Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-10-03

hon. Levf +. morton, republican nominee
for the vice presidency, was made public to.
day: n
RHYNEcLIFF, N. T., Oct. 2.
| Hon. NJ NJ. Es,ee and others Of the Com.
mite ;-Gen,lemen
In making formal acceptance of nomina-
ton as republican candidate for the Vice
Presidency, desire 10 express q grateful ap-
probation of the confidence reposed in ME
by the convention. The duties devolving
upon the Vice President as presiding officer
OF the Senate and in certain contingencies,
a participant in the Legislation of Congress,
make it proper that the people should know
distinctly and unreservedly the political
views of the candidates who may be present
ed for their suffrages. 1t fortunately hap
pens that this duty for myself is easily dis
charged by refer ing 10 the principles en-
bodied in the resolutions unanimously adopt
ed by the national convention. These reso-
lutions, unequivocsl and comprehensive in
i'll character, r, feet my personal convictions
and have my hearty approval 1t is difficult,
how ever, i'll political campaign to fiX the
popular atte ton OH more
than one issue. And in the pending
election every v, ter IN the Uni'ed States
clearly sees that the controlling interest as
to whether the protective tariff duties now in
force shall be 50 reduced as to destroy their
efficiency, or whether these duties shall be
retained with such modification and adjust
ments MS shall best adapt them TO the great
end of protecting the vast and important in
dustries of the whole country. The repub-
lcan platform while recognizing the III, ces-
sity of reducing the revenue, declares that
this reduction must not be made at the
thas ,,,l, "A
labor. The American people have now ell
joyed the protective system for a longer
continuous period than ever before in the
history of the national government.
The result is that for more than quarter of
a century they have realized degree of in
dustrial and financial prosperity unpreced-
ented in The history of the country, and
never equsled in any other. The pressing
reason for once again trying the experiment of
the revenue tariff without protection rs
motive or end is that the present tariff has
produced and is producing surplus in the
treasury. But is it not easily within the
wisdom of Congress to adjust the national
income 10 the national expenditure without
sacrificing or even inn Ierlling the indus
trial system which has brought untold advan
iages TO the entire country. Admitting that
the pres. mt tariff by the lapse of time and
large expansion of trade v h ch it has stimu-
lated need revision. is il not wiser and more
patriotic to revise II with careful regard to
the interest of protection than with purpose
of lessening its protective features? These
are some of the questions which must be
answered at the national polls in November
For myself, as a citizen and as a candidate
| do not hesitate TO declare that from long
observation | am an unwavering friend to
the protective system. In business life, now
extending over forty years. have witnessed
and compared the effect upon the country of
revenue tariff tending to free trade, with the
protective tariff encouraging home industries.
Under the former the development of the
country has always been arrested,
while under the latter it has
uniformly been promoted To men
who earn their bread by the sweat
of their brow, the difference between the
two systems is that of narrowing chances on
one hand and expanding opportunities on the
the other. Free trade would open America
TO competition with the whole world pro-
lection reserves America for Americans.
Natives and the adopted industrial system
of the country is as sensitive as its public
credit. hostile movement creates distrust
in the public mind and confidence, the onl,
Uasls OI euCcestIuI tfAue. becomes impaired,
new enterprises ~ither in the bud, capital
grows rimid, field labor contracted and the
pressure for employment inevitably reduces
the wages of all working men. With the
views of the convention so frankly expressed
in it's resolutions upon all other questions of
public interest find m, self in hearty accord.
In relation to silver and it's important bear
ings upon the national currency as well as
its connection with and influence on the
prosperity of large sections of our common
country; in its advisory of judicious set
tlement of the public lands policy: in urging
the necessity for better coast defen-
ces and the duty we owe to
the shipping interest. of the
proved principles of the republican party.
The republican platform proposes dis
tnctly American policy, not one of narrow
ness and bigoiry, but one of broad aud phil
anthropical policy that best helps the whole
world by an example of great, growing.
and powerful ration. founded on the equali-
ty of every man before the law. Ii is for the
American people to develop and cultivate
the continent to which, in providence of
God, they have fallen heirs. They should
adopt the policy which Looks steadily to this
great end. With no spirit of narrowueps
toward other people, but rather in the high
est interest of all. they should find under
their own flag limi less, advance in the
direction of improvement, prosperity and
happiness of man.
Very respectfully yours,
LEVI Z. MoRTos.