Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1892-09-27
INTERPRETS THE PLATFORM.


molition-
The struggle for unearned advantage at
the doors OF the government tramples on
the rights of those who patiently rely upon
assurances of American equality. Every
government concession 10 clamorous favor
it's invites corruption in political affairs
by encouraging, the expenditure OF money
TO debaych suffrage in support OF policy
directly favorable to private and selfish
gain. This in the end must strange paJri-
.-. a4 ana weaken popular confidence in
tie rectitude of Republican institutions
Though the subject OF tariff legislation in
wolves question of markets IL also in
wolves 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 shall fail 10
reach our national destiny if greed and self
ishness lead the way.
Defines the Chicago Declaration.
Recognizing these truths. Il national
Democracy VIII seek by the ap. y alton OF
just and sound principle to eq-alize 10 our
people the blessings due them from the
government they support, TO promote
among our countrymen a closer community
OF interests cemented by patriotism and ma
tiOnal pride. and to point out a fair field
where prosperous and diversified American
enterprise may grow and thrive in the
try, ingenuity, and intelligence. Tariff re-
form is still our purpose. Though we OPP
pose the theory that tariff laws may be
passed having for their object the granting
of discriminating and unfair governmental
aid to private ventures, we wage no eXtermi-
mating war against any American interests.
We believe reimbursement can be accom-
plished in accordance with the principles we
profess. without disaster or demolition. We
believe that the advantages of freer raw
material should be accorded to our manu-
facturers, and we contemplate a fair and
careful distribution of necessary tariff bur
dens rather than the precipitation of free
trade.
Free Trade Impossible.
We anticipate with calmness the misre-
presentation of our motives and purposes,
instigated by selfishness which seeks 70
hold in unrelenting grasp its unfair advan-
tage under present tariff laws. We viii
rely upon the intelligence Of our fellow
countrymen to reject the charge that party
comprising a majority of our people is
planning the destruction or injury of Ameri-
can interests: and we know they cannot
be frightened by the spectre of impossible
free trade
Brief Reference to the Force Bill.
The administration and management of
our government depend upon popular Will.
Federal power is the instrument of that
will-not its master. Therefore the attempt
of the opponents of Democracy to interfere
with and control the suffrage of the states
through federal agencies develops de-
sign. which no explanation can mitigate. to
reverse the fundamental and safe relations
between the people and their government.
Such an attempt cannot fail to be regarded
by thoughtful men as proof of bold de-
termination to secure the aScendency of a
iiscredited party in reckless disregard of a
free expression of the popular will. To re-
sist such a scheme is an impulse of Democ-
racy At all times and in all places we
trust the people. AS against the DISPOSE
ton to force the way to federal power, we
present to them as our claim to their con-
fidence and support a steady championship
of their