Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1892-09-29
BRIEF!
ButToThePOint.
Grover CleveIand's Letter of
Acceptance.

He Dissects the Issues of the Day-TariT
Taxation UnjustifiabIe I'm Times OF
Peace-Free Trade a Myth-The Force
ey-Pensions-Etc.
To Hon. William L. Wilson and Others,
Committee. etc:
GENTLEMEN-In responding to your
formal notification of my nomination to
the presidency by the national Democracy,
hope I may be permitted to say at the
outset that continued reflection and OBJ
servation have confined me in my adher-
ence to the opinions, which / have hereto
fore plainly and publicly declared, touch
ing the questions involved in the canvass.
This is a time, above all others, when
these questions should be considered in the
light afforded by q sober apprehension of
the principles upon which our government
is based, and clear understanding of the
relation it bears to the people for whose
benefit it was created. We shall thus be
supplied with test by which the value of
any proposition relating to the mainten-
ance and administration of our govern
ment can be ascertained, and by which the
justice and honesty of every political uues-
tion can be judged. If doctrines or theories
are presented which do not satisfy this
test, loyal Americanism must pronounce
them false and mischievous.
The protection in the exclusive use and
enjoyment Of their property and earnings,
concededly constitutes the especial pur-
pose and mission of our free government.
This design is so interviewer with the
structure of our plan of rule, that failure
to protect the citizens in such use and en-
Joyment, or their unjustifiable diminution
by the government itself, is betrayal of
the peoples trust.
We have, however, undertaken to build
great nation upon a plan especially our
own. To maintain it and to furnish
through its agency, the means for the ac-
complishment of national objects, the
American people are willing through
federal taxation to surrender part of
their earnings and income.
Tariff legislation presents a familiar
form OF federal taxation. Such legislation
results as surely in tax upon the daily
life of our people as the tribute paid df-
rectly into the hands of the taxgatherer
We feel the burden of these tariff taxes too
palpably to be persuaded by any sophistry
that they do not exist, or are paid by for
elgners. Such taxes representing a dimi-
mutton Of the property rights of the people
are only justifiable when laid and collected
for the purpose of maintaining our govern
ment, and furnishing the means for the
accomplishment of its legitimate purpose
and functions. This Is taxation under the
operation of tariff for revenue 1t ac-
cords with the professions of American
free institutions and its justice and hon
esty answer the test supplied by correct
appreciation of the principles upon which
these institutions rest
This theory of tariff legislation mani
testify enJoins strict economy in public ey-
penditures and their limitation to legiti-
mate public uses, inasmuch as 10 exhibits
as absolute e2stortion any exaction, by way
OF taxation, from the substance of the peo-
pie, beyond the necessities of careful and
proper administration of government. =
Opposed to this theory, The dogma is now
boldly presented, that tariff taxation is
gustlf1able for the express purpose and
intent OF thereby promoting especial inter
ests and enterprises. Such q proposition is
so clearly contrary to the spirit OF our con-
stitution and so directly encourages the
disturbance by self1shness and greed of pa
tr1otlc sentiment, that its statement would
rudely shock our people, if they had not
already been insiduously allured from the
safe landmarks Of principle. Never have
honest desire for national growth, patriotic
devotion to country, and sincere regard for
those who toll, been so betrayed to The sup
port OF pernicious doctrine
In its behalf, the plea that our infant in
dustries should be fostered did service un-
til discredited by our stalwart growth.
then followed the exigencies of terrible
war which made our people needless of the
opportunities for ulterior schemes afforded
by their willing and patriotic payment of
tribute; and now, after a
long period of peace. when our overbur-
dened countrymen ask for relief and q
restoration to fuller enjoyment of their
incomes and earnings they are met by the
claim that tariff taxation, for the sake of
protection, is an American system, the
continuance of which Is necessary, In
order that high wages may be paid to our
workingmen and home market be pro-
vlded for our farm products.
These pretences shouldno longer deceive.
The truth is that such system is directly
antagoniZed by every sentiment of justice
and fairness of which Americans are pre-
emtnently proud. tits also true tnat while
our workingmen and farmers can, least of
all our people, defend themselves against
the harder home life which such tariff tax
alton DEGREES the workingman suffering
from the importation and employment OF
pauper labor instigated by his professed
friends, and seeking security for his inter
ests in organized cooperation, still waits
for division of the advantages secured to
his employer under cover of generous So
l1cltude 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 the system he is asked to support
The struggle for unearned advantages at
the doors of the government tramples on
the rights of those who patiently rely upon
assurances Of American equality. Every
concession to clamorous
favorites invites corruption in political af-
fairs by encouraging the expenditure of
money to debauch suffrage in support of a
policy directly favorable to private and
selfish gain. This in the end must strangle
patriotism and weaken popular confidence
In the rectitude of Republican institutions.
Though the subject of tariff legislation
Involves question of markets, 1t also in
wolves a question of morals. We can not
with lmpunity permit injustice to taint
the spirit of right and equity which is the
life of our republic; and we shall fail to
reach our national destiny If greed and
selfshness lead the way.
Recognizing these truths, the national
Democracy will seek by the application of
Just and sound principles, to equalize to
our people the blessings due them from the
government they support to promote
among our countrymen closer COM
munity of interests cemented by patriot
ism and national pride, and to point out a
fatr field, where prosperous and diversified
American enterprise may grow and thrive
IN the wholesome atmosphere of American
industry, ingenuity and Intelligence.
Tariff reform is still our purpose.
Though we oppose the theory that tariff
laws may be passed having for the object
the granting Of discriminating and unfair
governmental aid to private ventures, we
wage no discriminating war against any
American interests. We believe read
1ustment can be- accomplished, In accord
ance with the principles we profess, with
out, disaster or demolition. We believe
that the, advantages of freer raw material
should e'accordedt to our manufacturers,
and we contemplates fair and careful dis
trfbution Of FIieoa ssaTy tdffff burdens.
rather than the precipitation of free trade.
{, We anticipate with calmness the, mis-
canrasantation- of nnr motives and III a