The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1892-09-29
struggle for
UNEARNED ADVANTAGE


mental concession to the clamor GUS O
favorites invites corruption in DO Utica
affairs by encouraging the expen ditur
of money to debauch suffrap,
in support of policy direct
ly favorable to private and seIfisI
gain. This end must strangle patriot
ism and weaken popular confidence
In the rectitude repu blican institu
tions. Though the subject of tariff
Legislation involves the question o.
markets it also involves the question
of morals. We cannot with impunity
permit Injustice to faint the spirit Of
right and equity which is the life OF
our republic; and we shall fail to reach
our national destiny ii greed and self
ishness lead the way.
RELIEF PROMISED.
Recognizing these truths the nation
al Democracy will seek by the applica
ton OF just and sound principles tc
equalize to our people the blessings
due them from the government they
support, to promote among our coun-
trymen closer community of interest
cemented by patriotism and national
pride, AID to point out fair field
where prosperous, diversified Ameri.
can enterprise may grow and thrive
IN the wholesome atmosphere of a
nation of industry, ingenuity and
intelligence. Tariff reform is still our
purpose, though we oppose the
theory that tariff laws may be
passed having for their object the
granting of scriminating and unfair
governmental aid to private ventures
we wage no discriminating war
against any American interest. We
believe REIMBURSEMENT can be accom-
plished in accordance with the prin-
.ciples we profess without disaster or
demolition. We believe advantages of
free raw material should be accorded
our manufacturers and contemplate
fair and careful distribution of neces.
sary tariff burdens rather than pre-
cipitation of free trade. We antici,
pate with calmness this representa-
ton ofour motives and purposes in
stigated by seltishness which
seeks to hold in unrelenting
grasp its unfair advantage
under the present tariff laws.
We will rely upon the intelligence of
our fellow countrymen to reject the
charge that our party, comprising a
majority of our people, is planning the
destruction or injury of American in
terests; and we know that they can
not be frightened by the specter of
impossible free trade.
THE FORCE BILL.
The administration and manage
ment of our government depend upon
popular will. Federal power is the
instrument of that will. Heretofore
the attempts of the opponents of
Democracy to interfere with and con-
troll the suffrage of the states through
federal agencies developes a de-
sign, which no explanation can
mitigate, to reverse the fundamental
and safe relations between the people
and their government. Such an at
tempt cannot fail to be regarded by
thoughtful men as proof of bold de-
termination to secure the accendancy
of the discredited party in it's reck-
less disregard of free expression of
popular will. To resist such scheme
is the impulse of Democracy. At all
times and in all places we trust the
people as againsta disposition to force
the way to federal power. We pre-
sent to them as our claim to their con-
fidence and support the steady cham
pionship of their rights.
THE SILVER QUESTION.
Thepeople are entitled to sound and
honest money, abundantly sufficient
in volume to supply their business
needs. But whatever may be termed
the peoples currency, national or
state, whether gold, silver or paper,
it should be so regulated and regard
ed by governmental action or by wise
and careful laws that no one can be
deluded as to a certainty as to its sta
bility or it's value. Every dollar put
into the hands of the people should be
the same intrinsic value or purchasing
power. With this condition absolutely
guaranteed both gold and silver
can be safely utilized upon equal
terms in the adjustment of our
currency. In dealing with this
subject no selfish scheme should
be allowed to intervene and no doubt
The wants of our people arising from
deficiency or imperfect distribution
of money in circulation ought to be
fully and honestly recognized and eff
ficiently remedied. 1t should, how
over, W constantly remembered UnaG
any loss that might arise from such
situation can be much more easily
borne than the universal distress
which must follow discredited cur
rency.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
Public officials are the agents of the
people and it is, therefore, their duty
to secure for those whom they repre-
sent the best and most efficient per-
Torrance of public work. This
plainly can be best accomplish
ed by regarding the ascertained fit
ness in the selection of government
employees. These considerations alone
are a sufficient justification for an
honest adherence to the letter and |
spirit of civil service reform. There
are, however, other features of this
plan which abundantly commend it.
Through its operation, worth and
merit in every station and condition
of American life is recognized in the
distribution of public employment,
while it's application tends to raise
the standard of political octivity from
spoils-hunting and minimizing party |
aft liatiOn to the advocacy of marty |