Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-12-22

The positions of the Republican ana
Democratic parties with respect to the
leading questions that require settlement
a. the hands Of Congress is worthy OF care
full attention. The Republican party IS
without a policy. The Democratic party
has a policy which it announced when u
elected Mr.. Carlisle Speaker. The Presl-
dent and Secretary Folger, in their COM
munications to Congress, said that there
was a surplus of revenue which would
probably amount to SS5,O0O,0OO a year.
Neither of them suggested way to get
rid OF this surplus, although both admit
ted that it ought to be got rid OF. Inc
Secretary said that the tariff ought to
be reduced. but was opposed to any
reduction at present. The President
recommended the spending of mil
lions in coast defenses and in build
ing navy. but it is evident that the
surplus cannot be used up in that way.
The question is, how shall the surplus be
cot rid of at Onces 1t is manitestly I'M
lust and dangerous to tax the people
to the extent Of SS5, 100000 a year beyond
what is needed for the economical admin
istrati0n Of the government. To continue
to draw this immense sum from the peO-
pie must eventually result in business de-
preston and financial disasters. The Re
publican party being in control Of. the gov
eminent. it is its duty to suggest a soiJl-
ton of this surplus revenue problem. The
leaders, however, are not agreed among
themselves as to the best thing to be done,
and there does not seem to be anypros-
pect of their reaching an agreement. Mr..
Blaine saws, divide the whisky tax, which
amounts to about SS6,O00,00O anp1ally,
among the States. Wharton Barker says,
turn the surplus, whstever 1t may be,
over to the States. Mr.. Logan wants the
whisky tax applied to the cause of educa-
ton. Mr.. Kelley thinks the proper thing
to do is to abolish the internal revenue
taxes. Others Of them favor the repeal OF
the tarlif on sugar. The suggestion OF no
one OF them is accepted by the majority.
The party is drifting along with only one
purpose. and that is to keep possession OF
the offices. viii the country con-
tiDue to trust party that
has no policy. and practically admits
| that it sees no way to adjust the dlfhcult
questions which are pressing for settle
ment? The Democratic party has clearly
defined policy. 1t is that the people ought
not to he unnecessarily taxed, and that the
taxes to be removed are those which bear
the heaviest on the masses. 1t proposes
to solve the surplus problem by reducing
the INDEPENDENTLY on such articles
as are necessaries. 1t may not be able TO
carry out its policy because of the OBJ
structions which the Republicans are
! able to throw in its way, but if it adheres
steadily to its purpose the people Will
strengthen it to such an extent that 1t
will be able to overcome all instructions
and inaugurate its policy. There is no
need to show the positions OF the two
parties with respect to other questions.
4 little investigation Will show that the
position of the Democratic party is posi-
tive and aggressive, having in view GER
tain end to be obtained, while the position
of the Republican party is simply mega
tive. The people certainly cannot be
mistaken as to which party is their
friend.