The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-07-21

liens. All are our countrymen. We are not
reekiessly needless OF any American interests,
nor will we abandon our regard for them; but.
invoking the love OF fairness and justice, which
belongs TO true Americsuism and upon which
our constitution rests. we insist that no plan of
tarif legislation shall be tolerated which has
ior IT'S object and purpose n forced contribution
from the earnings OF the masses of our citizens
10 swell directly the accumulations of a favored
few; nor Will we permit prudent solicitude for
American labor or any other specious pretext OF
benevolent care for others to blind the eyes OF
the people TO the selfish schemes of those who
seek, through the aid of unequal tariff laws, TO
gain unearned advantages at the expense os
their fellows
We have also assumed, in our covenant with
those whose support we invite, the duty of op-
posing to the death another avowed scheme OF
our adyersaries, which, under the guise of pro-
tectlng the suffrage, covers, but does not con-
ceai, design whereby to perpetuate the power
oil party afraid to trust its continuance to the
untrammeled and Intelligent votes OF the Amer
lean people. We are pledged to resist legisla-
ton intended TO complete this scheme, because
we have not forgotten the saturnalia of theft
and brutal control which followed another ied-
eral regulation of state suffrage; because we
know the managers of the party which did not
scrupe to rob the people of president would
not hesitate 10 use the machinery created by
such legislation to revive corrupt instrumental
tiles for partisan purposes; because the attempt
to enforce such legislation would rekinde ant
moslties, and replace prosperous activity with
encouragement and dread throughout a large
section, and would menace the rights reserved
to the states and people which underlie the safe
guards of American liberty.
True to its history and creed the Democratic
party will respond to the wants of the people
within safe lines and guided by enlightened
statesmanship. To the troubled and impatient
within our membership we commend unswerv-
ing allegiance to the party.
Defeat in the pending campaign, followed by
the consummation OF the legislative schemes our
opponents contemplate, and accompanied by
such other incidents OF their success which
might more firmly fix their power, would pre-
sent most discouraging outlook for the
future OF Democratic supremacy and for the
accomplishment of the objects we have to heart
Every sincere Democrat must believe the it,
terests of his country deeply involved in tho
success OF our party. Success can only ho
achieved by systematic and intelligent efforts
on the part of all. Let MS tell the people plainly
and honestly what we believe and how we pro-
pose TO serve the interests of the entire country,
aud let us, after the manner OF true Democracy,
rely on the thoughtfulness of our eountrymen.
Immediately after Cleveland had re-
sumed his seat Stephen White, of Calitor-
MIA, rose and, facing A. f. Stevenson, of
Illinois, addressed him briefly upon his
nomination as vice presidential candi-
date. He said in part:
That organization in whose battles for the
public welfare you have borne so conspicuous
part has manifested its approval OF the en-
lightened aud progressive administration with
which you were for four years prominently
identified That record has been compared by
the people with the record of the presidential
term now approaching completion. To this
contrast appearing the Democracy turn proudly
and with confidence. Time has furnished annie
opportunity to study the pending questions OF
Importance. and the general sentiment protests
against the extravagant and partial tariff, and
against federal control of elections: demands
governmental reform and insures Democratic
victory.
The secretary then read the following
letter of the committee notifying Steven
son OF his nomination. 1t says in part:
We are able to assure you the honor has been
conferred because the Democratic party recoy-
nzes in you leader whose public acts have
strengthened the party in the respect of tho
people As an officer OF a Democratic adminis-
tration pleader for Democratic principles:
statesman who has sought to protect tho
people in all their rights, you have long enjoyed
the esteem of your immediate constituents, and
the confidence of the conntry at large
When Stevenson arose he was greeted
with prolonged applause, and when
silence was restored spoke substantially as
follows:
Distrusting my capacity fully to meet the ex-
pectations of the men who have honored mo
by their confidence, accept the nomination so
generously rendered. should the action of tho
Chicago convention receive the approval OF the
people shall to the best OF my humble ability
discharge with fidelity the duties of the impor-
tant position confded in me. Reference has
been made in terms of commendation to the
late Democratic administration. Identified In
some measure with an important branch of tho
public service In that administration. am graf
flied 10 know 1t has in marked degree re-
ceived the Endorsement of the Democratic party
IN its national convention. l am persuaded
that an intelligent discussion of the issues in
volved in the pending contest will result In a
victory for the party which stands for honest
methods of governmental economy In public
expenditures and relief to the people from the
burden of unjust taxation. 1 am not unmind-
full, Mr.. Chairman, of the grave responsibilities
which attach to the great Office for which
] have been named. Should 1t please my coun.
trymen to call me to this Office high apprecia-
tion OF its dignity and its responsibility will be
a light to my own pathway. In the contest
upon which we now enter we make no appeal
TO passions. but to the sober Judgment of the
people. We believe the welfare OF the toling
millions of our countrymen Is bound up in the
success of the Democratic party.
Recent occurrences in neighboring states
have sadly emphasized the fact that the pro-
tectiye tariff affords no protection and tends in
no way to better the condition of those who
earn their bread by toll tGreat applause.l
Believing in the right of every voter to cast
his ballot unawed by power, the Democratic
party will steadily oppose all legislation which
threatens imperils that right by the inter-
position OF federal bayonets at the polls.
When Stevenson had concluded the
meeting adjourned.