Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-11-01
STEvENSON'S LETTER
ACCEPTANCE or The DEMOCRATIC
NOMINATION FOR vIce-PRsslosNr
Hearty Endorsement Of Mr. cisve'snds
Presentation Of the Issues--vicieus
Character Of the Force Biii.

dent Of the National Democratic Conven.
ton:
Guam ssroS. W. Va, October 20. IS 2.
10 @e Hon. Wslliam L. wilson. Chairman,
dc
When, in the presence OF 10000 Of my
countrymen. 4 accepted the honor con-
ferred upon me by the convention. over
which you presided, promised to indi-
cate by letter, in q more formal manner,
my acceptance OF the nomination rendered
me by the assembled representatives oil
the Democratic party OF the United States.
Since that time have boon engaged con-
tinually in the discussion, before the peo-
ple OF many States Of the Union. OF the
issues emphasized by the convention ana
represented by our candidate tor fresi-
dent, Grover Cleveland. opportunity pas
thus been denied me to write with the care
] would like the more formal answer pro-
missed to your committee.
cIxyrLaND's POSITION ENDORSED.
The full discussion Of public questions
commonly expected from a candidate Tor
Vice President has been rendered less I'M.
perative by the complete presentation OF
the Democratic creed by the gentleman
with whom have the honor to be asso,
ciated as a candidate on the national
ticket. His treatment of the issues now
before the country for discussion and set
Element was so complete that 1 can do ut
tie more than endorse his position and give
emphasis OF my unqualified approval.
bnman coyerument is that of taxation. All
the great struggles of the past Tor
broader political liberty have looked To-
ward the limitation of this power by right
70 taxa right which should always be
limited by the necessities of government
and TO benefits which may be shared by
all. Whenever this pow or 10 used TO Draw
tribute from the many for the beneht OF
the few, or when part OF the people are
oppressed in order that the remainder may
prosper unduly, equality is lost sight OF.
iniustice hardens into precedent. which is
used TO excuse new exactions. and there
arise artificial distinctions which the Dene-
fciaries come to look upon IN due time as
vested rights, sacred TO themselves.
Dun TARIFF SYSTEM ISEQUTTABLE.
II ia plain that our present inequitable
systetn of tariff taxation has promoted the
growth of such conditions IN our land,
favored though ii hos been by an indus
tr,ous and enterptising people, friendly
climate, productive soil, and the highest
of political liberty. III the
beneficiaries of this system snail be able TO
add new tenure Of power, to those they
have ALREADY tulOyou' thV Ao'S'Spn'SA' "
these unfavorable conditions must con-
tinue until the power TO taxwill be lodged
in those who are willing and able to
nav for the perpetuatlon OF privileges
originally conferred by coniidlne people
for the preservation inviolate OF their own
There is no longer pretext
or excuse for the maintenance of war tarif
in tmes of peace, and more than quarter
of @ century after armed conhlct mas
ceased. The platform of the National De-
mocratic Convention demands the reform
Of this system and the adoption in its
place of one which will insure equality to
all our people. i am in full and hearty &C
cord with these purposes.
TIE MONEY QUESTION.
The convention also declared its posi-
ton on the currency question in no IN
words when 1t said IN Its plat
form 1--WE hold to the use of both gold
and silver as the standard money OF the
country, and to the coinage or both gold
and silver without discriminating against
either metal or charge for mintage. but the
dollar unit of coinage OF both metals must
be of equal intrinsic end exchangeaole
value, or be adjusted through international
agreement, or by such safeguards of
legislation as shall insure the purity of the
two metals and the equal power OF every
dollar at all times in the markets and IN
payment of debt, and we demand that all
paper currency shall be kept at par with
and redeemable in such CON-"
To this plan and unequivocal declaration
in favor of sound, honest money, l sub
scribe without reservation or qualltlcatlon.
safe circulating medium Is absolutely
essential to the protection OF the business
interests of our country, while to the
or the farmer it Is all impor-
tant that every dollar. whatever its form,
hat finds its way into his pocket shall be
of equal, unquestioned, and Universally
exc hangeable value, and Of equal pur-
chasing power.
TEE FORCE BILL.
Another issue of great moment in the
pending contest Is the force bill, the mag
nitude of which cannot be overstated.
1t may mean the coutrol of the election OF
in Congress by the bayo-
net. The Republican party, by its acts III
the FIfty-frst Congress, and by its plat
form in its late national convention, stands
pledged to the passage of this bill. That
it Will pass 1t when 1T has the power no
sane man can doubt. To all our people
who desire the peace and prosperity OF
our common country this question Is all
important.
Since my nomination | have been in
eight of the southern and southwestern
States of the Union and have talked with
men of all classes and conditions there. L
found general and growing apprehension
of evils which it Is believed would result
from the passage of the Lodge bill or
similar threatened legislation. 1 found
the industries established by northern
capital during MIR. Cleveland's administra-
ton in Q languishing condition that the
of labor and the investment
of capital invited to those States by
their then peaceful condition bad in q
large measure ceased. The enactment
of the force bill into a law, while it would
threaten the liberties of the entire people,
would undoubtedly retard the material
growth of the States at which 1t is special
ly aimed, would incite in many communi-
ties race troubles. and invite retaliatory
legislation, which would disturb property
values and discontinue and destroy the
security of northern investments. And its
reflex action upon the northern States
would result In & consequent loss OF CON-
mercial and trade relations with the vast
territory now becoming tributary TO their
wealth and prosperity.
REVOLUTIONARY MEASURE.
say nothing of the inherent vice of the
unamercan and revolutionary spirit In
volved IN the Lodge bill, which was pro-
nounced by q Republican senator 1.-THE
most infamous that ever crossed the
threshold of the Senate" / appeal to the
instinct of self-interest and to the sense of
common justice in the American people.
The era of good feeling and renewed COM
mercial relations commencing with the cleo
tion of MIR. Cleveland in 1884 should not be
interrupted by the inauguration of
q policy which tends to destroy popular
and the purity of local self.
government, which furnishes an instru-
ment to discredited Federal power to per-
petuate itself, which seeks to keep alive
sectional jealousies and strife. which
threatens important and material interests,
and which offers no excuse or palliatlon
for its existence except the perpetuation
in power of political party which has
lost public confidence.
accept the nomination rendered me,
and should the action of the convention
meet the approval of my countrymen will
to the best of my ability discharge with
fidelity the duties of the important trust
confided 10 me.
Very respectfully.
ApLAI K. STEVENSON.