Middletown transcript., 1892-09-29

the QalIy ltI6 Ok OuE poUpt0 DO tuo Stiu-
ute paid directly into the hand OF tax
gatherer. We feel the burden of these
tariff taxes too palpably to be per-
shaded by any sophistry that they do
not exist, or are paid by foreigners.
Such taxes, representing diminu-
tion of the property rights of the
people, are only justifiable when laid
and collected for the purpose of main
tanning our government, and furnish
ing the means for the accomplishment
Of its legitimate purposes and functions.
This is taxation under the operation of
tariff for revenue. 1t accords with
the professions Of American free insti-
tutiOns, and its justice and honesty
answer the test supplied by correct
appreciation of the principles upon
which these institutions rest.
This theory of tariff legislation mani
festly eDjoins strict economy in public
expenditures and their limitation to
legitimate public uses in as much as
it exhibits an absolute extortiOn any
exaction, by way of taxation, from the
substance Of the people beyond the
necessities of careful ami proper ad-
ministration of government.
Opposed to this theory the dogma is
now boldly presented that tariff taxa
tion is justifiable for the express pur-
pose and intent of thereby promoting
especial interest and enterprises. Such
a proposition is SO clearly contrary to
to the spirit of our constitution and so
directly encourages the disturbance by
selfshness and greed Of patriotic senti-
ment that its statement would rudely
shock our people il they had not already
been insidiously allured from the safe
landmarks of principle. Never have
honest desire for national growth,
patriotic devotion to country and sim
cere regard for those who toll been so
betrayed to the support of pernicious
doctrines. In its behalf the plea that
our infant industries should be fostered
did service until discredited by our
stalwart growth; then followed the ext
gencies Of terrible war, which made
our people needless of the opportunities
for ulterior schemes afforded BY their
willing and patriotic payment Of un.
precedeDted tribute, and now, after a
long period of peace, when our over
burdened countrymen ask for relief and
a restoration 10 fuller enjoyment of
their incomes and earnings, they are
met by the claim that tariff taxation
for the sake of protection is an Ameri-
can system, the continuance of which
is necessary in order that high wages
may be paid to our workingmen and a
home market be provided for our farm
products.
These pretenses should no longer
deceive. The truth is that such a
system is directly antagonized by every
sentiment of justice and fairness. Of
which Americans are prominently
proud. 1t is also true that while our
workingmen and farmers can the leas:
of all our people, defend themselves
against the harder home life which
such tariff taxation DEGREES, the work
ngman, suffering from the importation
and employment Of pauper labor insti-
gated by his professed friends and seek
ing security for his interests in or
ganized cooperation, still waits for a
division of the advantages secured to
his employer under cover of generous
solicitude for his wages, while the
farmer is learning that the prices of
his products are fixed in foreign mar
kets, where he suffers from competi-
tion invited and built up by the system
he is asked to support.
The struggle for unearned advantage
at the doors of the government tramples
on the rights of those who patiently
really upon assurances of American
equality. Every governmental conces-
sion 10 clamorous favorites invite cor.
ruption in political affairs by encourag.
ing the expenditure of money to debauch
suffrage in support of a policy direc-
tly favorable to private and selfish gain.
This in the end must strangle patri-
otism and weaken popular confidence
in the rectitudeof republican institute
tions.
Though the subject of tariff legisla.
tion involves question of markets, it
also involves question of morals. We
cannot with impunity permit injustice
to taint the spirit of right and equity,
which is the life of our republic, aud
we shall fail to reach our national
destiny if greed and selfishness lead the
way.
Recognizing these truths, the nation
al democracy will seek by the applica-
tion of just and sound principles to
equalize to our people the blessings due
them from the government they sup
port to promote among our country
men closer 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 atmosphere of
American industry, ingenuity and in
telllgence.
Tariff reform is still our purpose.
Though we oppose the theory that
tariff laws may be passed having for
their object the granting of discrimin-
ating and unfair governmental aid to
private ventures, we wage no eXtermin-
ating war against any American inter-
ests. We believe a readjustment can
be accomplished in accordance with
the principles we profess without disas-
ter or demolition. We believe that
tuO nu dAtd VI I1CC law bdlCl
should be accorded to our manufactur-
ers, and We contemplate fair and
careful distribution of necessary tariff
burdens rather than the precipitation
of free trade.
We anticipate with calmness The
Misrepresentation of our motives and
purposes. instigated by a selfishness
which seeks 10 hold in unrelentiDg
grasp its unfair advantage under pres
ent tariff laws. We will rely upon
the intelligence of our fellow-country-
men to reject the charge that a party
comprising Il 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 administration and manage
ment of our government depends upon
popular will. Federal power is the
instrument of that will-not its master.
Therefore the attempt of the opponents
of democracy to interfere with and
control the suffrage of the States
through federal agencies developes a
design, which no explanation can
mitigate, TO reverse the fundamental
and safe relations between the people
and their government. Such an at.
tempt cannot fail to be regarded by
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