The advocate and Topeka tribune., 1892-08-17


an abandonment of the legitimate objects
of government by our natl, nal legislation,
and the adoption of such principles as are
embodied in this act. Many of our rich
men have not been content with equal pro-
lection and equal benefits, but have be.
sought us to make them richer by act of
congress. BY attempting to crafty their
desires, we have, in the results of our legis.
lation, arrayed section against section,
interest against interest, and man against
man, in fearful commotiou, which threat
ems to shake the foundations of our union.
It is time to pause in our career, to review
our principles, and if possible revive that
devoted patriotism and spirit of compro~
mise which distinguished the sages of the
revolution and the fathers of our union. If
we cannot at once in justice to the interests
vested under improvement legislation,
make our government what it ought to be,
we can at least take stand against all new
grants of monopolies and exclusive privi-
leges, against any prostitution of our gov
ernment to the advancement of the few at
the expense of the many, and In favor of
compromise and gradual reform In our
codes of laws and system of political econ-
omy."
The Embodiment Of Sound Democracy.
also beg to call your attention to the fol-
lowing extract contained in the farewell ad-
dress of General jackson as the embodi-
ment of sound democracy:
"There is too much at stake to allow pride
or passion 20 influence your decision. Never
for moment believe that the great body Of
the citizens of any state or states can de-
liberately intend to do wrong. They may,
under heinfluence of temporary excitement
or misguided opinion, commit mistakes;
~ Il g., h,,A h.,
QestionB of self-interest; but in community
so enlightened and patriotic as the people
of the United States, argument will soon
make them sensible of their errors; and
when convinced, they will be ready to repair
them. If they have no higher or better
motive to govern them, they will at least
perceive that their own interest requires
them to be Just to others as they hope to
receive Justice at their hands.
''But in order to maintain the Union un-
impaired, il ia absolutely necessary that the
laws passed by the constituted authorities
should be faithfully executed in every part
of the country, and that every good citizen
should at all times stand ready to put down,
with the combined force of the nation, every
attempt at unlawful resistance, under what
ever pretext it may be made, or whatever
shape it may assume. Unconstitutional or
oppressive laws may no doubt be passed by
Congress, either from erroneous views or
the want of due consideration; if they are
within reach of judicial authority the re-.
medy is easy and peaceful; and if, from the
character of the law, 1t is an abuse of power
not within the control of the judiciary, then
free discussion and calm appeals to reason
and to the justice of the people, will not fail
to redress the wrong. But until the law shall
be declared void by the courts, or repealed
by Congress, no individual or combination
of individuals, can be justified in forcibly
resisting its execution. 1t is impossible
that any government can continue to exist
upon any other principles. 1t would cease
to be q government and would be unworthy
of the name, if it had not the power to en-
force the execution Of its own laws within
it's own sphere Of action"
Abuse of the Taxing Power.
And particularly beg to invite your at
tention to this language, found in the same
address:
''There is, perhaps, no one of the powers
conferred on the federal government 80
liable to abuse as the taxing power. The
most productive and convenient sources of
revenue were necessarily given to it that it
might perform the important duties ina
posed upon it; and the taxes which it lays
upon commerce being concealed from the
real payer in the price of the article, they
do not 80 readily attract the attention of the
people as smaller sums demanded directly
from them by the tax gatherer. But the tax
imposed upon goods enhances by 30 much
the price of the commodity to the con-
Sumer; and as many of these duties are inn
posed on articles of necessity which are
daily used by the great body of the people,
the money raised by these imports is drawn
from their pockets. Congress has no right
under the constitution to take money from
the people unless it is required to execute
some one of the specific powers entrusted
to the government; and if they raise more
than is necessary for such purposes, it is an
abuse of the power Of taxation, and unjust
and oppressive. 1t may indeed happen that
the revenue will sometimes exceed the
amount anticipated when the taxes were
Laid Whan- hnwaYar. khia la aanartninad IL