, 1884-08-31
Mr.. Hendricks Ably Opens the
Democratic Campaign.
he Defines the Party Position
on Various Subjects
And Dabbles in History for Mr..
Blaine's Benefit.
Mr.. Hendricks Ringing Speech.


INDIANAPOLIS, August 3a.-Thc camp
align on behalf of the Democracy was
opened here tonight by a large meeting
which was addressed by Hon. Thomas A.
Hendricks. the Democratic candidate for
Vice President.
Mr.. Hendricks began his remarks by
abiding to the necessity Of perfect frank
ness in what he said. He first took up
the question Of revenue reform. The
power to levy AMI collect taxes was among
the highest and most responsible attri-
butcs of Gov eminent. 1t takes from a
man that which Ii his own and appropri-
atcs it to the public use. This right
should not be impaired this side of the
absolute and entire maintenance of public
authority. When tho war came, and
taxation was a necessity and was right
fully increased. With the war and the
consequent expenditures upon it there
passed away the necessity for a war
standard oftaxation. Why then had sush
a standard been continued? The party
that has had almost unbroken power for
nineteen years must answer that inquiry.
President Arthur, in his message Of
December, 1852, admonisheI Congress
that, at It's prior session. he had
urged upon it the necessity Of
relieving the industries and
enterprise of unnecessary taxation. The
President said the people were completely
in accord with the doctrine That only
such taxes ought to be levied as are nee
essary for Il wise and economical admins
tration of the Government" For the
fiscal year ended June 80, 1881. the sur
plus revenue amounted to SlOO, 600, 00O;
for the fiscal year ended June 80, last,
the surplus was more than Sl45, OOO, 900.
Not much heed was paid by the Republi-
cans to this startling statement The Sec
rotary of the Treasury estimates that the
surplus for the current year at $S5, 000,-
00O, 5000, 600 Of unnecessary taxation
in one year. Estimating our population
at $4,000, 900 there are - for every man,
woman and child lying idle in the United
States Treasury. The question should be
solved by reducing the taxation, thus
leaving the money not needed by the
Government in the pockets of the people
and in the channels Of trade and com
merce. In this connection he called at
tention to the principles of revenue re-
form which the Democracy have adopted
in their platform. viz: hat Federal taxa
ton shall not exceed the needs of the
Government economically administered.
Did his hearers approve of this?
The speaker then referred to the party
pledge to revise the tariff in a spirit of
fairness to all interests" and that any
change Of law must be at every step re-
gardful of the labor and capital employed
in the industries of the country, and
that custom house taxes shall bear
hea7iest on articles of luxury and lightest
on articles of necessity. These principles
Of the platform are plainly written and
easily understood they present the con-
sentative purpose Of the Democracy touch
ing revenue reforms; when expressed in
the laws their beneficial influence will be-
come active and universal Lower taxes
will signify lighter burdens upon the peo-
pie. Money returning to the channels of
trade, enterprise restored aud stimulated,
renewed demand for the products of in
dustry and the consequent increased de-
mand for labor and universal prosperity.
If the s40p. 200, 900 locked up in the
Treasury were restored to the channels of
trade and commerce, who can doubt that
labor would find employment and the
manufacturer a market for his fabrics.
The speaker then took up the condition
of our m and vigorously dealt
with it, saving it was a disgrace to a coun-
try which unler natural conditions would
produce the greatest co NJ .rcial navy in
the world. The obituary Of our navy is
written in our tariff and shipping laws.
Money that would furnish c%ongenial em-
%plOyment to thousands of our brave sons,
is now locked up in the Treasury. 1t has
been said, upon the highest authority,
that Chill could sail into the harbor of
San Francisco and put hat great city
un Ter contribution at pleasure. Who is
responsible for this amazing condition OF
things? What party held the reins OF
political power while the navy was rotting
down and the coast fortiications were
passing into dilapidation?
1t is nineteen years since the close OF
the war-nearly five Presidential terms
During all that period, the executive and
admin '~strtivc service of the country has
been un Ter the control and management
of one party. Should it 50 continue dur
ing the period | have mentioned, the re-
ceipts and expenditures aggregate a SUN
so enormous that l find myself unable tc
express them in words or figures within
ordinary comprehension. We know
enough to justify the suspicion of ways
that are dark, hut do not choose to con.
slider the exposures hat have been made,
| prefer rather to appeal to your judgment
that a change is necessary, because in the
management Of business 50 large. so varieC
and SO complicated, Encouragement anC
corruption were possible and probable,
The books should be opened. | believ'
that good policy and justice unite in de