Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1888-10-06
NOR9ON'S LETTER.
Accepting the Nomination for
Viee-PreSident.
Presentations OF His Views on the
Public Questions OF the Day.

Presentations OF His Views on the
Public Questions OF the Day.
Mr. Mortons letter of acceptance has b,en
made public, and is as follows:
TO Hon. N. A. Esiee and Others, COn,mHtcc :
Gentemcn-In making formal ncceplanc2
of my nomination MS the Republican candi-
date for the icc-prcsidencY, desire to ex-
press my grateful appreciation Of the con-
iidence rcposcd in me by the convention.
The duties devolvng upon the vicc-presi-
dent as presiding officer Of the Senate, and,
in certain contingencies, participant IN tho
legislation of Congress- make it proper that
the people sholld know distinctly aud un
reservedly the political views of the candi-
date who may be presented for their suf-
frages.
It fortunately happens that this duty for
myself is easily discharged by referring To
tile principes embo led in the resolutions
unanimously adopted by the National Con.
rention. These resolutions, unequlvocnl and
comprehensive in character, reflect my per-
sonal convictions and have my hearty mp
proval.
1t is difficult, however, in Il political cam
pagn to fix popular attention Oh moro tnan
one issue, and, in tho pending election every
votcr in the United States clearly sees that
the controlling question is, whether the pro-
tective tariff duties now III force shall be so
reduced rs to destroy their efficiency, or
whether these duties shall be retained, with
such notifications and adjustments as Shall
better adapt them to the great end OF pro-
tecting the vast and important industries OF
tho whole country.
Tho Republican platform, while recogniz-
ing the necessity OF reducing tho revenue,
declares that this reduction must not be at
the expense OF these industries anu Oh
American labor.
Tho American people have now enjoyed
the protective system Tor longer continuous
period than ever before in the history OF tho
national government. Tho result is that ior
more than quarter OF century they have
realized degree of industrial and financial
prosperity unprecedented il this country
and never oqualed in any othr.
The pressing reason given for once again
trying the old experiment of revenue tariif
without protection us Il motive or end, IS
that tie prescnt tariff has produced aud is
pr ducins Il surplus i'll the treasury. But IL
is not easily within the wisdom of Congress
to adju the national income to the nat onal
expend turc without :ucriii ing or even i'm
periling ali industrial system Which has
brought untold advantages to the entire
country: Admitting that the present tariff,
by lapse of time and the large expansion OF
trade which it has sti-s ulated ceds revision:
is il hot wiser and more patriotic to revise it
w tn careful regard to the interests of pro-
lection, than with the purpose of lesseninS
its protective features!
These are some OF the questions which must
be answered ut the national polls in Novem-
her, For mys If, as a tizcn and rs IL candl-
date, do not hesitate to declare that, from
long obse walton, lam an unwaverlnS trlcnu
OF the protective system LII n business lie,
now extending over TO ty years, have
win ssed and compared the effect pom inc
countr, OF revenue tariff, tandng 10 Tree
trade, with protective tariff encourage
home industries. Tn er the former the de-
velopm 1t of the country has always becl
arrested, while under the later 1T has uni
formly been promoted. TO the men who earn
/ their bread by the sweat of their brows, the
difFeren @ between the two syst mss That or
narrowing chances on the one hand ana eN-
handling opportunities on tllc otiIcI-.-frca
trade would open America to compe itton
with the whole world; protection reserves
America for Americans native and adop ed.
The industrial system of country is as
sensitive Us its public credit. A hostile move
nent creates dis rust in the publ: min !. and
confidence, the only basis of successful trade,
becomcs impaired New enterprises witaer
in the bud capital grows timid, the field oil
labor is contrac ell, and pressure for employ,
ment inevitably reduces tie wages OF nil
worlsingnen. With the views OF the con-
vention, so frankly expressed in its reso!u-
lions, upon all ot!er questions OF pub ic in
teres, find myself i'll hearty accord. In
relation 10 silver and its i'm ortint bearing
unon the national currency, rs we'll rs It's
connection with and influence on t: pros
perity of largo sections of our common
country, in its adv, C cy of judicous set
Element of the public nd, pol cy, i'll urging
the necessity for better coast defenses, and
the duty we owe to the shipping interest OF
the country, the platform but repeats tho
approved principles of the Republican party.
The Republican platform proposes DIS
tinctly American policy; not one IF narrow
ness and bigotry but one broad and philan-
throp ca pJlicy that bes helps the whole
world by the example of great, growing,
powerful nation, founded Oh the equality OF
every man before the law.
It for the American people 10 deyel p
und cultivate the continent to which, in the
providence of God. they have fallen heirs.
They should adopta policy which looks
steadily to this g, eat end, witt no spirit oil
narrowness toward othe peoples but rather,
in the highest interest Of al they should lind
Under their own flag field of lmitles: az
vance in the direction OF the improvement,
the prosperity d tn hap iness OF man,
Very respectfully yours,
LEVI p MORTON.