The morning call., 1892-06-23

great party we represent are to-day for tariff
reform, because 1t is the only gateway to genuine
democratic YeInment.
distinguished leader who presided over the
Republican convention bOasted that he does not
know what tariff reform is. Whoever said he
did? Let US hope, with that charity that eu-
du!eIh all things and belieYeth all things. that
lie IS tluly as ignorant as lie YauGts himself 10
BE- unfortunately the people are not so igUo-
rant OF The meaning OF protection; at least, Of
protection which Is dealt cut 10 them in the bill
that bears his name. They see the meaning
written largely to-day in prostTated agriculture,
In shaek,ed commerce, IN stricken industries, in
compulsory id!eness Of labor, IN law made
wealth, In discomfort Of the worklogmen and
the despair OF Tie farmer. They know By hard
experience that protection, as system OF taxa
tion, is but an old aud crafty scheme by which
the rich compel the poor TO pay the expenses OF
the Government. They know by hard expert
eDce that protection as n system tribute Is but
an old and crafty scheme by which The rover OF
taxation OF The people is made the private prop
eity OF few of the eOpe.
1aIih reform means to readjust this system OF
taxation, and purge away this system OF tribute
II means we have not yet reached the goal OF
perfect freedom so leng as any citizen Is forced
by law 10 lay tribute 10 any other citizen, and
until our taxes are pTOpOrtiOned according To
the ability and duty OF the taxpayer rather
than TO his ignorance, his weakness and his
patience.
Governor Mckinley further charges that the
Democratic party believes in taxing ourselves
l am afraid. gentlemen, we must admit this
charge. What right or excuse have we for tax
Ing anybody else with a continent for our country
aud with freedom and Intelligence as instruments
for its development? We would stand disgraced
IN the eyes OF mankind II we cannot and IL we do
not support our own Government. We eau
throw that support on other people only by beg
gary by force. If we use The one we are pauper
ration; if We use the other We are pirate ma
tlOn. The Democratic party does not intend We
should be either. Nor does II intend that they
shall falsely call 1t taxing other people 10 trans
fer our taxes from The possessions OF those who
own property In thls country 10 the bellies and
backs OF those who do The work of the country.
II believes frugality is The essential virtue OF
iIee government. 1t believes taxes should be
limi!e 10 the public needs and be levied by a
plain rule OF justice ana economy. Bui. gentle
men, We are confronted with a new cry in this
campaign.
The Republican party, says Governor McKIn-
ley, now stands for protection and reciprocity.
He was for protection alone when lie framed his
bill in the House, or rather permitted bis henef-
ciaries to frame II tor him, and firmly resisted
all Efforts of The statesman from Maine 10 annex
reciprocity to it. No wonder he favors
reciprocity, aided by the Senate. You may
explore The pages Of burlesque literature for
anything more supTemely ludicrous than the
sO-caled reciprocity OF the Mckinley bill. IL Is
not reciprocity at all. 1t is retaliation, and
worst OF all retaliation on our own people. It
Furnishes American citizens for necessities or
fOllies more than other peoples. 1t says 10 the
few small countries south of 1t: 'If yGu are
forced by your necessities or led by your fOlIieS
10 make bread higher and scarcer to your peOpS
you viii make shoes and sugar higher and
scarcer TO our people" And now We are told
reciprocity is TO be their battlecry. Already we
are RECALLED with pictures of Benjamin Harrison
clad in amor gong forth 10 battle for the rect
prOclly OF The plumed sliced Simple Simon fish,
Ing for whales in his mothers rain barrel, aud
in great triumph catching an occasional
wiggle-Waggle, Is the only true aud reals 10
p icture OF reciprocity OF the Mckinley act. We
are for prot ction that protects, and for reel
procily that Teciprocaes. We are In favor Of pro-
tecting every man In the enjoyment Of the frult
OF his own labor, diminished only by his
proper contribution 10 the support OF the Gov
eminent, and we are for that real reciprocity.
not through dlckering diplomacy and PTesl-
Dental proclamatons, but by the laws OF Con-
gress, that removes al unnecessary obstacles be-
tween the American producer and the markets
he is obliged 10 seek for his products.
In so large convention as this 1t would be
Ominously strange if there were not some dit
lcltHtcS UI OplItOu Ou HIdAlcIS u pOtlcNf oUtHo
differences OF Judgment or preiei enee as to
choice OF candidates. A sign of true democracy
is In many voices and within limits. True
freedom is tumultous; ii wears no collars; it
serves no masters. 1t is not for me- gentlemen,
the impartial servant OF you all, to attempt to
lOreshadow what your choice should be or oughr
10 he in the selection under your own sense OF
responsibility TO the people whom you represent
ard 10 your country. One thing only venture
to say: Whoever may be your chosen leader In
this campaign, no telegram Will flash across tue
sea from the castle absence OF The tariff lords 10
congratulate him, but from the home OF the
lahOFer. from the freSide of the tOiler from the
hearts Of all who love justice and equity, who
wish and Intend our matchless heritage OF free
dom shall be the cOmmOuwt alth Of all OF our
people and the common opportunity Of all OF our
youth, VIII come up prayers for bis success aud
recruits for the great Democratic host that must
strike down the beast OF sectiOnalism and the
Mooch of monopoly before we can have ever
gained The neople's government and have IL run
by the peoples faithful representatives.
Wilson's speech was received with fre-
quent bursts of applause.
Delegate Phelps of Missouri presented the
chairman, on behalf of the miners of Mis-
souri,. gavel Of zinc, as a protest against
the tariff on that metal.