The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-08-14
THE FIRST OF TIE CAMPAIGN
A CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT OPENS
MS PROGRAMME.
s,cech OF Hon. Alien q. Thurmnn, Delivered
Herore ~ Democratic Public Meeting AT
IInu,iIlnn HntIer Cnunty, Onto, Nestcrdny.

Am PRECEDENT AND FELLOW CITIZENS; 1havc
so,n soy,~AJ statements in the public press TO
the effect that the object OF my appointment 10
address you to-day was that should sound
The koy note Of the campaign | wish in the
very outset Of my remarks. to disclaim any such
rretcntlon Under free institutions II Is for
Tho people to give tho key note; and. so
far as the Democracy Of Ohio are concerned
they have discharged that duty in the y latform
adopted by cur late state Convention. stand
touarcly ON that platform. | have advocated
lis principles heretofore. and | shall continue
10 advocate thcm Perhaps this is all | should
BAY about myself; but inasmuch as, In certain
quarters. | am denounced as q man who has
surrendered his convictions to- appeaso n popu-
lar canor II may be pardonoble in me to occu-
~ iow moments in repellng this charge.
The accusation has reference to my support Of
he financial plank in the platform. Now. what
Is this financial plank II condemns contrac-
lion Of the currency; demands the repeal OF
The Resumption act; advocates the re-
moval of all restrictions To- tho coin
Rgo OF silver. and the rctsiablishment
Of silver IA a money metal. the same as gold
the same rs II was before it, fraudulent de-
monetization the gradual substitution of Unitod
States legal tender paper for national bank
notes and it, permanent establishment as tho
sole paper money Of the country. made rocciva-
Bic for all dues TO the Government. and OF equal
tender with coin-the amount Of such issues 10
be so regulated 10y legislation or organic law rs
10 give the people assurance Of stability I'm the
volume of currency. and the consequent sta
hility Of the value: no further Increase IN the
bonded debt. and no further sale of bonds for
the purchase Of coin for resumption Iur-
roses hut the gradual extinction III the public
debt. rigid economy the reduction of eNp"ndi.
lures in all branches of the public service. and
tariff for revenue only These are the iinan-
IDENTITY defy my critics. one and all, To name any
vote that | have given. during the nine years
that have sni in the Senate that was incon-
sistent with these principles have steadily
opposed contraction ever since II was inaugu-
rated. spoke ana voted against the hesump-
ton act when II passed. and ut the last session
OF Congress voted for its repeal. worked hard
10 restore silver 10 the place II held before its
resolution Tor our State Convention favoring
the gradual substitution OF greenhacks Tor ma
tonal bank notes and that resolution. inJud-
admits. was passed by the Convention.
I was one y the first to propose IN ne
for customs duties. and at the last session w.
ted for the Hill maxi sing them thus rrceivable.
have been the advocate OF a stable currency.
and your platform demands stability. | have
contend I'd that the precious metals ought not
20 be- demoneti2ed and the platform asserts the
same doctrine. have spoken ana voted against
an Increase Of our bonded debt. have advo-
Gated, o. the best Of my ability, strict economy
Ieduction OF expenditures and revenuemrln.
My course, therefor" has been perfectly con-
sistent with the platform 81 our Convention. ~
the journals and debates Of the Senate will
show And beg leave TO add that have never
given vote, in the ninn years have sat in the
Senate 10 which exception was taken by the
Democracy Of ONO, DO far as know. or have
ever heard.
Fellow citizens. trust that have not Offend
ell uropriety or good taste by making these few
my constituents, and have right to know
%Rsr f' EsPpe g2G c %ofh yr
serving il is for your interest a. we'll as nine
that it shall not be unJustly furnished. But
enough upon this theme.
When the currency part, q the platform is
PRINCIPAL feature is the proposed substitution
that do them no Injustice when say that the
leaders Of the Republican party are in favor OF
say. they would redeem all tho .greenbacks
In order that their places might be filled
taken. and the the metallic money Of the coun-
try remains the same. Use either kind OF paper.
and III" amount Of coin in actual circulation
apart from the small coins used Tor change, Will
b. comparatively small. % long a. one and two
and nve dollar notes nre Freely issued Tor snch
notes always drive coin outoi circulation. And
whenever conversion into coin Is practicable
and desirable. 1t will he Just As easy 20 convert
question then is narrowed down TO this: Shall
our paper money be national bank notes or
greenbacksf For several reasons that will
Briefly state think that tAe latter are pre-
terdble.
means the indefinite perpctuation Of the NAT on
al debt. The national banks 50 lar as their
circulation is concerned. are founded on llai
whenever the debt be paid the banks must re-
tire their circulation and cease 10 issue not $.
In order, therefore, to .terpetuate their priv
petuate the national debt. And you may rest
assured that they will do 80; and the influence
.. more than two thousand such institutions.
spread all over the country. vii! be very power
Now am not one OF those who believe that
H. al les la lItK
that the reverse OF this Il true. and That such q
debt = a national curse. To sayuothng fits cor.
rupting influences. It's drain Of the resources 81
tho people 10 pay interest Is fearfuy opprrs-
eive, especially when a large portion ~ tue
debt Il held abroad, In comparatlyely hriri
principal OF the debt. while the drain continues
in undmini-hed force. Heavy taxation II The
necessary result and every one who las studied
the subject knows that oppressive taxation Is
one Of the worst foes 70 the industry and pros
porty Of country 1t is true that the national
debt cannot be speedily paid, but we ought not
10 put unnecessary obstacles in the way OF It's
payment The national bank notes are such an
obstacle. and Tor that reason are Objectionable;
Your platform wisely advocates " the gradual
extinction of the public debt II thus !avors
perpeilati1n, And in stri'f harmony with this
principle. It condemns bank note system that
, second Objection 70 tho national bank
System Is that II tends 90 c0mhlnr. con cent rat'
and intensity the money power. shall indulge
IN 90 defamation against the money power
h,rk 20 excite no passion no prejudice. ] IS IA
l. rel-ou fairly. and wish YOU 10 judge fairly.
And du reason fairly when ! say that, in VleS
o. o." UuiOuhted fat that during tho wAg" pc-
rni ID the unlimited sway of the l"luhll AN
party tle legislation Of Congress steadily IA
Nor"d the Wuuey"d Interest. and thereby great
Hdd"d o. the burdens Of the people; that tho
lur husiug lwrr az money las immensely IN
power n everything els" has remained station
nry or has diminished; and in view Of the fur
thrr TACT tuat the national bank system coniers
tp,'.h' privileges ul VA il.e banks TINT no other
lH-' h- hhl %" lhNNluhI7 enjoy thht II