The Rock Island Argus., 1880-08-27

in excess thereof. This is the Democratic
idea. and if Hancock rs elected. will be one
of the FIRST measures Of reform. In the order
of things under Republican president
the surplus revenue is used to reduce the
debt, in many instances bonds being pur-
chased by the government at fancy prices
in o1der that the Republican party can be
credited with wiping out the debt. Sena-
tor Sherman is forever complaining about
the shortage of receipts-talks of the con-
traction of appropriations by Democratic
congress, and yet it is found that, although
the same Democratic congress in
making appropriations, cut down
the estimates of the departments
over $40. 100000 10 spite of the protest of
department heads-and the hue and cry
Of the partisan press that the Democratic
congress was trying to starve the govern
ment. That the Democratic members af
congress were right is now fully proven,
and it is further proven that Secretary
Sherman aud the other heads of depart
ments in making estimates were either
ignorant of the requirements of their
branch of the service or were wlltully mis-
stating in order to get heavy appropriations
in order that the surplus might be applied
to paying the public debt. In the mean
time the people are overtaxed to accom-
plish this, and the; Republican leaders
keep on protesting to be the especial
champions Of the people,
Prosperity can never.come to this coun-
try-full and complete. until Democratic
administration has control in all branches.
Then reforms will be effected which will be
in the interests of the whole people and
not merely a. certain class, which is and
has been rule of Republican admiuistra-
ton,
The first measure Of reform when the
administration is Democratic should be a
change in the existing tariff laws which
as now in force simply protects
a few manufacturers. and is antagonistic to
the farmer, the mechanic and laborer.
The Republican party has been and is now
in favor of high tariff, which is incor-
rectly called protection, but which is really
"a legalized robbery of the people for the
benefit of chosen few.
The Democratic party has always been
and is now in favor of an equitable tariff
for revenue only. and when the admins.
tration is Democratic in all branches, the
tariff laws will be so changed that duties
will be collected solely for revenue, and
not to enable an ambitious secretary OF
the treasury to pay OFF the debt for politi
cal eclat. The present debt is heavy
one, and it is unfair that the present gen.
Grafton should pay it all, Future genera
tions will be much more benefited than
the present one from the results. and tits
just they should contribute their share
toward relieving the burdens of indebted
ness. To levy enormous taxes. impose
high tariff duties, hoard gold iu the
treasury and decry the silver dollar, seems
to be the especial object of the Republican
party. all of which is antagonistic to the
people.
The Republican party is, in fact,
class party-not the peoples party. and
no reforms can be expected in the tariff SO
long as the Republicans have control Of
the executive branch of the government.
The only way to secure the needed re-
forms, TO ensure full return Of prosperity
bury sectional hate, and build up the
commercial aud shipping interests of the
country. is to elect Democratic executive
This the people will do in Novem ber next.
and then there will follow an era of good
feeling between sections, revival of trade
in fact such agenuine prosperity as this
country has notzknown for many years,