American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1880-06-12
JUDGE DAVIS REPLY,
limited STATES SEN

MY DEAR SIR: have had the pleasure to
receive your letter OF the 18th inst. As con-
stituent a friend and an hOnored citizen of
Illinois, you have Il perfect right to ask for
my views on public questions, and | have no
hesitation in expressing them, tnking the in
quiries in the order presented.
Peace to the Unon-PerE1anent prosperity
and fraternai fellowship only to be at
tanned by silencfng sectional STRIFE. "A iaith,
amendments strict observance of laws in con-
formity Herewith, and equal rights and e lual
the Republic viii soon end the discoris that
have too long vexed he country and injured
its material welfare. The people are weary of
agitation and want peace.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES Constitution wisely de-
fines the respective limits of Federal and State
Governments under a happy aud harmonious
system wherein each Is independent in its ap-
propriate sphere and both operate concur.
rentiy to protect the integrity and stability of
the Union. Any encroachment on the dis
tinctive domain of the other necessarily dislo-
involves danger'to the Whole body polite. In
fact, every departure from the great charter
demand made by the adherents of one of the
great parties for a strong Government means
structive of home-rule in the States and the
very reverse of what Mr.. Lincoln well de-
ssribeo as Government "of the people by
its logical conclusion, such a change would
finally overthrow the Republic.
The third term--An innovation upon Sancti-
fled traditions of the Presidency, first e5tab-
ished by the example of Washington, is ur-
Repubii, an party. If the limitation of two
terms, therefore, universally accepted, be de-
stroyed, the way to a self-pcrpe,uating Presi-
dency will be opened by the use and abuse of
enormous public patronage Break down this
barrier and an end of experiment of repubi-
can government looms up darkly as the cost
of II fatal concession.
Great corporations-The rapid growth of
corporate powers and the magn influence
which 1t exerts by combinations on National
and State Legislatures ls a wel-grounded
the near future between this overgrown
power, With its vast qualifications all over the
IVnin 81 sfID a III
cal machinery on one hand, and the people in
an unorganNed cond ton on the other, for
control of the Government 1t viii be watched
by every patriot " 18th intense anxiety.
Civil service-Neither laws nor commissions
created under them will efectually remove
the many amt gla ing abuses OF Civil Service.
The former have be, n constantly evaded, and
the latter are pOwerlesS for good. an honest
Executive, bent on real aui not simulated
form, has abundant authority TO make it
effective everywhere if he has the capacity to
see his duty and courage to perform it.
neutrality-suspicious. has demonstrated
ruption and ought to be forbidden. Private
enterprises that depend for success upon leg
isiation procured by venal agencies do not de-
Pubic lands-More than s150,OOO,OOo, prin-
sress To railroad corporatioas. The remaining
land should be sacrediy reserved for the cul-
shall have a chance to improve his condition,
and to open the future for his children away
from the seductions of great cities.
taxation, and all taxation MT eluitaby
adjusted is excessive. While the interest
sions earned with the blood of soldiers
and sailors who fought. for the Unon
and the regular expenses of carrying on the
Government are 10 be met. the duties on i'm
ports must continue to furnish one of the
sources of revenue. So long those duties
are levied manufacturers will be benefited ac-
cOrling to the degree in which duties may be
distributed The existing tariff is regarded as a
lies, created by special LEGISLATION and open
70 constant I. aud on the revenue
articles, especially, tat are most
needed by the toilng masses: It taxes
and the salt of the wOrkngman. with gross
injustice, because the poor pI etense of rev
enue does not exist to cover the wrong.
revision, therefore, which shall be at once
searching and fair, is demanded, and should
The public debt-The debt of the United
States in round numbers is S2,tO1,O0.000, de-
Quoting boarded coin in the Treasury. The
interest upon it last year was over Slo.O0o,00J.
These are appalling figures The rapid cxtinc-
it dminishes the present burden, and for the
additional reason that one effect of personal
National debt is to create preferred class to
live ON incomes and free from taxes under our
laws. Having the protection of the Govern
ment at home and abroad, they would con-
tribute nothing to its support
Economy-It is practicable, by corporation
between the Executive and CongreS'; 70 re
nually, without impairing the efficiency of the
public service. Retrcnchment IS needed for
the reduction of taxes. but it is also needed
because, properly administered, it would
become potent factor in reforming Civil
Service.
Elections The ballot-box should be the
safeguard of the Republic, for it is intended
10 express the free will of II free people: There
fore elections ought to be exempt from the
presence of any menIcng force and to be
free from the contamination of corruptA Re-
turning Boards No party deserves cOnfidt nee
that seeks ascendency by striking down hon
est suffrage, either ny the us, of troops by
fraud, or by intimidation. 1t would not be
proper for me to express any opinion upon
measures pending or proposed in Congress.
My votes will speak for themselves at the fit
ting time
Having thus freely answered your inquiries,
Tmay add, in conclusion that my support will
he chceriuIy given to any candidate for Presi-
dent who in good faith will strive t. carry out
this general line of policy. which, in my juds-
ment, is of far more Importance than the am
bition of any man or even the success of any
party. AS ever, your friend,
DAVID DAVIS.
The Hon. o. II. Browning, Quincy, Ill.