Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-11-18

10 satisfied. IL has obstYucted fntcfDas
tional exchange, thus partially excluding
the products OF our other industries from
the profitable markets abroad, diminishing
their earnings and arrcsting their growth
and prosperity. IT has provoked other
Governments to resort 10 rctaliatory mca-
sures--d discrimination against our products
and trade In their own ports and
markets, and gives preference 10 the
products and trace OF our most Formidable
rivals; and here at home, by encouraging
capital and labor TO rely upon legislation
for profits rather than their own capacity.
II has greatly impaired that spirit Of indie
pendence and enterprise which IL absolute.
~ indispensable to successful prosecution
Of business in this age al improvement and
progress. These are only few OF the evils
which the existing system Of taxation has in-
flcted upon the country. Many valuable In.
dustrlcs. which would have 6ourisbcd with
out IL, have been tortured TO death bv its I'M
cqua! burdens and unjust determinations.
while Others have been crushed bv the
combinations and mouopolles which II ere
aics and sustains. Some have prospered
in spite Of II, but the sum OF the peoples
wealth-the aggregate accumulation OF
savings in alt branches OF industry-is I'M.
dcubtedly much less than u ought 10 have
been and would have been under more
equal revenue system and a more liberal
commercial policy. A lew have
BEuosE VERY RICH,
but many have become very poor, and the
gulf letwcen luxury and penury is grow
ing wider and deeper day by day. This
unnatuml and dangerous condition OF
affairs could not possibly exist In young
and rapidly-developing country like ours
II The laws and regulations affecting the ere
alton and distribution OF wealth were just
and equal In their operation. With fertile
sail and friendly climate; with inexhausti-
bic stores OF coal and iron, the two most
powerful material agencies IN our modern
cultivation; with q vast extent OF unoccu-
pied snd uudeveloped territory; with
Tree Institutions and an intelligent,
industrious. and enterprising popula-
ton. we ought 10 he exempt from
social and political diseases, which
sfliict The crowded nations OF the Old
World. and we will be exempt from them
when We
TAX ALIKE AND PROTECT ALL ALIKE.
Living in such country, aud surround
cd by the marvellous achievements OF the
most wonderful bali-century in the annals
OF the human race. # the people continue
unprosperous and Disconnected, II wealth
continues TO accumulate rapidly in the
hands OF an idle few while hunger and ma
kedness increase in the very homes OF
industry; and il invested capital remains
uneasy and insecure and labor dissatisfied.
il will be- a burning disgrace to the states
manshp OF the age, and terrible weight
Of responsibility will rest upon those
who reject all measures Of relief and
cling with stubborn tenaciiy 10 the
worst features OF the system under
which these evils have originated
and attained their present proportions.
But, gentlemen. no matter who may desert
or who may fslter, the great fight for reform
will 20 on. This country does not belong
10 either monOpollSis or communists, and
the people will save il from both. Between
these two there stands the great and power.
full body OF enlightened, conservative,
and patriotic citizens who respect
equally the rights Of capital and labor,
who obey the laws and preserve the
public peace, and who. in spite OF all COM
binations and conspiraclcs, Will Infinitely
see that the true principles OF justice and
equality prevail in the legislation OF the
country. Even TO prevent the continuance
Of long-eXisting and constantly-increasing
evils they will not rush from one
extreme 10 another, but will proceed
carefully, deliberately, and resolutely to
correct inequalities, remove unnecessary
burdens, and open paths that lead to peace
and prosperity. While free trade is i'm
practicable, industrial and commercial
emancipation can and will be accomplished
by
wIsE AND MODERATE MEASURES or REFORM
without interfering with any private enter
prise or ipiuring any public interest. To
this some Of US at least are Irreyocably
pledged, not only by traditions and decla'
rations Of the political party to which we
belong, but by sense OF personal and Off
cial duty which cannot be disregarded
without betrsying the confidence repnsed
IN H. by the people. Whether in public or
in private life shall stand by that pledge.
and 10 the extent Of my abilities and OPP
portunities contribute in every way 10 the
early and complete triumph OF revenue re-
form.