Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1888-10-12
LEVI p. MORTON'S LETTER.
He Finds Himself in Accord with tn
Republican Platform.

He Finds Himself in Accord with the
Republican Platform.
Hon. Levi P. Morton's letter of acceptance
of the nomination for the vice. presidency is
as follows:
Hon. NJ NJ Estee and Others committee
Gentlemen: In making formal acceptance of
my nomination as the republican candidate
for the vice presidency, l de ire to express
my grateful appreciation of the confidence
reposed in me by the convention. The duties
devolving upon the vice-pres. as presid-
} - Fl '" Of to senate, and in certain con-
tlngencles participant in the legislation of
congress, make it proper that Ghe people
should know distinctly and unressrvedly the
political views of the candidate who may
be presented for their suffrages 1t fortu-
nately happens that this duty for
myself Is easily discharged, by referring to
the principles embodied in the resolutions
unanimously adopted by the national con-
vention. These resolutions Vnequivocal
and comprehensive in character, reflect my
personal convictions and have my hearty APP
provaL
1t Is difficult, however, in political cam
paign to fix popular attention on more than
one issue, and in the pending election every
voter in the United States clearly sees that
the controlling question Is whether the pro-
tective tariff duties now in force shall be so
reduced as to destroy their efficiency, or
whether these duties shall be retained with
such notifications and ad justments as shall
better adapt them to the great end of pro-
tecting the vast and important industries of
the whole country.
The republican platform, while recogniz-
ing the necessity of reducing the revenue,
declares that this reduction must not be
made at the expense of these industries AMI
of American labor. The American people
have now enjoyed the protective system for
longer continuous period than ever before
in the history Of the national government
The result is that for more than quarter Of
century they have realized degree of in
dustrial and financial prosperity unprece-
dented in this country, and never equalled
in any other.
The pressing reason given for once again
trying the experiment of revenue tariff
without protection rs motive or end is that
the present tariff hos produced and is pro-
ducing a surplus in the treasury But is il
not easily within the wisdom Of congress to
adjust the national income to the national
expenditure without sacrificing, or even i'm
perilling, an industrial system which has
brought untold advantages to the entire
countryf Admitting that the present tariff,
by lapse Of time and the large expansion
of trade which it has stimulated,
needs revision, is it not wiser and more
patriotic to revise it with a careful re.
the purpose of lesseEing its protective feat
uresl 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 Of the protective system. In a bust
ness life now extending over 40 years
the effect upon the country Of
a revenue tariff tending to free
trade with protective tariff encouraging
home industries. Under the former the de-
velopment of the country has always been
arrested, while under the latter it has uni
formly been promoted To the men who
earn their bread by the sweat of their brow
the difference between the two systems
is that of narrowing chances on
the one hand, and expanding oppor-
tunities on the other FREQ trade
would oTen America to compel tion
with the whole world. Protection reserves
America for Americans native and adopted.
The industrial system OF country is as SEN
sitive as its public credit. hostile move
ment creates distrust in the public mind,
and confidence, the only basis of successful
trade, becomes impaired, new enterprises
wither in the bud, capital grows timid, the
field of labor is contracted, and pressure for
employment inevitably reduces the wages Of
all worlingmen.
With the views of the convention, so
frankly expressed in its resolutions upon ali
other questions of public interest, / find my
self in hearty accord. In relation to silver
and its important bearings upon the national
currency, as well as its connection with and
influence on the prosperity of large sections
of our common country; in its advocacy of
a judicious settlement of the public lands
policy; in urging the necessity for better
coast defences and the duty we owe to the
shipping interests of the country, the plat
| form but repeats the approved principles of
the republican party.
The republican platform proposes dis.
tinctly American policy; not one of narrow
ness and bgotry, but ono broad and philan-
throplc-a policy that best helps the whole
world by the example of a great growing,
powerful nation. founded on the equality of
every man before the law.
1t is for the American people to develop
and cultivate the continent to which, in the
providence of God, they have fallen heirs.
They should adopt policy which looks
steadily to this great end. With no spirit of
narrowness toward other peoples, but rather
in the highest interest Of ALL they should find
under their own flag field of limitless adj
vance in the direction of tho improvement,
The prosperity and the happiness of man
Very respectfully yours
LEVI P, MORTON.