Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1892-10-06
cLevEAANp,s LErrER
The Principal Features or the Ex-Pres.
ident's Document

Continued reflection and observation have
confirmed me IN my adherence TO the opin-
ions which l have heretofore plainly and
publicly declared touching the questions in
Folyed in the canvass
Tariff legislation presents familiar form
OF federal taxation. Such LEGISLATION results
aesuredly in tax upon the daily life of our
people as tribute paid directly into the
hands of the taxgatherer. We feel the bur-
Den OF these tariH taxes too palpably TO be
persuaded by any sophistry that they do not
exist, or are PAID by foreigners. Such taxes,
representing the diminutlon of the property
rights or the people, are only justiiable
when laid and collected for the purpose of
maintaining our government, and furnishing
means Tor the accom- plishment of its legiti-
mate purposes and functions. This is tax
a-lon under the operation of tariff for
revenue.
This theory of tariff legislation manifestly
enJoIns strict economy IN public expendi-
lures and their Limitation to legitimate pub
| lie uses, 1nasnuch as it exhibits an absolute
extortion and exaction, by way of taxation,
from the substance of the people, beyond
the necessities of a careful and proper adj
ministration of the government. Opposed
to this theory the dogma is now boldly pre-
sented that tariff taxation is justitiable for
the express purpose and intent of promoting
especial interests and enterprises. Such
proposition is clearly contrary to the spirit
OF our constitution. and SO directly .encour-
ages disturbance, by selhshness and greed,
of the patriotic sentiment, that its statement
would rudely shock our people, if they had
safe landmarks of the principle.
The exigencies of terrible war made our
| people needless of the opportunities for the
Interior schemes afforded by their willing
| and patriotic payment of unprecedented
/ tribute; and now, after a long period of
peace, when our oyerburdened country men
ask for relief and restoration to fuller en-
| Joyment OF their incomes and earnings. they
are met by the claim that tariff taxation for
the sake of protection is an American sys-
tenn, the continuance or which is necessary
IN order that high wages may be paid to eur
Worklngmen, and a home market be pro-
vided Tor our fam products. These pre-
lenses should no longer deceive. The truth
Is that such system Is directly antagonlZed
| by every sentiment of justice and fairness,
| OF which Americans are prominently
proud. 1t is also true that while our work
ingInen can, the least of all our people, de-
| tend themselves against the harder home
| life which such tariff taxation DEGREES, the
| workingman, suffering from the importa-
ton and employment of pauper labor insti-
! gated by his professed friends, and seeking
| security for his interests in organized coop
Grafton, still waits for division of the adj
/ Vantages secured to his employer under COW
/ er of a generous solicltude for his wages,
while the farmer is learning that the prices
of his products are fixed in foreign markets,
| where he suffers from competition invited
and built up by a system he is asked to sup
| port. The struggle for unearned advantage
| at the doors OF the government tramples on
| the rights OF these who patiently rely upon
| the assurances of American equality.
Though the subject of tarif legislation in
| wolves question of markets. it also involves
a question of morals. We cannot, with I'M
| punIty, permit injustice to taInt the spirit of
| right and equity, which is the life of our re-
! public; and we shall fail to reach our nation
| III destiny If greed and selhshness lead the
| way.
We believe a readjustment can be accom-
| plished IN accordance with the principles we
| profess, without disaster or demolition We
| believe the advantages of treer raw ma
tavria al chO fia1 fr, fYIr ItaFl
| turers, and we contemplate fair and care
| full distribution of the necessary tariff bur-
| dens, rather than the precipitation of free
| trade.
The attempt of the opponents of democ-
| racy to interfere with and control suffrage of
states through federal agencies, develops a
/ design, which 20 explanation can mitigate,
| to reverse the fundamental and safe reIa-
| tons between the people and their govern
| ment. Such an attempt cannot fail to be re-
| garded by faithful men as a proof of the
| bold determination to secure the ascendancy
| of the discredlted party IN reckless disregard
| of the free expression OF the popular wall.
| To resist such scheme is the impulse of the
| democracy. At all times and in all places we
/ trust the people. AS against the disposition
/ to force way to federal power, we present to
/ them as our claim to their confidence and sup
| port the steady championship of their rights.
| Every dollar put in the hands of the people
should be of the same intrinsic value or purchas-
/ ing power. With this condition absolutely guar
| anteed both gold and silver can be safely util-
lied upon equal terms in the adjustment of
| our currency. In dealing with this subject no
selfish scheme should De alowed 70 intervene
! ed. The Inconvenience or loss that might ar1se
can be much easier borne than the universal dis
/ tress which must follow discredited currency.
/ No complaint should be made OF the amount
of public money paid to those actually disabled
| but our pension roll should be a roll OF honor,
/ demogogic use. This is due to those whose
worthy names adorn the roll, and to all our peo-
| ed n V6far b
/ lie employment should be secured to them hon.
! estIy and without evasion, and when capable
/ and worthy their claim to the helpful regard
/ and gratitude of their countrymen should be
/ ungrudgingly acknowledged.
The assurance to the people of the utmost in
/ dividual liberty consistent with peace and good
order is the cardinal principle of our govern
| Inent. This gives no sanction to Vexatious sump-
| tuary laws which undeniably interfere with such
| habits and customs of our people as are not of
| fensiye to lust and moral sense, and are not
| inconsistent with good citizenship and public
welfare. The same principle requires that the
| line between subjects which are properly within
! governmental control and those which are more
fittingly left to parental regulation, should be
carefully kept in view. An enforced education,
/ wisely deemed a proper preparation for citizen
ship, should not involve the impairment of
! wholesome parental authority, nor do violence
| to the household conscience. Paternalism In
/ the government finds no approval in the creed
whether it is manifested in authorized gifts, OF
uuwarranted control of personal and family
The generous hospitality. which is one of the
| most prominent of our national characteristics,
/ prompts US 70 welcome IHO worthy anu luuub-
| trious of all lands to homes and citizenship
/ among us. This hOspitable sentiment is not viO-
lated, however, by careful and reasonable regu-
! lations for the protection of public health, nor
| does it justify the reception of emigrants who
have no appreciation of our institutions and
| whose presence among us IL menace to peace
/ and good order.
| The importance of the construction of the
| Nicaragua ship canal as means of promoting
| commerce between our states and foreign coun-
/ tries, and also as a contribution by Americans
to enterprises which advance the interests of the
| world of civilization, should commend the pro
! ject to governmental approval and endorsement.
| Both their material interests and national
] pride and honor are involved In the success of