The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-10-03
RHINE CLIFF, n. Y, Oct ., 1883.
aud Othprs Committcos

To NJ NJ Estee aud Others Committee.
Gentlemen-In making formal accepts
ance OF my nomination as the Republican
candidate Tor the Vice. Presidency, desire
to express my grateful appreciation OF the
confidence reposed in me by the conven-
ton.
The duties devolving upon the Vice.
President, as presiding officer OF the SEN
ate, and in certain contingencies partici-
pant in the legislation OF Congress, make
it proper that the people should know
distinctly and unreservedly the political
views OF the candidate who may be pre-
sented Tor their sulirages.
II fortunately happens that this duty for
myself is easily discharged by referring to
the principles embodied in the resolutions
unanimously adopted by the National con-
yenion. These resolutions, unequivocal
and comprehensive in character, reflect
my personal convictions and have my
hearty approval. 1t is difficult, however,
in u political campaign to fix popular at
tention on more than one issue, and III the
pending election, every voter in the United
States clearly sees that the controlling
question is whether the protective tariff
duties now in force shall be so reduced us
TO destroy their efficiency, or whether
these duties shall be retained with such
notifications and adjustments rs shall
better adapt them to the great end Of
protecting the vast and important indus
tries OF the whole country.
The Republican platform, while reoog-f
nizing the necessity OF reducing the rcve-t
nue., declares that this reduction must not.
be made at the expense OF these indus
tries and OF American labor. The Ameri-t
can people have now enjoyed the proiec-
tive system for a longer continuous period 4
than ever before in the history OF the ma
tional government. The result is that for
more than quarter OF a century they
| have realized degree OF industrial and
financial prosperity unprecedented in this
country, and never equaled IN any other.
The pressing reason given for once again
| trying the Old experiment OF revenue
tariff without protection as mOtivel
or end Is that the present tariff has pros
duced and is producing surplus in Tho
treasury. But Is IL not easily within the|
wisdom OF Congress TO adjust the national
expenditure without sacrificing or event
mperilling an industrial system which has
brought untold advantages to the cntre
country? Admitting that the present tar
III, by lapse Of time inl the lgIgo expan-
sion 81 trade which il has stimulated,
needs revision, is IL not wiser and more
patriotic 10 revise IL with cat lul regard to
the interests OF protection, than with
| the purpose Of iessening IFS protective
/ icaturcsi These are ONE Of the questions
which must be answered at the national
| polls in November. For myself, IS 4 CHI.
zen and rs u candidate | DO not hesitate
10 declare that, from long observation. |
am an uuwaycring friend 10 the protective
! system. In u business life now extending
over forty years, ] have witnessed AMI
compared the effect upon the country
| Of revenue tariff tending 10 lrec
| trade, with protective tsriT cn.Y
! couraging home industries. Under the
! ioru o: tue development Of the coun-
| try has always been arrested, while
| under the later il has uniformly been pro-
mo.cd. To the men who earn their bread
| by the sweat OF their br0Ws the difference
| between the two systems Is that Of narrow
| ing chances on the one hand, and expand.
| ing opportunities on the other. Free
| trade would open America 90 competition
with the whole world. Protection reserves
| America for Americans, native and adopt
cd. The industrial system Of n country is
rs sensitive ~ public credit. A hostile
movement creates distrust In the public
mind. and confidence, the only basis u
successful trade becomes impaired. New
enterprises wither In the bud, capital
| grows timid, the field Of labor IL contracted
and pressure for employment inevitably
reduces the wages OF all workingmen.
With the views Of the convention,
! frankly expressed in the resolutions upon
all questions OF public interest, | find my.
self in hearty accord. In relation 20 silver
and Us important bearing upon the ma.
tonal currency, ~ well as it, connection
! with end influence on the prosperity OF
large sections Of our common country; Ia
It's advocacy Of n judicious scttloment'o Of
the public lands policy; in urging the ne.
ccssiiy for better coast deicnscs and tho
duty we owe to the shipping interests Of
the country. the platform but repeats the
approved principles Of the Republican
| party.
The Republican platform proposes
distinctly American policy, not one OF
narrowncEs and bigotry. but one broad
and philanihropic policy that best
helps the whole world by the example Of
| n great, growing powerful nation. founded
| upon the equality of every man bcfort the
law. II u for the American people 90 de-
vclop and cultivate the continent 10
which In the providence Of God thcy have
fallen heirs. They should adopt policy
which looks steadily 10 this great end.
With no spirit Of nafrowness toward other
! peoples, but rather in the highest interest
Of oil, they should find under their own
ilag field Of limillcss advance In the III.
rcc,ion Of the improvement, the prusperi-
~ aud happiness Of man. Yer, respect
fully.yours, Law T.. MoRroS.