The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-09-18
DEMOCRACYS WAR CRY.
FIRST ASSISTANT POSTMASTER
STEVENSON ON THE STUMP.

The Voters of Shelbyville, Ill, His
Hearers-An Urged to Bear in Mind
That They Are Americans-The Fall
sity of Republican Predictions
Pointed Out-The Tariff.
SHELBYvILLE, ILL.,, Sept. 17.-First As
sistant Postmaster General A. E. Stevenson
was warmly received by the democrats of
this city and vicinity to-day, and delivered
Jan address on the issues of the campaign.
His remarks were well punctuated with
applause In opening his address he said:
In the excitement of the contest let us not
forget that we are all American citizens, with
common history, common traditions and com
mon destiny, and interested alike IN securing
wise legislation and honest methods in the ad-
ministration Of the government
DARK PREDICTIONS REFUTEp.
After referring to the predictions of the
republican leaders four years ago, that dis
aster to the country would follow demo-
cratic success, he said:
What my fellow citizens has been tho result
of three and half years of democratic admin
istration? More than $500, 900 of the public
debt has been paid since the inauguration of
President Cleveland. His great office has been
administered with an eye single TO the glory OF
the nation and to the protection Of the humblest
citizen He has stretched forth the strong arm
of power as readily and promptly on behalf
of the humble settler, Gullford Miller, in his
contest for his little home with the land grab
bers in Washington Territory, as he asserted the
rights and dignity of the American nation in the
fishery contest with Great Britain. All
the departments of the government have
been economically and honestly administered,
MANAGEMENT OF THE MAILS.
He touched upon the management of the
postoffice department, which, he said, had
never been more ably nor economically
administered than under the present Post
master General and his immediate prede-
cessor: described the wonderful growth of
the pension list, which now absorbs 81 per
cent. of the national expenses, and sketched
the policy now pursued regarding the pub
lie domain. and then entered upon an elab
crate discussion of the tariff question, in
the course of which, he said
But the laborer is told that free trade will
reduce his wages Do not be misled, | pray
you. 1t is your battle we are fighting. We do
not and never have advocated free trade. Let
me state explicitly the meaning of the Demo
cratic party. The expenses of the government
must continue to be met by tariff duties and by
internal revenue taxes upon tobacco and spirit
uous LIQUORS, but inasmuch the taxes now
paid are 900 month In excess of the
needs of the government, they must be reduced.
PROPOSITION OF THE DEMOCRACY.
We propose that the internal revenue taxes
remain as now, and that the tariff taxes be re-
duced an average rate OF per cent, and you
are told that this is free trade. In other words,
cheapening to the people the necessaries OF life
by saving $4,000 900 a month to the pockets of
the taxpayer and thus checking the unneces-
slry accumulation in the treasury. is by the
protectionsts denounced as free trade Need
argue to you that 1t is a curse rather than a
blessing to be unnecessarily taxedS Who re
ceives the benefit of a high tariff Does the
laborer? Not ct all. II increases to him
the cost of focd and shelter and clothing.
Does the manufacturer increase your wages
when the tariff is increased No such case can
be found. He is the sole beneficiary of a high
tariff. Millionaires are now numbered by the
thousands, when but few years ago you could
count them on the fingers of your hand.
Gen. Stevenson, in conclusion, paid high
compliment to President Cleveland. and said
This man we again present for your suffrage.
firmly persuaded that the verdict of the people
will be, well done. good and faithful servant"