between the different sections of the
country and to purify and improve the
civil service
Second-We earnestly desire the
establishment of fraternal relations be-
tween the different sections Of the I'm
ion, and the obliteration Of the antago-
nisms and bitter feelings engendered
during the protracted agitation of the
slavery question, and the armed con-
fiict by which it was settled. We
claim no privileges rights or immuni-
ties for our own which we do not ac-
cord to every other State of the Union,
but demand that the laws shall be i'm
partially executed in all, and that all
citizens, without distinction. shall en-
JOY equal rights before the law, and
equal protection under it.
Third. We rejoice in the prospect
of the resumption of specie payments
by the close of the present year. A
stable, Notwithstanding currency pos
sessing intrinsic value-coin, or paper
convertible at par into gold or silver
at the pleasure of the holder-is the
only secure foundation Of permanent
business prosperity. Such a currency
will impart that steadiness to prices
which is an essential condition for the
successful prosecution of legitimate
industry and enterprise, and is equally
demanded by the true Interests of the
laborer, the business man and the
capitalist.
Fourth. The value Of all paper
currency, whether issued by the gov
eminent or by banks, consists in the
promise which it bears of payment and
in the degree OF credit-attached to that
promise. If it cannot be converted at
pleasure into currency Of intrinsic
value-gold or silver--it cannot re-
main at par, and it's depreciation will
be in proportion to the prospect of its
being thus convertible within longer
or shorter period. The printed bits of
paper which some wild theorists pro-
pose to employ as currency, and which
they term absolute meney,' contain
ing no promise of payment and no in
trinsic value, would speedily become
absolute" in one respect onl y-they
would become absolutely worthless.
This, and all the other chimerlcal pro-
jects by which it is proposed to find a
cheap and worthless substitute for the
measure Of value accepted and employ
ed by the csvilized world, are based
upon delusion if not dishonesty, and if
adopted would result in disaster and
shame. We hold 1t to be the duty of
republicans, and of all good citizens,
to oppose. with uncompromising firm
ness, all these mischieyous theories, as
well as the cognate doctrines of COM
munism and internationalism, which
menaceS society. individual liberty,
and the accumulated savings of indus
try.
Fifth. The democratic party in
this state, by approving and adyocat-
ing a system of irredeemable paper
currency, has forfeited all claim to the
confidence and support of those who
are in favor of an honest and stable
financial policy. The democratic party
of the country, by the action of its re-
representatives. in congress, has shown
itself destitute of craftsmanship, OF
patriotism and of honesty. 1t has ne
elected the general welfare, and, in
the hope of gaining votes, has courted
the favor of the worst elements of so.
ciety. We denounce the spirit shown
by the democratic majority of the
House of Representatives in attempt.
ing to disarm the National Government;
in seeking to debase the currency and
arrest all progress towards healthy
and normal financial basis; in displac.
displacing Union soldiers in order to
reward those who fought against the
Union; in voting for large reduction
Of taxes on articles like whiskey and
! tobacco. rendering necessary increased
taxation upon other Industries; and in
T voting to repeal. III the interest Of
illicit distillers, law enacted during
the administration of Andrew jackson
for the protection of retonue officer:
of the United States, leaving them ex
posed in states like South Carolina, tc
the fury of local prejudice and passion,
with no protection but the doubtful
J justice of local tribunals and juries
and we call upon the people, who hail
ed with JOY the final adjournment of a
, body which kept the country in con
> slant apprehension by its reckless ant
misehievous designs, to administer {
: fitting rebuke to these profigate and ig
norant legislators at the next election
Sixth. The investigation respect
| ing the last presidential election, un
fair and one-sided as it has been, has
wholly failed to disclose any improper
action on the part of President Hayes
, and so far as it has thrown any new
light on that election has confirmed
| the justice of the decision BY which
he was. awarded the presidency. Thai
) it was not undertaken from any rea
regard on the part of the majority O.