The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1890-08-27
Harrlson county Democracy.

Convention of Harrison county,
which are worthy of n careful peru
sal as containing clear, concise,
unequivocal and bold enunciation of
fundamental doctrines and Demo-
cratic principles. There has proba-
bly, never been a time when quest
ions of graver moment, affecting the
perpetuity of free institutions, have
commanded the attention of the peo-
pie. The present policy of the rob-
Der tariff leaders of the Republican
party, strikes with ruthless force at
the very essence of Republican gov
eminent. The Democrats of Harri-
son county have spoken in voice
not to be misunderstood, and are to
be congratulated upon their coura-
geous adherence to principle and to
the cause of Tariff Reform. Let
their example inspire Democrats
elsewhere throughout the State with
the courage which springs from
earnest convictions, and victory will
in the end crown the cause of De-
mocracy.
{ The Democracy of Harrison Co.
in convention assembled, duly sensi-
bic of the perils which threaten the
perpetuity of free government, and
the stability and maintenance of the
Republic as founded by the trainers
of the constitution, and declaring
their attachment to the principles of
Democracy as Taught by Jefferson,
RESOLVE as follows:
l. That it is the patriotic duty of
all citizens to maintain and preserve
the integrity and supremacy of the
constitution and the absolute purity
of the ballot box; that the time has
come when the overthrow of both is
threatened and must speedily follow
if those who have the preservation
OF Republican institutions at heart
do not join in an earnest effort to
preserve and maintain the same
2. That the present prostration of
business in all its branches, except
that in which corporations and the
tariff lords are interested, has been
brought about by a reckless disre-
gard of the spirit of American and
Republican institutions and of the
constitution of our common country.
3. That we denounce tho methods
administration and the laws which
have enabled corporations and mon
opolists to take from the people at
large their just earnings, as anti
republican, and as wicked assault
upon American liberty as we'll as
upon the right of each and every
citizen to hold and enjoy the fruits
OF his own labor.
4. That the public revenues are a
portion which each citizen gives of
his property in order to secure and
enjoy the remainder; that all taxa
ton should be laid for public pur-
pose only; that the object of just hui
man government is to protect men in
the enjoyment of their natural rights;
that every man is entitled to the
product of his own labor and the
fruit of his earnings, and that the
one commercial policy which in its
nature is permanent and unchange-
able, is freedom of exchange among
nations.
8. That the only tax on imports
which should ever be imposed is
tariff for revenue only; and that no
tax should be imposed in excess of
tho needs of the government econo-
mically administered.
6. That what is called ''pro-
tective" tariff is unconstitutional,
contrary to the principles of natural
justice, and an invasion of the rights
of private property.
z. That the reckless disregard by
the present administration of these
Fundamental principles, affirmed and
approved as they have been by the
Supreme Court of the United States
in the following language: "To lay
with one hand the power of the gov
eminent on the property of the citi-
zen, and with the other to bestow il
on favored individuals to aid private
enterprises and build up private for
tunes is none the less robbery be-
cause it is done under the forms OF
law and it called taxation. This is
not legislation, it is decree under
Legislative forms. Nor is it taxa
ton. Beyond cavil, there can be
no lawful tax, which is not laid for
public purpose"-shoufd meet
with the just condemnation of all
patriotic citizens without regard to
their party affiliations.
s. That we denounce the bill
pending in the Senate of the United
States, known as the Lodge Bill"
and the tyranical rules adopted by
the present Congress at the bidding
of its Speaker, Reed, as a perversion
of the constitution, as revolutionary
and dangerous to the liberties of the
people, and as deadly blow aimed
at the freedom of elections.
8. That we favor and will labor
to secure reduction of the burden
of taxation, Federal, State and
county; and we insist that all can
didates for public Office should be
honestly and sincerely attached to
the principles of government set
forth in these resolves, and their
record and public utterances on
these questions should demonstrate