The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-03-19
The Appeal Applauded for Its In
tegrity and Zeal.
A Committee OF Tarif-Reformers. Rep
rcsenting the Progressive Element
OF Democracy in the Southwest
Speeches of Presentation
and Acceptance.

had been contributed in 10 cent sub
scriptions, thereby giving the fund
popular character. The gentlemen
thus contributing are tarif.reformers
who belong to the progressive element OF
the party OF reform and who are in active
sympathy with the new movement, de-
veloped since the November election, for
the spread Of Democratic doctrine by the
organization OF Democratic tariH-reform
societies throughout the country. Upon
the arrival Of the gentlemen, Mr.. Bolton
Smith, as the spokesman Of the committee,
advanced and said:
| "Mr. Heating:
1--WE have come here for the purpose
OF presenting to you this set OF books by
| Henry George. The books are presented
| by sixty gentlemen who entertain for you
the highest regard as man, citizen,
and the editor OF a great Democratic
paper. We watched your course during
the last campaign, in the fight for free
trade, and wish you 10 know that we APP
prove your convincing Arguments against
the protective fallacy. You pointed out
clearly and iorcibly how monstrous is theeX.
isting system OF taxation, under which the
poor laboring man pays 80 per cent OF his
savings TO the National Government; and
you have shown that inproportion rs the
protective policy is abandoned, wages
rise, and the share paid the Government
diminishes and becomes less. We know
that by your advocacy OF tariff reform,
the doctrine has been taken hold OF by
the people, who are thereby striving TO
make themselves free and happy. You
1 10. IL aNsts.
has not done its work, and can only do II
when the tariff is abolished. II
il be wrong 10 tax consumers
you have seen and pointed out the
wrong; and II wrong in the National Gov
eminent, then il is wrong in each State.
II the merchants license is to be main
tanned. that is n tax upon commodities, a
burden upon consumer You have advo-
Gated these doctrines, and in skillful,
telling manner, you have urged that the
Democracy OF the future must be aggres-
sive, and teach these great truths 10 the
untutored masses OF working people. We
feel, though but few here tonight on this
mission, that there are many behind
us. III that many could have
been persuaded then 10 take
the bold, fearless stand YOU did,
Democracy would have triumphcd. We
pledge you our support, not only rs sub
scribers, but all the weight OF our personal
influence, and assure you that the people
waging this contest on the outside will not
forget the outspoken, hearty encourage
ment and convincing arguments you have
advanced them. We like your course;
We like the position OF Tng APPEAL, and
only hope that the people have many
years yet to read its columns under your
direction. Take this little tribute; we feel
and know that you will cherish IL, not for
whatever Of intrinsic value may attach,
but for the good will OF the people behind
IL; aud may you see the triumph OF our
principles, not only In our own State and
section. but in the nation"
Mr.. Heating. acknowledging the sur
prise, said:
"Mr. Smith and Gentlemen.
81 assure you that very much appre-
ciate this gift and tho manner OF its pre-
scntation. There Is, at best, little reward
for journalists, and the best part OF IL
comes In the good will Of the people. TuE
APPEAL, In all the prosperity that has
marked It's career, never iorgcts 20 confess
the value Of the active, ardent support OF
the people, those OF positive convictions
and principle. Ever since the war In this
part OF the country economic questions have
been held somewhat In allegiance, and
the people Of the North have been ~
: blinded by prejudice that they could not
entertain the great question Of tariff 10.
J form. II has taken twenty-thrce years OF
agitation TO bring the Democratic party up
} 10 It's adequate consideration and 10 an az
gressiye position on IL, audit has only been
. within the last three or four years that
the party has been able 20 make II
{ the basis OF contest. although be.
: tween the two parties there Is little DIFF
ference on other questions The financial
J question may be considered scttled-tho
national banking system Is excellent, and
. we could not better Il. There Is, there
! fore, hut one great economic question ~
, difference, and that can only be settled 10y
the maintenance Of the fullest freedom
= and liberty OF the individual. Anything
: that intcricres with the liberty OF tho In
/ diyidual man cripplcs millions. We sec
: ~ a result Of protection powerful and over
: shadowing systems OF trusts and com
! bincs growing up all over tho country, IN
> presence Of which even the most enter.
! prising men lose their grip, and are afraid
. 20 stand alone. These combination,
{ make common cause with others, and
thereby become more powerful still.
They do this, not 10 better the condition
! OF the masses, but 10 control production
! In anticipation OF any possible demand
, They thus control and stint the wages
/ Of the working classes and say TO the
: consumer that only NO much OF prime
commodities are 10 DO turned out per
, annum, In order that higher price
/ may be- exiortcd. In this way they con
troll both the producer and consumer. Be
tween these extremes the individual Il
cibbcd aud crippled, and three things mr.,
accomplished. Individual effort IL pre-
vented, the demand Of the consumer 4
limited because Of the higher prices eslab
+. lished, and between the two the small
, manufacturer. who maintained the com
, pctiivc spirit i put out OF existence
T, One reason why, as Democrats, the con-
! ductors Of TuE ArrEAL arc opposed y
anything but the fullest measure OF indi'
: vidual liberty, IL that we see the grasplnl
, monopolist reaching out 70 control the
! country its commerce and It's industries,
! a. he desires and designs, and IN his own
way. We therefore hail with gladness'
YES, with positive delight and pleasure
the earnest efforts OF the people TO coun'
tcract and eventually overthrow them.
You can sec these efforts now In All INC
States Tho Democrats are organizing ,o'
the agitation and advocacy OF Tree .faae,
They believe that individual ehoit no'
TO be lost or merged In the dollars anu