, 1884-07-19

ceptance:
AUGUSTA, Me, July Is, 1854.
The Hon John b. Henderson and Others Of
the Committee
'GESTLEMEN--In accepting the nom
nation for the Presidency rendered mt by
the Republican National Convention, l
beg to express a deep sense of the honor
which is conferred and of the duty which
is imposed L venture to accompany the
acceptance with some observations upon
the questions involved in the contest,
questions whose settlement may affect the
future Of the nation favorably or unfayol
ably for a long series of years. In enum-
Grating the issues upon which the Repub-
ican party appeals for popular support
the convention has been
~slSGuLARLY EXPLICIT n FELICfroUs.
1t has properly given the leading position
TO the industrial interests of the country
as affected by the tariff on imports. On
that question the two political parties are
radically in conflict. Almost the first act
of the Republicans when they came into
power in 1861 was the establishment of the
principle of protection to American labor
and to American capital. This principle
the Republican party has ever since
steadily maintained, while on the
other hand the Democratic party
in Congress has for fifty
years persistently warred upon it. Twice
within that period our opponents have de-
stroyed tariffs arranged for protection,
and since the close of the civil war when
ever they have controlled the House of
Representatives hostile legislation has
been attempted-never more conspicu-
ously than in their principal measure at
at the late session of Congress.
THE TARIFF QUESTION.
revenue laws are in their very
nature subject to frequent revision in
order that they may be adapted to
changes and notifications of trade. The
Republican party is not %eontending for
the ~permanency Of any particular statute
The issue between the two parties does
not have
REFERENCE TO SPECIFIC LAW.
1t is broader and far deeper. 1t involves
principle of wide application and benef-
cent influence against a theory which we
believe TO be unsound in conception, and
inevitably hurtful m practice. In the
many tariff revisions which have been
necessary for the past twenty-three
years, or which may hereafter be-
come necessary the Republican party
has maintained, and will maintain the
policy Of protection to American
industry, while our opponents insist
upon a revision which practically destroys
that policy. The issue is thus distinct,
well defined and unavoidable. The pend,
ing election may determine the fate Of
protection for a generation. The over
throw of the policy means a large and
permanent reduction in the wages of the
American laborer, besides involving the
loss of vast amounts of American capita
invested in manufacturing enterprises
The value of the present revenue system
TO the people OF the United States is mo-
a matter Of theory and
SHALL SUBMIT NO ARGUMENT
TO sustain it, only invite attention to Ger
tam facts Of official record which seem t
constitute a demonstration. In the censu,
oil 1850, an effort was made for the frs
time in our history to obtain a valuation
OF all the property in the United States
Inc attempt was in a large degree unsuc
Aa.El
eesSful. Partly from lack of time, partl!
nom prejudice among many who though
the inquiries foreshadowed a new schem'
OF taxation, the returns were incom
piete and unsatisfactory. Little more wa
lone then to consolidate the local valua
non used IN the states for purposes o
assessment and that, as every one knows
uitiers widely from a complete exhibit 0
Anthe property, In the census of 1860