The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1892-09-29
GROVER ACCEPTS.
Cleveland Makes Public His Letter
Of Acceptance
He Argues With the Chicago Platform
Claiming hat Free Trade Is Inn
possible-He Support the
Nicaragua Canal and
the Fair,

NEW YORK. Sept 26.-Grover Cleve-
land today made public his letter of ac-
ceptance. Upon the question of tariff
legislation he says:
We have undertaken to build great
nation upon plan especially our own.
To maintain it and furnish through its
agency the means for the accomplish
ment of national objects the American
people are willing, through federal tax
alton, to surrender part Of their earn
ings and income. Tariff legislation
presents a familiar form of federal tax
alton. Such legislation results as sure
~ IN tax upon the daily life OF ou-
people as the tribute paid directly into
the hands of the tax ga ierer. We fee
the burden of these tariff taxes to-
palpably to be persuaded by any soph-
lstry that they do not exist or are paid
by foreigners. Such taxes, represent
ing diminution of the property rights
OF the people. are only iustifiable when
laid and collected for the purpose Of
maintaining our government and fur
nlshlng the means for the accomplish
ment OF its legitimate purposes and
functions. This is taxation under the
operation of tariff for revenue. 1t
accords with the professions of Amer
can free institutions and its Justice and
honesty answer the test supplied by a
correct appreciation Of the principles
upon which these institutions rest,
Ihls theory Of tariff legislation mani
testify enJoins strict economy in public
expenditures and their limitation to le-
gltimate public uses. inasmuch as il ex-
hlblts as absolute extortiOn any ex-
action, by way Of taxation, from the
substance of the people. beyond the ne
cessltles OF careful and proper admin
lstratlon Of government. Opposed tc
this theory the dogma is now boldly
presented, that tariff taxation is JUST
liable for the express purpose and in
tent OF thereby promoting especial in
terests and enterprises. Such proDo-
sition is so clearly contrary to the spirit
OF our constitution and SO directly en-
courages the disturbance by selfshness
and greed of patriotic sentiment, that
this statement would rudely shock our
people if they had not already been in
sidlously aliured from the landmarks of
principle. Never have honest desire
Tor national growth, patriotic devotion
to country and sincere regard for those
who toll been SO betrayed to the sup
port Of a pernicious doctrine.
In its behalf the plea that our infant
industries should be fostered did service
until discredited by our stalwart
growth: then followed the exigencies of
terrible war, which made our people
needless of the opportunities for Interior
schemes afforded by their willing and
patriotic payment of unprecedented
ihute: and now, after long period of
peace, when orr overburdened country
men ask for relief and a restoration to
fuller enjoyment of their incomes and
earnings. they are met by the claim
that tariff taxation for the sake of pro-
lection is an American system. the con
tlnuance Of which is necessary ia order
that high wares may be paid to work
lngmen and q home market be provided
for our fdrro products. These pre-
lenses should TO longer deceive The
truth is tE'ats sch a system is directly
antagonlzel ~ every sentiment OF jus
tice and fa:rn>s. Of which Americans
are pre-cia i.1-22:iF proud. It is also true
that while car yvorkincInen and farm
ers can. the lest Ct all our re0rie, de-
fend themselves against the harder
home lie which such tariff taxation
DEGREES, the workingman suffering from
the importation and employment of
pauper labor instigated by his protested
friends and seeking security for his in
terests in organized cooperation. still
waits for division of the advantages
secured to his employer under cover of
a generous solicitude for his wages.
while the farmer is learning that the
prices Of his products are fixed in for
elgn markets. where he suffers from a
competition invited and built up by the
system he is asked to support
The struggle for unearned advantage
at the doors of the government tramp
les on the rights of those who patiently
rely upon assurances of American
equality. Every governmental conces-
sion to clamorous favorites invites cor
rurtion in political affairs by encourage
ing the expenditure of money to de- |
bauch suffrage in support of policy di- !
rectly favorable to private and selfish |
gain. This in the end must strangle |
patriotism and weaken popular conf !
dence in the rectitude of republican in !
stitutions. Though the subject of tar
if legislation involves a question of !
markets, it also involves question of |
morals. We cannot with impunity per-
lit injustice to faint the spirit of right |
and equity which is the life of our re- |
public: and we shall fail to reach our |
national destiny if greed and selfshness !
lead the way.
Recognizing these truths. the national
Democracy will seek by the application
Of just and sound principles to ensure
to our people the blessings due them
from the government they support, to |
promote among our countrymen a
closer community of interest, cemented |
by patriotism and national pride. and ,
to point out a fair field, where prosper
ous and diversified American enterprise
may grow and thrive in the wholesome
atmosphere OF American industry, in.
yenuity 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 discriminating and unfair
governmental aid to private ventures,
we wage no discriminating war against
any American interests. We believe
4 readjustment can be accomplished, in
accordance with the principles we pro-
.ess, without disaster or demolition.
We believe that advantages of freer
'aw materials should be accorded to
our manufacturers, and we contem-
olate fair and careful distribution of