The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-08-05


doctrine OF taxation be put in direct con-
trast with the principles OF the Repub-
licans.
The Mills bill is compromise measure;
that is, in its details much much has been
surrendered in order to secure harmony
but the purpose is plain, and the issues in
volved in il should not be confused.
The Mills bill is bill to reduce the war
tariff and to relieve the taxpayer. II is
highly protective; the tax rate it retains
has been seldom equalled. To speak OF a
tariff bill which retains duties averaging
42l per cent. as free trade is folly, but
high as the rate is, it is lower than that
demanded by the Republicans.
The bill puts salt, lumber and wool on
the free list in the interest OF the multitude
of consumers. The Republicans insist on
higher rates in order to "chcck imports"
and they refuse to surrender any part OF
the system TO protection.
The Democrats are contending for the
interests OF the multitude; the Republic
ans are fighting the battle OF the Pluto
Gratis.
The Democrats declare in their platform
that they will amend or repeal the unequal
and unjust laws which fetter enterprise
and restrict foreign commerce. They say
further and most truthfully: "Unneces-
sary taxation is unjust taxation" that the
great majority OF our people derive
no benefit from excessive taxation,
and that "every Democratic rule OF gov
ornamental action Is violated when, through
unnecessary taxation, q vast sum of money,
far beyond the needs OF an economical adj
ministration, is drawn from the people and
the channels OF trade and accumulated as
demoralizing surplus in the national
treasury"
1t is impossible TO reconcile this position
with the Republican platform. Between
the two parties there is great gulf fixed.
One demands relief, lower taxes free
trade, and the abolition of the surplus.
The other insists that taxes be increased,
imports checked, the surplus distributed
| by liberal appropriations and all internal
taxes abolished.
Only in Tennessee is there any danger
that these distinctions will be lost sight OF.
In season aud out OF season, the Amer
icdn, OF Nashville, Is preaching the doe
trinc OF protection. Nominally standing
ON the Democratic platform il is using all
its power 10 undermine the party. lts
arguments are the arguments used by the
New York Tribune and the Philadelphia
| Press Its aims are the same; its faith il
| the same; its masters are the same.
There is no wisdom any longer in re-
naming silent concerning the american.
To the extent OF its influence il is injurinl
the party and imperiling its success.
Instead OF trying 10 make plain the
principles OF Democracy, as expressed by
tine President and evidenced by the Mill,
bill, il misreprescnts these papers. pervert;
their meaning aud seeks TO show that the,
conform to the Republican principles anC
| practices.
Instead Of attacking the Republicans, Il
is attacking the Democrats Instead o
| replying 20 the falsehoods manufactured
by the Republicans for campaign .pur
poses, 1t repeats them. Instead OF show
Ing that the Democrats are laboring FOL
reform and not free trade, II repeats almos
daily is denunciation OF tho Democrats
~ free traders.
In this course Il serves most effcciivcl,
the Republican party. Edited by n nomi
nal Democrat, IL is owned and supported
/ by the representatives OF great iron ant
coal companies, which have made millions
by the operation OF an oppressive and In
famous system OF taxation, which compa
mics arc unwilling 10 surrcnderany OF thcii
precious privileges.
The American Processes 10 contend onl,
for tariff that covers the difference IL
wages between England and America, yc
IL defends tax rate Of sl7 q ton on stee
rails when the total wages arc only s..
IL insists on tax Of SIP on pig iron
though the wages in n ton amount only e
~ or $3.50, and the total cost at the hes
furnaces Is less than ~.
II is the organ, not Of Democracy, bu
Of a syndicate Of capitalists who hav,
grown rich by n system Of stock jobbing
aud s,ock-waicring and tariff robbery. anC
whose members are chiefly Republicans.
The time has come Tor plain talking. i
the Democrats arc 10 win in Tennessee
They must begin the tight In q diIercn
spirit from that which finds expression IL
the columns Of the Amriodn. The Imsri
oan must be abandoned to the Republic
ans; II Is preaching Republican doctrines
and II Is doing the work Of the l,epub
lican party.
No one familiar with the course OF IN,
| Amcrioan for the past two months can iai
10 SO that II is the most useful RepcblicaI
| journal in the west. II refused TO Civ,
even as news the fact that the former Re
publican candidate for Governor woul'
support Cleveland, because the change wa
due 10 the Republican position on the
tariff. II misrcprcsents and then answer
the arguments OF Democrats II mutilaic
the Democratic platform. and publshc
daily copy Of II expurgatcd TO suit II
| views and 10 mislcad the public.
The Nashville DrnOcrdi IL worthy Oh,
hearty support Of the party. There ar
| Democratic newspapers nj Memphis an,
elsewhere which arr laboring earnestly iol
the party, and they should be wnrml,
supported.
The Coricr.Jomnai has private iniorma
ton that the Republicans are planning Il
carry Tennessee by q still hunt. The,
count on Democratic divisions, indiilcr
cnco and the influence Of the men who, M
James 7. Foster said. were making fortunes
out Of the tarid every year. whose orgnr
aud advocate tho American H.
There Is time 10 circumyent the RSpub
leans and their Democratic allies. Mcr
who are not for rs arc against IN. Active
earnest, vigorous work will be needed,
but u will succeed. On the contrary, L
nothing Is done 10 limit aud countcracl
tho influence Of such papers ~ tho Amsri.
ON, tho vote In Tennessee will be a sur.
prise 10 oycr-conGdent Democrats.
splendid Prospects OF the Campaign.
mt. I. N.ufFf.f