The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1892-09-27

community of interests, cemented by
patriotism and national pride, and to
point out fair field where prosperous
and diversified American enterprise may
grow and thrive in the wholesome at
mosphere of American industry, ingenu-
ity and intelligence.
Tariff Reform Our Purpose.
Tariff reform is still our purpose.
Though we oppose the theory that tariff
laws may be passed having for their OBJ
ject the granting of discriminating and
unfair governmental aid to private ven
tnres, we wage no exterminating war
against any American interests. We be-
heve a readjustment can be accomplished
IN accordance with the principles we pro-
fess, without disaster or demolition. We
believe that the advantages of freer raw
material should be accorded to our man
ufacturers, and we contemplate a fair
and careful distribution of necessary
tariff burdens, rather than the precipita-
ton of free trade.
We anticipate with calmness the mis-
representation of our motives and pur-
poses, instigated by sofishness which
seeks to hold in unrelenting grasp its I'M
fair advantage under present tariff laws.
We will rely upon the intelligence of
our fellow countrymen to reject the
charge that party comprising major
ity Of our people is planning the destruc-
tion or injury of American interests, and
we know they cannot be frightened by
the specter of impossible free trade.
The Force Bill Denounced.
The administration and management
of our government depend upon popular
will. Federal power is the instrument
Of that will-not its master. Therefore
the attempt of the opponents of Democ-
racy to interfere with and control the
suffrage of the states through federal
agencies develops design which no ex-
PLANTATION can mitigate, to reverse the
fundamental and safe relations between
the people and their government Such
an attempt cannot fail to be regarded by
thoughtful men as proof of bold de-
termination to secure the ascendancy of
a discredited party in reckless disregard
Of free expression of the popular will.
To resist such scheme is an impulse of
Democracy. At all times, and in all
places, we trust the people. AS against
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.
Thine people are entitled to sound and
honest money, abundantly sufficient in
NOllllllt W supply llltlI DlloliltSs IltttlS.
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 by govern
mental action, or by wise and careful
laws, that no one can be deluded as TO
the certainty and stability of its value.
Every dollar put into the hands of the
people should be of tho same intrinsic
value or purchasing power. With this
condition absolutely guaranteed, both
| gold and silver can 70 safely utilized
upon equal terms in tue adjustment of
| our currency.
In dealing with this subject no selfish
scheme should be allowed to intervene,
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 honestly recognized and
efficiently remedied. 1t should, how
ever, be constantly remembered that the
| inconvenience or loss that might arise
| from such situation, can be much
easier borne than the universal distress
which must follow discredited cur
rency.
reform in the Civil Service.
| Public officials are the agents of the
people. 1t is, therefore, their duty to
secure for those whom 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 tho 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 station
and condition of American life is recog-
nized in the distribution of public EN-
ployment, while its application tends to
raise the standard of political activity
from spoils hunting and unthinking
party afiiiliation to the advocacy of
party principles by reason and argu-
ment.
The American people are generous and
grateful, and they have impressed these
characteristics upon their government.
Therefore, all patriotic and just citizens
must commend liberal consideration for
our worthy veteran soldiers and for the
families of those who have died. No
complaint should be made of the amount
of public money paid to those actually
disabled or made dependent by reason Of
army service. But our pension roll
should be a roll of honor, uncontamin-
by demogogic use. This is due to those
whose worthy names adoTn the roll and
TO all our people who delight to honor
the brave and the true. 1t is also due to
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 accorded to veteral SOL
diers in public employment 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
ungrndgingly acknowledged.
Against Paternal Government.
The assurance to the people of the ut
most individual liberty consistent with
peace and good order is cardinal prin-
ciple of our government. This gives no
sanction to vexatious sumptuary laws
which unnecessarily interfere with sucl
habits and customs of our people as ar
not offensive to a just moral sense am
are not inconsistent with good citizen
ship and the public welfare. The sam
principle requires that the line between
the subjects which are properly within
government control and those which ar
more tittingly left to parental regulation
should be carefully Kept in view. Al
enforced education, wisely deemed
proper preparation for citizenship, shoult
not involve the impairment of wholesal
parental authority nor do violence to tn
household conscience. Paternalism il
government finds no approval in tn
creed of Democracy. 1t is II symptom o
misrule, whether it Is manifested in un
authorized gifts or b an unwarrante
control of personal and family affairs.
Our people, still cherishing the feelin,
of human fellowship which belonged t
our beginning as a nation, require thei
government to express for them thei
sympathy with all those who are op
pressed under any rule less free thai
ours.
A generous hospitality, which is on
of the most prominent of our nationa