The weekly tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1891-1894, 1892-09-30
FREE TRADE
IMPOSSIBLE"
50 Says Grover C|ev, land.
4 Pairer Distribution Of Tariff Burdens
is the DemOCraCy'S Aim.
The Next Presidents Simple ard Pa
triOtiC Address TO His COuntrymen.

letter was given to the press tonight:
ITO the Hon. VIM. l.. Wilson and 9th
ers. committee, etc. Gentlemen: In re
spending to your formal notification O
my nomination to the presidency by tn,
national democracy, | hope ] may be per
mitted to say at the outset that contin
ued reflection and observation have con
tirmed me in my adherence to the opin
ions which have heretofore plainly ant
publicly declared, as touching the ques
tons involved in the canvass. This is
time above all others when these ques
tons should be considered in the ligh
afforded by the sober apprehension of tn,
principles upon which u government il
based, and a clear understanding OF
the relation it bears to the people
for whose benefit it was created
We shall thus be supplied with d test by
which the value of any proposition relat-
ing to the maintenance and administra-
ton of our government can be ascer-
tanned and by which the justice and hon
esty of every politica! question can be
judged. IL doctrines or theories are pre-
sented which do not satisfy this test
loyal Americanlsm must pronounce them
false and mischievous.
The protection of the people in the
exclusive use and enjoyment of their
property and earnings is conceded by all
and constitutes the especial purpose and
mission of our free government. This de-
sign is SO interviewer with
the structure of our plan Of rule.
that a failure to protect the citizen in
such use and enjoyment or their I'M
Justitiable dimlnution by the government
itself. is a betrayal of the peoples rust.
We have. however, undertaken to build
a great nation upon a plan especially our
own. To maintain it and to furnish
through its agency a means for the ac-
complishment of the national objects. the
American people are willing through fed
eral taxation to surrender part of their
earnings and income. Tariff legislation
presents a familiar form Of federal taxa
ton. Such legislation results as surely
in a tax upon the daily life of our people
as a tribute paid directly into the hand
of the tax gatherer. We feel the burden
OF these tariff taxes too palpably to be
persuaded by any sophistry that they do
not exist or are paid by foreigners. Such
taxes as representing a diminution of the
property rights OF the people are only
Justifiable when laid and collected for the
purpose OF maintaining our government
furnishing d means for the accomplish
ment OF its legitimate purposes and
functions. This is taxation under the
operation Of tariff for revenue. 1t ac-
cords with the professions of American
free institutions and its justice and
honesty answer the test supplied by a
correct appreciation of the principles
upon which these institutions We
founded. This theory of tariff legislation
manifestly e~nioins strict economy in
public expenditures, and their
Limitation to the legitimate public
uses inasmuch as 1t exhibits as absolute !
extortion, any eyaction by way Of taxa,
ton upon the substance Of the people
beyond the necessities of a careful and
proper administration Of the government.
Opposed to this theory the dogma is
now boldly presented that tariff taxation
justitable for the express purpose and
intent of thereby promoting especial
and enterprises. Such a
proposition is so clearly contrary
the spirit Of our constitution.
and so directly encourages disturbance
~ seliishncss and greed, of the patriotic
sentiment, that Its statement would at
'nce shock our people il they had not al
eady been insidiously allured from the
'afe land marks Of principle. Never have
he honest desire for national growth, the
patriotic devotion to country, and the
lncere regard for those who toll been
betrayed to the support of a PERM
:ious doctrine. In its behalf. the plea that
'ur infant Industries should be fostered
lid service until descredited by our stall
growth. Then followed the exegen-
les OF a terrible war, which made our
needless OF opportunities for ul
erior schemes afforded by their willing
nd patriotic payment Of unprecedented
ribute; and now, after a long period OF
,eace, when our Overburdened country
nen ask for relief and a restoration to a
ul!er enjoyment OF their incomes and
arnings, they are met by the claim that
ariff taxation for the sake Of protection
8 an American system the continuance
{ which is necessary in order that high
wages may be paid to ~workingmen, and
home market be provided for our farm
,roducts.
These pretenses should no longer de-
eve. Inc trutn Is tnat 6uch a system
5 directly antagonized by every senti-
nent Of justice and fairness of which
americans are e.eminently proud. 1t
) also true that while our workingmen
nd farmers can the least Of all our peo-
lie defend themselves against the harder
yome life which such tariff taxation de-
rees. the workingmen, suffering from
he importation and employment Of pau
labor, instigated by his professed
riends and seeking security for his in
erasts in organized cooperation, still
7a.Ls for a division Of the advantages
ecured to his employer under cover OF a
enerous solicitude for his wages. while
he farmer is learning that the prices Of
is products are fixed in foreign markets
here he suffers from a competition in
tied and built up by the system he is
sked to support. The struggle for un-
armed advantage at the doors Of the