The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1892-10-05
DEMOCRATIC Natl. NAL TICKET.

For Clerk of SupTeme Court,
WILLIAM Fl. WOLFE. Of Fairfield
For Member State Board Of Public Works.
j. N. MYERS. Of Hamilton.
Letter of Acceptance.
To Hon. WILLIAM L. WILSON AND oTHEks,
COMMITTEE, ETC:
GENTLEMEN In responding to your formal |
notification OF my nomination to the Presidency |
by the National Democracy, hope may oe |
permitted to say at the outset, that continued
refiection and observation have confirmed me
in nv adherence to the opinions which have
heretofore plainly and publicly declared, toucn-
ing the questions involved in the canvass. DIS
is the Tune, above all others, when these ques
.iops should be considered in the light afforded
by sober apprehension of the principles upon
which our government is based, and clear un-
derstanding OF the relation it bears to the Peo-
ple ior whose benefit it was created. We shall
thus be supplied with a test by which the Vaiue
of any prop siuon relating to the maintenance
and administration of our government, can DC
ascer,ained, and by which the justice and hon
esty OF every political question can be judged
If doctrines or theories are presented which 90
not satisfy this test, loyal Amerlcanlsm mus'
pronounce them false and mschlevous. Ihe
protection OF the people in the exclusive use
and enjoyment of their property and earnings
concededly constitutes the especial purpose ano
mission OF our free government. This design
is SO interwoven with the structure OF our Plan
of rule that failure to protect the citizen IN such
use and enjoyment, or their unjustifiable dlmln-
ution by the government itself, is a betrayal OF
the peoples trust.
We have, however, undertaken to build
great nation upon plan especially our own
To maintain it and to furnish through its agency
the means for the accomplishment OF national
objects, the American people are willing through
Federal taxation, to surrender part OF then
earnings and income. Tariff legislation pre-
sents familiar form of Federal taxation. Such
legislation. results as surely in tax upon the
daily life of our people as the tribute paid d.
recty into the hand of the tax gatherer. We
feel the burden OF these tariff taxes too palPaby
to be persuaded by any sophistry that they DC
not exist or are paid by foreigners. Sucn EaScs
representing a dlminution of the property rights
of the people, are only justihable when laid ane
collected for the purpose OF MAINTAINING oul
Government and furnishing the means tor INT
accomplishment of its legitimate purposes ane
functions. This is taxation under the operation
of tariff for revenuU' 1t accords win INT
professions of American free institutions, ant
its Justice and honesty answer the test supplied
by a correct appreciation of the principles uPoi
which these institutions resi-. This theory Q
tariff legislation manifestly enjons strict econo
nv in public expenditures and their Limitation
to legitimate public uses inasmuch as it exhio
its as absolute extorticn any exaction, by wa.
of taxation, from the substance OF the peoPl
beyond the necessities of a careful and proPe
administration of government.
Opposed to this theory the dogma is nov
boldly presented, that tariff taxation IS Justlna
BILE ior tine express purpose and intent Il thel
prom oting special interests and enterprises
such a proposition is so clearly contrary to tn
spirit of our constitution and so drecuy en
couraees the disturbance by selhshness an
greed. of pa riotic sen iment, that its statemen
would rudely shock our people, it they hao nc
already been insidlously allured from tne sai
landmarks of principle. Never have noneS
desire for national growth, patriotic devotion
country and sincere regard Tor those VINO toi
been SO betrayed TO the support OF Perniclou
doctrine In its behalf, the plea that our infar
industries should be fosteIed, did service unit
discredited by our stalwart growth then 10
lowed the exigences OF a terrible war, "hlc
made our people needless of the opportunltie
for ulterior schemes afforded by their wiilin
and patriotic payment of unprecedented triDu'
and now, after long period OF peace, Wnen OF
overburdened countrymen ask for relief and
restoration to a fuller enjoyment OF their II
comes and earnings, they are met by the clali
that tariff taxation for the sake of protection
an American system, the continuance OF whlc
is necessary in order that higher wages may
paid to our workmen and home market
provided for our farm products.
These pretences should no longer deceN
The truth is that such system is directly al
tagonized by every sentiment OF justice al
fairness of which Americans are pre-eminent
nroud. 1t is also true that while our working
men and farmers can, the least of all our peoPl
defend themselves against the harder home
which such tariff taxation DEGREES, the working
man suffering from the importation and emPlo
ment of pauper labor instgated by his Proie
sional friends, and seeking security tor his inte
ests in organized CO operation. still waits TOR
division of the advantages secured to his en-
ployer under cover of generous sohcituoe II
his wages, while the farmer is learning that Il
nrces of his products are fixed in the toreis
markets, where he suffers from comPehte
invited and built up by the system he IS askt
to support.
lhe struggle for unearned advantage at IL
doors OF the Government tramples on the righ
of those who patiently rely upon assurances
American equality. Every governmental Co
cession to clamorous favorites invites corruptie
in political affairs by encouraging the expene
ture of money to debauch suffrage in suPpo
of policy directly favorable to private ar
selfish gain. This in the end must strangle
triotism and weaken popular confidence IN Il
rectitude of Republican institutions.
Though the subject of tariff legislation
wolves a question of markets. il also involves
question of morals. We cannot with impuni
permit injustice to faint the spirit OF right ar
equity which Is the life of our republic; and v
shall fail to reach our national destiny if gre'
and selfshness lead the way. Recognizing the
truths, the National Democracy will seek by Il
application of Just and sound principles,
eoualize to our people the blessings due the
from the government they support. to promo
among our countrymen closer community
interests cemented by patriotism and nation
pdde, and to point out fair field where pro
porous and diversified American enterprise mi
grow and thrive in the wholesome atmosphe
of American industry ingenuity and intelligenc
Tariff reform is still our purpose. Thoug
oppose the theory that tariff laws may
passed having for their object the granting
discriminating and unfair governmental aid
private ventures, we wage no exterminating w
against any American interests. We believe
readustment can be accomplished, in acco
dance with the principleS we profess, Wltho