The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-08-28

lnIl Ol mOukduh IIOln IuC Vi
which we may be justly proud We have
maintained the blessings % good govern
ment, and by wise and liberal laws have
secured the settlement, development and
welfare of the territory. We have guarded
It's treasury against schemes of plunder
and extrayagant salaries and expenditures,
and at the end of twenty hve years left il
not only free from debt, but with a surplus
of one hundred and forty thousand dollars
in the treasury, which the reckless and ex-
travagant euectments of the first repub-
lican legislature will have well nigh dissi-
pated by the time of our admission as a
state. We pledge ourself TO the restora-
ton of the practices OF economy so neces-
eary in the government OF new and
struggling commonwealth
We repudiate the allegation that the
democratic party fav0Ts free trade. Rev
enue for the Deeds of the government must
be raised by q tariff upon imports, but the
duty should be so adjusted fhAt every sec
ton and every industry shah enjoy equal
ity under the law; that trusts and mono
poles shall be prevented, and labor pro
tected, and industries encouraged. In
common with all the American people we
demand such q revision of the tariff as will
do away with unnecessary taxation, pre-
vent a dangerous and demorallZtng surplus,
reduce the cost OF the Decessaries of life
while affOrding perfect protection 20 Am
erican labor. In any reVlsions OF the
tariff we pledge the votes of our senators
and representatives 10 carefully guard the
welfare of Montana and secure the highest
value to the products of our tlocks, our
herds, our farms, our forests and cur
mines.
We favor the free and unlimited cOins ge
of silver as of gold, and we arraign the re-
publican party as the persistent enemy of
silver, which was demonetized while that
party was in full possession OF every
branch of the government
we cordially approve OF the course of
the Hon. Joseph X. ToOle, who, as dele
gate in congress from this territory, stTenu-
ously sought 70 compel an enforcement of
the existing law whereby lead in com hins-
ton with gold or silver should pay the duty
provided by law; and we d9precate the &C
ton of a republican judiciary committee
of the senate which made his efforts un-
availing by reporting adversely upon
resolution looking TO that end. We de-
mand of the II n. Secretary of the treas
ury prompt decision touching this ques-
ton, which involves the interests OF the
lead-producing districts of the West.
We arraign the republican party tor the
violation of its pledges 20 the people in
failing to carry out the spirit and primer
pies of civil service reform in Its admins
tration of the government Perverted
views of public duty on the part of the fed
eral executive have led 20 q lowering of
tone in the entire civil service of the coun-
try from the high standard to which IL was
elevated by the late democratic admins
tration; offices have been bestowed for
private ends or party needs; the public
good everywhere made subservient to per-
sOnal or family demands.
The failure of the administration to en-
force the Chinese exclusion act is not in ac-
cordance with the platform on which Pres
ident Harrison was elected, but is quite in
keeping with his expressed opinions and
his votes in the senate.
We believe it unwise on the part of the
government of the United States to attempt
any speculation out OF the timber in Mon.
tana by selling the same to its consumers:
but believe that IN the ed more can be
realized out of il by allowing the people Ia
use the same without stint and free of
development of the country.
The republican party of this territory,
though always in minority, have ever
sought to obtain ascendency by depriving
the people of free and full election. In
this nature were the test oaths proposed by
republican leaders in early days to disfran-
chise portions of the people. OF such ma
ture is the registry law passed at the last
session of the legislature. Although os-
tensbly framed to secure a fair election 1t
is ingeniousiy cohtrived to practically dis
franchise large numbers of our citizens re-
siding in places remote and difficult of ac-
cess. We favor the enactment OF such
laws as will secure pure elections, and
throw all possible safeguards around the
ballot. In towns and populouB districts
registration is a check against strepeating and
fraud; but we submit that the present law
seems to have been framed 10 throw every
impediment in the way of lawful electors
The thanks OF the people OF Montana are
due and are hereby rendered to the Hon.
Joseph X. Toole for his able and successful
efforts in behalf of the enabling act, where
by the people of Montana are at this time
about 10 enter upon the enlarged sphere of
American citizenship, guaranteed TO citi-
Zens OF the several states of the Union.