Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-11-16
Philadelphia Special to Nsso York World

tiVely Deman00Os
Philadelphia Special to Neto York World
Ex-Spesker Samuel j. Randall passes
much Of what he calls his "holidav tineU AT
his homestead in Bsrwyn, something less
than a score of miles west of PhiladelphIa.
He was found at home to-day in his old
fashioned mansion, which is half hidden in
evergreens. He warmly greeted your cor
respondent, and upon learning his errand
gladly consented to give his views uponsthe
political situation and the probable pOlity of
the Democratic Congress on the tariff Ques-
tion, the revenue system and civil service
reform. Mr.. Randall said: 81 believe the
recent Democratic and reform successes
mean a declaration by the American peo-
pie In favor of greatly reducing pnblic
expenses, both in the general and the
local governments. Such reductions
are easily attainable and can be secured
without any friction or injury to the proper
administration of public affairs. Republf-
can control..has led to extravagance in every
direction, and the people believe as be-
lieve, that the party now In power is not
equal to accomplish the reforms which are
demanded. There ere many questions vital
to the prosperity of the country" Mr.. Ran
dali proceeded to say, (which must be met.
And among the number no one is of more
Importance than to do away with the inter
nal revenue system. As for myself, am In
In favor OF an absolute and entire repesl Of
all such taxation. Now let me tell you why.
'In the first place the government does
not need the money. The surplus revenue
from all sources last year was about $I45.-
600 900. or within one million of the amount
raised under the internal taxation laws, and
surely, with economy, no difficulty can arise
from the abrogati0n of this surplus. Now.
for another reason. The internal taxes ara
offensive to the people as q mode of raising
revenue in this country. They have been
submitted to only as necessity result
ing from the war. The Repubn-
cooperating with the Democrats at the
last session OF Congress In securing the
then proposed reduction of $40, ,O00, 600.
Now the whole system must 90. But that
is not the end OF this matter" continued the
ex-Speaker, warming up visibly with his
subject. This system maintains four thous-
and people in Office, who are kept by the
people at cost of 100000 year. With
the repeal Of the service this bureau win
also be removed from the public's shouI-
ders." Mr.. Randall then proceeded tn show
how the government could raise the revenue
necessary to meet its obligations and ex-
peneee.
One important source of revenue was to
be secured by a wise reform of customs du
ough reform and simpItfcation Of the tariff
laws is necessary and should be proceeded
with as speedily as possible.
"Why," said the ex-Speaker, "these laws
were enacted during war times and are not
adapted to the existing conditions of our
commerce and trade. / do not favor tariff
enacted upon the ground Of protection sim
ply for the sake of protection, because /
doubt the existence Of any constitutional
warrant for any such construction or the
grant OF any such power. IL would mani
feetly be in the nature of class legislation.
and to such legislation, fsvoring one class at
the expense of any other class, l have always
been opposed. In my judgment the question
Of absolute free trade will not arise practi.
cally In this country during our lives SO
long as we continue to raise reyenue
by duties on imports, Gnd there
fore the discussion of that prfncinIe
Is absolutely waste of time. After
our public debt is paid In full, our expendi-
lures can hardly be much below 5000 OOO.-
OOO, and II this sum is levied In business
like and Intelligent manner It will afford
adequate protection to every Industrial
interest in the United States. The assertion
that the Constitution permits the levviug of
duties In favor OF protection for the sake Of
protection is equally uncalled for and nm
necessary. BOlh are desultorY and not in
volved In any practical administrative policy.
stand for day. Protection for the sake of
protection is prohibition pure and simrIe of
Importation, and II there be no imrnrtatfon
there Will be no duties collected and coDsas
quently no revenue, leaving The neeessaTv
expenses OF the government to be collected
by direct taxes. For internal taxes would
lnIerIere Win the protection principle, and
When people were generally asked to bear
the burden OF heavy taxation to sustain
GLASS legislation and the interest of portion
only OF our people as the expense of the
great bulk OF our population there wouId he
an emphatic and conclusive negative. So is
t with free trade,n Mr.. Randall went on to
say. "There is hardly man in public life
~no advocates Tree trade pure and simple.
Nobody wants direct taxation, although It
would bring taxation so near and so con-
stantlY before the people that Congress
would hesitate long before ft voted the su.na
OF money 1t now does IL not for improner at
leasI for questionable purposes +"
"What other measures of reform ara likely
20 be effected by the Democratic party. and
how will their return to power affect the
business interests OF the country -, M
Randall was asked.
Ine people are opposed to all subsidies
and sll kinds OF jobbery," reioined the ex-
speaker. Thorough reform IN the civil
service OF the government is needed and the
OF laws TO prevent the enforced
0SCSehohbs Ou OmcIAls' SALARIES. Whether
;nch oficeholders are under Federal. State
Or municipal control and authority. / shinIC
can assure the public that nothing will he
lone hV the Democratic House which will
n any degree disturb orsseven embarrass our
present business relationa and prosperity.
whether such may relate to commerce..
manufactures or agriculture Our expe-
'tence and the lessons of our defeats ana
ong absence from power will save the peo-
pie and our party from such dangers" z"
BY easy transitions Mr.. Randall got
lrouud to the subject OF the Republican de-
eat on Tuesday. He regarded the resnlt
u the election as a complete aud final over
brow Of "bossism." 1.-THE leaders of an
parties and.factions, +" he said, "would dr., we'll
% fully understand this feature of the
esult.n When the subject of TIE Sneaker
hip OF the House of Representatives. was
'roaehed by the reporter. Mr. Randall good
said: 'No matter who is tbe
speaker, the policy he Indicates viii be ex-
'cuted as far as the Democrats in Congress
an shape legislation. You can well under
tand," he said, in conclusion, ssthat with
uch prospects, ahead for the country and
ny party am In the best of hopes for the
uture" o