The intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1887-1891, 1888-10-27

and principles fully and faithfully illustrated
in its performances. What was announced
in the platform of 1884 as the principles and
intentions of the party have been con-
sistcntly adhered to, and practically carried
out so far rs was possible IN the face of the
opposition of Il ~factiOus and partisan Iiepub,
liCau Senate.
In the platform for the present campaign,
the National Democratic Convention at st.
Louis reviewed the work accomplished, and
reaffirmed the principles and pledges upon
which the people elevated TIE party to power.
Upon that platform to-day the Democratic
party stands united, self reliant and triumph
ant-no longer a protestant but powerless
factor i'll the government, as it was for
twcnty-four years, when its mission seemed
only to be to represent calll devotion to tho
spirit of freedom in the presence of u
rampant radicalism in drlirium through
the excess of its OWL passions aud
ambitions; nj longer suffering under the
stigma of defeat, ever though it be a defeat
accomplished through fraud falsehood and an
Electoral Commission; no longer unable to
exhibit the real proof of its spirit and char
acter for which the possession of power
alone supplies opportunity-the Democracy,
victorious in 1854, advances with confidence
to the election of 1888, appealing to the peo-
pie to examine not only tho principles pro
feSSed, but the work actually performed.
PRESIDENT CLEVELAND'S ADMINISTRATION.
The administration of President Cleveland
Is a splendid illustration OF Democratic ear
n~estness and fidelity. He was chosen for
Office because in exact accord with tho pur-
poses of his party, and he has nobly Vindi-
Gated the confidence rcposod in him. He has
given the country an administration of unim-
peachable honesty, of remarkable zeal and
efficiency. Simple in habits, diGniticd in
character, wise, courageous and determined,
his personality is in exact agreement with the
requirements for a chief executive. His OIL
cial conduct has been consistent, practical and
patriotic. He has sought increasingly to cor
rect evils, to effect needed reforms, and to
give the country u pure, competent public
service. HIS claim to re ELECTION is supported
by the wisdom and ability he has shown in
Office and by the substantial success of his
administration.
Thu Democratic members in both houses of
Congress have supported President Cleve-
land in all measures for the public good. In
carrying out tho pledges and principles of
the party, they have acted together as a unit,
and if some necessary and important meas
ures have been delayed or defeated, the re-
Sl'aAphpAihN A'oho tl''h lb'PuoiANaA nav
who sacrificed the public good rather than
act in harmony with political opponents, tena-
ciously true to the spirit of radicalism that
would ruin when it cannot rule.
The national Democratic platform presents
forcibly the grand historical results accom-
plished by President Cleveland and his col
leagues. Results of vital and enduring in
terest in every province of executive and
legislative power. The management of our
national finances, notwithstanding a large
surplus accumulated by overtaXatiOn, has
been prudent and practical, and has inspired
universal confidence in the commercial world,
while the reduction of taxation has been in
cessantly urged and advocated. immense
tracts of land granted by the Republican
party to alien and domestic corporations have
been restored TO the use of tho people,
and illegal and Legitimate claims discred-
tied AM exploded. The navy of the United
States, which dwindled almost to nothing
under the sordid policy Of the Republican
party, is now in course of reconstruction and
in u few years under the influence of Demo-
cratic energy and public spirit will worthiIy
represent our national honor and strength.
Internal improvements properly within
national jurisdiction nave been authorized and
carried out. The maintenance of satisfactory
foreign relations and a dignified and Just set
Element of the fishery question with Great
Britain and Canada are among the fruits of
the administration And when the ltepubli-
can Senators refused approval to the treaty
adjusting the fishery dispute President Clevc-
land Immediately outlined and recommended
Il course which will compel Il proper respect
and regard for the rights of American sea
men and vessels. The importation of Chinese
- --- - Fl. -
because they are Il race alien to our civil
and ideas, and dangerous to the well
being of the country. In every department
the effort has been to advance all great in
and at the same time to pro-
tcct the laboring and farming pop
ulation against undue encroachments of
consolidated capital. Faithful and generous
has been given to all applicants
having just claims for pensions and %bountics;
at the same time the President has not hest
tatcd to disaIlow all baseless and fraudulent
petitions. To promote the welfare of the re-
and to reduce all restrictions and bur
dens on the energies of the people, have been
the controlling ideas of President Cleveland
aud the Democratic Representatives and
To this end they have laborcd
together in the face OF all obstacles and mis-
representations, and to this end they are
sOicmuly pledged for the future.
THE REDUCTION OF TAXATION.
II is now, and has always been, n cardinal
of the Democratic party that il is an
outrage and tyranny To force the people to pay
more taxes than are necessary for the pur-
poses of free government. The people of this
country are now overiaXed, and have been
for years, as a direct result of Republican
policy and legislation, and the proof of this
oyertaXatiOn is shown by the surplus of over
$40, 900, 900, now accumulated in the national
and not needed by the government.
This taxation results from an CrcgsSirc tariff
on imported articles, which every citizen has
to pay in the Increased price IF such articles
and of all similar articles produced in this
country. The tariff is thus a tax Of the most
pervadiug character, affecting the cost of
living to all persons, and it should be reduced
without delay, and tine Unnecessary load of
taxation lighicned. This reduction can he ac-
cnmpliahcd without injury To important III
Al clamor to the contrary is the
uttcrance only of II few interests unduly Gos-
tered in the past, and thus educated to expect
peculiar privileges. The people demand IL
of the tariff, and the Democratic
party stalds pledged to effect Il. During the
administration of President Cleveland hu has
constantly urged aud, in his message to Con
gross and his recent letter Of acceptance, If
rcsistibly shown the necessity Of this meas
urc. A proper reduction Of taxation is con
sequcntly the leading issue of the campaign.