Waterbury evening Democrat., 1892-09-27

popular confidence in the rectitude of re- publican institutions.
 Though the subject of tariff legislation involves question of markets it also in- wolves a question of morals. We cannot with impunity permit injustice uo taint the spirit of equity which is the life of our republic; and we shall fail to reach our national destiny if greed and selfish ness lead the way.
 Recognizing these truths, the National democracy will seek by the application of Just and sound principles to equalize to our people the blessings due them from the government they support. to promote among our countrymen a closer~ com munlty of interests cemented by patriot- ism and national pride, and to point out Ialr neld, where prosperous and diver slhed American enterprise may grow and thrive in the wholesome atmosphere of american industry, ingenuity and in telligence.
 FREE TRADE NOT CONTEMPLATED.
 Tariff reform is still our purpose. 1hough we oppose the theory that tariff laws may be passed having for their ob- Ject the granting of discriminating and unfair governmental aid to private ven- lures, we wage no exterminating war against any American interests. We be- lleve readjustment can be accomplished
 
 less without disaster or demolition. We believe that the advantages of freer raw material should be accorded to our manu- lecturers, and we contemplate fair and careful distribution of necessary tariff burdens, rather than the precipitation of free trade.
 We anticipate with calmness the mis- representation of our motives and pur- poses, instigated by selfishness which seeks tO hold in fair advantage under present tariff laws We Will 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 in jury of American interests; and we know they cannot be frightened by the spectre Of impossible free trade.
 FEDERAL CONTROL OF ELECTIONS.
 The administration and management of our government depend upon popular will. Federal power is the instrument or that will-not it's master. Therefore the attempt of the opponents of Democ- racy to interfere with and control the suf- trage of the States through federal agen- cles, develops design, which no expla- nation can mitigate, to reverse the fund amental and safe relations between the people and their government. Such an attempt cannot fail to be regarded by thoughtful men as a proof of q bold determination to secure the aScendeucv or dlscredlted party in reckless disre- gard of 8 free expression of the popular will. To resist such scheme is an i'm pulse of Democracy. At all times and in all places we trust the people. As against disposition to force the way tO federal power, we present to them as our claim to their confidence and support, a steady championship of their rights
 STABILITY OF CURRENCY.
 The people are entitled to sound and honest money, abundantly sufficient in volume to supply their business needs. But whatever may be the form of the peoples currency, national or state whether gold, silver or paper-it should be so regulated and guarded by govern mental action, or by wise and careful laws, that no one can be deluded as to the certainty and stability of its value. Every dollar put into the hands of the people should be of 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 the subject no selfish scheme should be allowed to intervene and no doubtful experiment. should be attempted. The wants of our people, arising from the deficiency or imperfect distribution of money circulation, ought to be fully and honestly recognized and remedied. It should, however. be constantly remembered that the in- or loss that might arise from such situation, can be much easier borne than the universal distress which must follow discredited currency.
 CIVIL SERVICE REFORM
 Public officials are the agents of the people. It is therefore their duty to se- cure for those whom they represent tho pest and most efficient performance of public work. This plainly can be best accomplished by regarding ascertained fitness in the selection of government em- ployes. These considerations alone are sufficient justification for an honest ad- herence to the letter and spirit of Civil Service Reform. There are, however. other features of this plan which abund- antly commend it. Through it's opera tion worthy merit in every station and of American life is recognized in the distribution of public employment, while its application telas to raise the standard of political activity from spells hunting and minimizing party utilization to the advocacy of party principles by reason and argument.
 THE MATTER OF PENSIONS
 The American people are generous and grateful, and they have impressed uhese characteristics upon their government. Therefore, all patriotic and just citizens must commend liberal consideration for | our worthy veteran soldiers and for the families of those who have died No | should be made of the amount of public money paid to those actually disabled or made dependent by reason of army service. But our pension roll should be a roll of honor, uncontamina- ted by ill desert and unvitiated by dema. gogic use. This is due to those whose names adorn the roll, and to all our peo- pie who delight to honor the brave and the true. It is also due to those who in years to come should be allowed to hear reverently and lovingly, the story of American patriotism and fortitude illus trated by our pension roll. The prefer ences accorded to veteran soldiers in pub lie employment should be secured to them and without evasion, and when capable and worthy, their claim to the