The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1892-10-06
thrive in the wholesOtte atmoswhere
of American industry, ingenuity and

| TIE FOOLISH CRY OF FREE TRADE.
| Tariff reform is still our purpose.
Though we oppose the theory That tar
lit laws may be passed having 1or tnelr
object the granting Of discriminating
and unfair governmental Wu 10 pri-
vate ventures, we wage no extermlnat-
ing War against any American inter-
ests. We believe a readjustmenC can
be accomplished in accordance with
the principles we profess, without dis
aster or demolition. We believe that
the advantages of free raw material
should be accorded to our manutactu-
rers, and we contemplate fair and
burdens, rather than the precipitation
OF free trade. We anticipate with calm
ness the Misrepresentation of our mo-
tives and purposes, inStigated by a
selfiShnesS which seeks to hold in un
relenting grasp its unfair advantage
under present tariff laws. We will re-
ly upon the intelligence of our fellow
cOuntrymen to reject the charge that a
party comprising majority of our
people is planning the destruction or
injury of American interests; and we
know they cannot be frightened by the
spectre OF impossible free trade.
THE OBJECT OF THE FORCE BILL.
The administration and management
of our government depend upon the
popular will. Federal power is the in
strument of all wilI--not its master.
| Therefore the attempt Of the oppo-
| nents Of Democracy TO interfere with
and control the suffrage Of the States
through federal agencies developes a
design, which no explanation can miti-
gate, to reverse the fundamental and
safe relations between the people and
their government. Such an attempt
cannot tail to be- regarded 10y thought
full men as proof of bold uetermina-
ton to Secure the asCendency Of dis
credited party, in reckless disregard Of
a free expression Of the popular will.
To resist such Il spheme ia an impulse
of Democracy. At all times and in all
places we trust the people, as against a
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.
SOUND AND HONEST MONEY WANTED.
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 bv
governmental action, or by WISE and
careful laws, that no one can be delud-
ed 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 absolute,
ly guaranteed, both gold ard silver
can bo safely utilized, upon equal
terms, in the adjustment of our curren-
cy.
In dealing with this Subject, no self
ish scheme should he al owed to inter-
vene, 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 hon
estly recognized and efficiently RENE.
died. 1T should, however, be constant
ly remembered that the inconvenience
or loss that might arise from such a
situation can he much easier borne
than the universal distress which must
follow a discredited currency.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
Public officials arc tho agents of the
people. 1t is therefore their duty to
secure for those they represent the
best and most efficient performance of
public work. This plainly can be best
accomplished by regarding ascertained
| fitness in the selection of Government
employees. These considerations alone
are sufficient Justification for an honest
adherence to the letter and spirit of
civil service reform. There are, how
ever, other features of this plan which
abundantly commend it. Through its
operation worthy merit in every sta
ton and condition of American life is
recognized in the distribution of pub
lie employment, while its application
tends to raise the standard or political
activity from sDoilS-hunting and un-
| thinking party alfliaCiou to the adyo
cacy OF party principles by reason and
argument,
RErQliN TIE PENSION ROLL.
The American people are generous
and grateful, and they have impressed
these characteristics upon their govern.
ment. Therefore, all patriotic and Just
citizens must commend liberal consid
Grafton for our worthy veteran soldiers
and for the families of those who have
died. No complaint should he made Of
the amount of public money paid TO
those actually disabled or made depend
ent by reason OF army service. But
our pension roll should be roll of hon
Oh, uncontaminated by ill-desert and
unVltlated by demagogic use. This is
due to those whose worthy names adorn
Ine roll anu 10 all our people who de-
light to honor the brave and the true
It's also due those who in years to come
should be allowed to hear, reverently
and lovingly, the story of American
patriotism and fortitude illustrated by
our pension roll. The preferences ac-
corded to veteran soldiers in public en-
ployment should be secured to them
honestly and without evasion, and
when capable and worthy, their claim
to the helpful regard and gratitude of
their countrymen should be ungrudp-
ingly acknowledged.
60 PATENNALlSM IN GOVERNMENT.
The assurance to the people of tho
utmost individual liberty consistent
with peace and good order is cardinal
principle OF our government. This
gives no sanction to vexatious sumptu.
ary laws, which unnecessarily Interfere
with such habits and customs of our
people as are not offensive to a lust
moral sense and are not inconsistent
with good citizenship and the public
welfare. The same principle requires
that tho line between the subjects which
are properly within governmental con