Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-03-05

any small and unforeseen excess of revenue. This is better than to reduce our income be- low our necessary expenditures, with the re- sulting choice between another change of our revenue laws and an increase of the public debt It is quite possible, am sure, to effect the necessary reduction in our revenues with out breaking down our protective tariff or seriously injufing any domestic industry. THE NAVY.
 Tho construction of a sufficient number of modern war ships and of their necessary arma- ment should progress as rapidly as is consist ent with care and perfection in plans and workmanship. The spirit, courage and skill or our navy officers and seamen have many times ill our history given to weak ships and inefficient guns rating greatly beyond that of the naval list. That they will again do so upon occasion I do not doubt but they ought not by reconciliation or neglect to be left to the risks and exigencies of an unequal con- bat We should encourage the establishment of American steamship lines The exchanges Of commerce demand stated, reliable and rapid means of communication, and until these are provided, the development of our trade with the states lying south of us is i'm possible
 PENSION LAWS
 Our pension laws should give more adequate and discriminating relief to the Union sol diers and sailors and to their widows and or 5lans. Such occasions as this should remind ns that we owe every thing to their valor and sacrifice.
 ADMISSION OF NEW STATES.
 It is , subject of congratulation that there is a near prospect of the admission into the Union of the Dakotas and Montana and Wash mgton territories This act of justice has been unreasonably delayed in the case of some of them
 The people who have settled these territor- les are intelligent, enterprising and patriotic, and the accession of these new states will add strength to the nation. It is due to the set tiers ill the territories who have availed them selves of the invitation of our lands to make homes upon the public domain, that their titles should be speedily adjusted and their honest entries confirmed by patent
 REFORM OF ELECTION LAWS.
 It is very gratifying to observe the general interest now being manifested in the reform of our election laws. Those who have been for years calling attention to the pressing ne cessity of throwing about the ballot box and about the elector further safeguards in order that our elections mighthot only be free and pure, but might clearly appear to be so, will welcome the accession of any one who did not so soon discover the need of reform.
 The national congress has not as yet taken control of elections ill that case over which the constitution gives it jurisdiction, but has accepted and adopted the election laws of the several states, provided penalties for their violation and method of supervision. Only the inefficiency of the state laws or an unfair or partisan administration of them could sug- gest departure from this policy. It was clearly, however, in the contemplation of the fl amers of the constitution that such an exi- gency might arise and provision was wisely made for it.
 The freedom of the ballot is a condition of our national life, and no power vested in con- gress or in the executive to secure or perpet- uate it should remain unused Spon occasion.
 The people of all the congressional districts have an equal interest that the election in each shall truly express the views and wishes of majority of the qualified cleo tors residing within it. The results of such elections are not local, and the insistence of electors residing in other districts that they shall be pure and free does not savor at all of impertinence.
 If ill any of these states the public security Is thought to be threatened by ignorance among the electors the obvious remedy is education The sympathy and help of our people will not be withheld from any com munity struggling with special embarrass- ments or difficulties connected with the suf- frage if the remedies proposed proceed upon lawful lines and are promoted by just and honorable methods How shall those who practice election frauds recover that respect for the sanctity of the ballot which is the the first condition and obligation of good citizenship The man who has come to re- gard the ballot box as juggler's hat has re- nounced his allegiance
 BETTER PATRIOTISM.
 Let us exalt patriotism and moderate our party contentious. Let those who would die for the flag on the field of battle give a better proof of their patriotism and higher glory to their country by promoting fraternity and justice. A party success that is achieved by unfair methods or by practices that partake of revolution is hurtful and evanescent, even from a party standpoint. We should hold our differing opinions in mutual respect, and, having submitted them to the arbitrament of the ballot, should accept an adverse judgment with the same respect that We would have de- manded of our opponents if the decision had been in our favor.
 No other people have government more worthy of their respect and love- or a land so magnificent in extent so pleasant to look upon and so full of generous suggestion to enterprise and labor. God has placed upon our head diadem and laid at our feet power ana Wealtn beyond uennltlOn or calculation, But we must not forget that we take these gifts upon the condition that justice and mercy hold the reins of power and that the upward avenues of hope shall be free to all the people.
 A LAW ABIDING PEOPLE.
 do not mistrust the future. Dangers have been in frequent ambush along our path, but we have uncovered and vanquished them all Passion has swept some of our communities, but only to give us a new demonstration that the great body of our people are stable, patri- otic and law abiding. No political party can long pursue advantage at the expense of pub lie honor or by rude and indecent methods without protest and fatal disaffection in its own body. The peaceful agencies of con- merce are more fully revealing the necessary unity of all our communities, and the increas- ing intercourse of our people is promoting mutual rt sp,ct.
 We shall find unalloyed pleasure in the rev elation which our next census will make of the swift development of the great resources of some of the states. Each state will bring its generous contribution to the great aggre- on Ar,Ix r,l,.