The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1883-05-30
DEMOCRACY.
Three Democratic Statesmen on tina
Tariff Question.
Mctsonald. Esayard and Norrtso,.
stand FOR Tariff for
Revenue Only.

NEW YORK, May 29-The World having
solicited views from prominent democrats.
has received the following:
SENATOR BAYARD.
Senator L. f. Bayard has written the fol
rowing private letter under date OF Whining
ton, Del
he more important the question the
greater The necessity in dealing with it gravely
ana "orthily, and anything like finesse or
the appearance of tinesse or trick in dealing
with such an issue tariff for revenue or a
titiIh for the protection of certain classes of
our citizens will greatly weaken the party re-
sorting to it. Quite independent of the econ
oiny TO the treasury and incidental benefit to
American producers and manufacturers
which is to be affected by higher or lower
rate of tariff taxation, is the more profound
question of political right and power to lay
amy public burden upon the entire people for
the benefit, profit, or protection of private
individuals. Ii this claim be Admitted as one
OF right then privileged classes do exist in
this country, and although titles may not be
allowed by the constitution, yet all the ad-
vantages and privileges of rank viii be OBJ
tanned without the name.
Il know of no position more impregnable
and upon which it Is more important for tn,
Democratic party To form its line, than that
public property cannot be taken for pri
vate use under any pretext. The constitu-
ton of the United .States-and of every
one OF the states united-provides for
the taking of private property for public
use only upon the rendition of just compen-
sation to the owner, but nowhere in this
country, and nowhere where free insti-
buttons have recognition can the soveI-
eign power take public property for private
use, or the private property of to
he bestowed upon B., with without com
pensation.' The only ground upon which any
individual can be deprived OF his property 5
to benefit the community, and whenever such
an exigency arises he must under guar
antees) be first justly compensated. The
form of the exaction is immateral-as much
SO as to place-and a tax collected in the in
terror, at a mans residence or at the sea-
port Of entry, and under tariff laW-an eX-
else or a direct tax LAWS all the same and
to be justified must be in the name and for
the use OF the government of the United
States
With this principle once laid down the
rate OF taxation will be easily measured 10y
the pubic exigencieS and such a spectacle as
was witnessed at the last session OF congress
of handful of men representing private
interests and controlling and moulding pub
lie laws of taxation to suit those interests
will never again be tolerated by honest public
sentiment The excise system can be so ar
ranged, l am sure, as TO do away with the |
army of spies and agents and the detestable |
inqulSiflOn practiced under present laws. A |
tax upon the aScertained capacity of still |
can be substituted for the host OF political
storekeepers and gaugerS. and armed mar
shais, who now constitute the chief power |
OF the Radical party in many states. And |
Il sensible reduction OF the rate of the tax to |
a true revenue point would accomplish vast |
reform and give great relief | am convinced |
OF the serious necessity for change in our |
system of removals and appoint |
ments. The tree will grow and bear its nat |
lual fruits and il we continue TO make mems |
salaries and means of living dependent solely |
upon the caprice and favor OF the executive |
branch, we will see such men in high office |
as suit the offce-hoding class, and not the |
people OF their interest or honor. Yours sin |
corely, 7. F. BAYARD."
SENATOR R'DoNAT,D'S VIEWS