The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1888-09-18


his employer, but it presents an absolute
and enforced stoppage OF employment
and wages.
In reviewing the bad effects of this ac-
cumulated surplus and the scale of tariff
rates by which it is produced, We must
not overlook the tendency toward gross
aud scandalous public extravaganza
which cCngested treasury induces. In
time OF profound peace, we have sub
stantiaIly 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. Di-
vers plans have been Suggested for the re-
turn of this accumulated surplus to the
people and the channels of trade. Some
OF these devices are at variance with all
rules OF good finance some are delusive
some are absurd, and some betrav by
their reckless extravaganza the dcmoral-
lzlng influence of great plus Of pub
lie money upon the judgments Of individ-
uals.
While such efforts should be made AS
are consistent with public duty mi sane
toned by sound Judgment for ta' useful
disposition of the surplus now remaining
In the treasury, it is evident tfat if its
distribution was accomplished al accumu-
latlon would soon take its place = the
constant flow is not checked at is source
by reform in our tariff laws.
We do not propose to deal with those
conditions by merely attempting to salts
fy the people OF the truth of abstract
theories nor by alone urging their assent
to political doctrine. We present to
them the propositions that
THEY ARE UNJUsTLY TREATED
in the extent of present federal taxation,
that as result condition of extreme
danger exists, and that it is for them to
demand remedy and that defence and
safety promised in the guarantees 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 industr Il en-
terprises. In the recti6cation of existing
wrongs their maintenance and prosperity
should be carefully and in friendly spirit
considered. Even such reliance upon
present revenue arrangements as have
been invited or encouraged should be
fairly and justly regarded. Abrupt and
radical changes which might endanyer
such enterprises and injuriously affect the
interests of labor dependent upon their
success and continuance are not contem-
plated or intended.
But we know the cost of our domestic
manufactured products is increased and
their price to the consumer enhanced bv
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 home market
our manufacturing operations are cur
tailed, their demand for labor irregular
and the rate of wages paid uncertain
We propose, therefore, to stimulate our
domestic industrial enterprises by freeing
from duty the imported raw materials
which by the employment OF labor are
used in our home manufactures. thus ex-
tending the markets for their sale and
permitting an increased and st-alv pro-
duction with the allowance of abundant
profits.
True to the undertaking course OF the
Democratic party, we will not neglect
the interests Of labor and our working
men. In all efforts to remedy existing
evils we will furnish no excuse .or the
loss Of employment or the reduction Of
the wage of honest toll. Or the con
trary, we propose in any adias.u,nt OF
orr revenue laws to concede "a rncour-
agement and advantage to the employers
of domestic labor as will easily compen-
safe for any differences that may exist be-
tween 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 EN-
ployment of labor, while by cheapening
the cost of the necessaries of life we in
crease the purchasing power of the work
ingmen's wages and add to the comforts
of his home.
And before passing from this phase of
the question, am constrained to express
the opinion, that while the interests of la
Dor should be always seduous!y guarded
in any modification of our tariff laws, an
additional and more
DIRECT AND EFFICIENT PROTECTION
to those interests would be afforded by
,ha rost rictiop and nrohihitioD of n, i'm
migration 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 Ma
tional Convention of our party contains
the followin e declaration:
"Judged by Democratic principles, the
interests of the people are betrayed when,
by unnecessary taxation, trusts and com
binations are permitted and fostered
which, while unduly enriching the few
that combine, rob the body of our citi-
zens by depriving them as purchasers OF
the benef fits of natural competition"
Such combinations have always been
condemned by the Democratic party.
The declaration of its national conven-
ton is sincerely made, and no member of
our party will be found excusing the ex-
istence or belittling the pernicious results
of those devices to wrong the people. I'm