The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-11-21

better and safer standard of taxation what is it2
At the convention in Chicago the will of the
Democrats of this great Nation was expressed in
a few sentences. A resolution on taxation was
adopted OF course That resolution related
mainly to the tariff law, and now if
you please to give me your attention
will state what the Democratic party at that
convention. declared. H. is expressed in four
propositions: First, taxation shall not exceed
the needs OF the government. economically ad-
miniStered chat is borrowed from EHr Ar
thur; second. taxation shall only be for public
purposes. aud not for private gain and specula-
ton; third, in the adjustment of the
labor to harm capital; fourth. taxation shall
be heaviest upon articles of luxury and lightest
upon articles of necessity These four PROPOSE
tons my countrymen, express the entire Demo
cratic doctrine on the subject of taxation. Nav
repeat it, SO that we shall have no misunder
landing about it. He repeated the four propo-
sitions, word for word above When that
great convention at Chicago adopted that plat
fernl it wrote it IN letters of silver brightness
on its banner, and that banner they handed TO
Grover Cleveland and Thomas A. Hendricks.
and they said, This is the banner; CARRY it out
before the people and stand or fall by the ban
Rern do CnfeT het That I'll. banner has
Democrats of Indiana In triumph it waves
to-day; in triumph it asserts to the American
people everywhere that taxation shall only be for
public purposes and only to the extent OF the
HSCuS vi JHe government IL Sll all De OESdnlZeu
so as not to hurt labor or harm capital. 1t shall
be heaviest on articles of luxury and Iightest on
articles of necessity They say the tariff is a very
difficult thing to understand. l think it
is difficult for those who wish to make it diff
cult and to impose somewhat upon the country.
To me it is very plain for it is written in those
four sentences-it shall only be for the needs of
government, it shall be adjusted so as
not to hunt capital harm labor
and it shah be heaviest upon articles
of luxury and ightest upon articles
OF necessity And now. my countrymen, if there
be a Republican here that says nay to that senti-
ment of Democracy, let him rise up and say it
Nowis the time TO say it, Or they say at church,
forever thereafter hold your peace. Let me
peat 1t, and then you make your objection
if you choose. each sentence by itself Pro
nouncing again the four sentences relative TO
taxation, and pausirg for reply at the end of
each sentence. Is it possible that convention
of the people, consisting of so many delegates,
has been able TO pass upon that difficult
question of tariff, and to SO express itself
that every man. woman and child in so large
ana Intelligent an audience as this is compelled
to say That's rightH 1t is an uncommon in
dersement of convention and after this YOU
won't blame me much for being whole souled
Democrat, will youl
Mr.. Hendricks then proceeded to compare the
attitude of the tive great parties on the ones
ton of taxation, contending that the Democ-
raey could be trusted to adjust the inequalities
of the tariff, and claiming that the Republicans
had admitted the inefficient character of their
legislation by the pledge in their platform to Sc
cure read ustment of the tariff.