Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1888-09-14

port are mOSU OF all QHecUly cOucofHeu Ill uue
situation. Others seeing the approach of dam
ger may provide against it, but it will find
those depending upon their daily toll for
bread unprepared, helpless and defenseless.
Such a state of affairs does not present case
of idleness resulting from disputes between
the lslboring man and his employer, but it
produces an absolute and enforced stoppage
of employment and wages.
In reviewing the bad effects of this accumu-
lated surplus and the scale of tariff rates by
which it is produced, we must not overlook
the tendency toward gross and scandalous
public extravaganza which a congested treas
ury induces, nor the fact that we are main
tanning, without excuse, in time of profound
peace substantially the rate of tariff duties
imposed in time of war, when the necessities
of the government justified the imposition of
the weightiest burdens upon the people.
Divers plans have been suggested for the re-
turn of this accumulated surplus to the people
and the channels of trade. Some of these de-
vices are at variance with all rules of good
finance, some are delusive, me are absurd,
and some betray by their reckless extrava-
gance the demoralizing influence Of a great
surplus of public money upon the judgments
of Individuals
While such efforts should be made as are
consistent with public duty and sanctioned by
sound Judgment to avoid danger by the use
full disposition of the surplus now remaining
in the treasury, it is evident that if its dis
tribution were accomplished another accumu-
lation would soon take its place if the con-
slant flow of redundant income was not
checked at it's source by reform in our pres
ent tariff laws.
We do not propose to deal with these condi-
lions by merely attempting to satisfy the
people of the truth of abstract theories nor
by alone urging their assent to political doc
trine We present to them the propositions
that they are unjustly treated in the extent
of present Federal taxation, that as result
a condition of extreme danger exists, and
that it is for them to demand a remedy and
that defense and safety promised in the guar
antees Of their free government.
We believe that the same means which are
adopted to relieve the treasury of its present
surplus and prevent its recurrence should
cheaper to our people the cost of supplying
their daily wants. Both Of these objects we
seek in part to gain by reducing the present
tariff rates upon the necessaries of life
We fully appreciate the Importance to the
country of our domestic industrial enter
prises In the rectifcation of existing wrongs
their maintenance and prosperity should be
carefully and in a friendly spirit considered.
Even such reliance upon present revenue ar
rangements as have been invited or encour-
aged should be fairly and justly regarded.
Abrupt and radical changes which might en-
danger such enterprises, and injuriously affect
the interests of labor dependent upon their
success and continuance, are not contemplated
or intended.
PrIf1 f1,ao ocf0 of
ufactured products is increased, and their
price to the consumer enhanced by the duty
imposed upon the raw material used in their
manufacture We know that this increased
cost prevents the sale of our productions at
foreign markets in competition with those
countries which have the advantage Of free
raw material We know that, confined to a
home market, our manufacturing operations
are curtailed their demand for labor irregu-
lar, and the rate of wages paid uncertain.
We propose, therefore, to stimulate our do
nestle industrial enterprises by freeing from
duty the imported raw materials, which by
the employment of labor are used in our
home manufactures, thus extending the mar
kets for their sale, and permitting an in
creased and steady production, with the al
lowance Of abundant profits.
True to the undertaking course of the Demo
cratic party, we will not neglect the interests
of labor and our workingmen. In all efforts
to remedy existing evils we will furnish no
excuse for the loss of employment or the re-
duction of the wage of honest toll. On the
contrary, we propose in any adjustment OF
our revenue laws to concede such encourage
ment and advantage to the employers OF
domestic labor as will easily compensate for
any difference that may exist between the
standard of wages which should be paid to our
laboring men and the rate allowed in other
countries We propose, too, by extending the
markets for our manufacturers, to promote
the steady employment Of labor, while by
cheapening the cost of the necessaries of life
we increase the purchasing power OF the
workingmans wages and add to the comforts
of his home
And before passing from this phase of the
question, I am constrained to express the
opinion that, while the interests of labor
should be always sedulously regarded in any
modification of our tariff laws, an addi-
tional and more direct and efficient protec
ton to these interests would be afforded by
the restriction and prohibition Of the lmml-
grafton or importation of laborers from other
countries who swarm upon our shores, having
no purpose or intent of becoming our fellow
citizens or acquiring any permanent interest
in our country, but who crowd every field of
employment with unintelligent labor at
wages which ought not to satisfy those who
make claim to American citizenship.
The platform adopted by the late national
convention of our party contains the follow
ing declaration:
Judged by Democratic principles, the inter-
ests of the people are betrayed when by I'M
fave tryIct n h patio ara
permitted and fostered, which, while unduly en-
riching the few that combine, rob the body of
citizens by depriving them as purchasers of
the benefits of natural competition.