Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1892-09-27
can industry, ingenuity and intel


ject the granting of discriminating and
unfair governmental aid to private Ven
lures, we wage no eXterminating war
against any American interests. we
believe q readjustment can be accom-
| plished, in accordance with the prnci
pies we profess, without disaster or de-
lnolition. We believe that the adyan-
! tagcs of free raw material should be ac-
! corded to our manufacturers, and we
contemplate fair and careful distribu-
ton Of necessary tariff burdens. rather
than the precipitation of free trade.
We anticipate with calmness The MS
representation of cur motives AID pur-
poses, instigated by seltishness which
seeks to hold in unrelenting grasp ITS
unfair advantage under present tariff
laws We will rely upon the intelli-
gence of our fellow-countrymen to re-
.iect the charge that party comprising
:. majority of our people is planning
the destruction or injury OF American
interests, and we know they cannot be
frightened by the specter of impossible
! free trade
The administration and management
of our government depend upon popu-
lar will. Federal power is the instri-
ment of that will-not its master.
Therefore, the attempt of the opponents
of democracy to interfere with and con-
troll the suffrage of the States through
federal agencies develops a design,
which no explanation can mitigate, 10
reverse the fundamental and safe rela-
tions between the people and their GOV,
eminent. Such an attempt cannot fail
to be regarded by thoughtful men as a
proof of Il bold determination to secure
the ascendancy of a discredited party in
reckless disregard ola free expression
of the popular will. To resist such a
scheme is an impulse ofdcmocracy. At
all times and in all places we trust the
people. AS against a disposition to
force the way to federal power, we pre-
sent to them as our claim to their conf
dence and support steady champion
ship Of their rights.
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 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 the same intrinsic
value or purchasing power. With this
condition absolutely guaranteed, both
gold and silver can be safely utilized
upon equal terms in the adjustment of
oiu currency.
In dealing with this subject, no selfish
scheme should he allowed to intervene,
and 10 doubtful experiments should be
attempted. The wants of our people,
arising from the deficiency or imperfect
distribution of money circulation, ought
10 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 a>situation can be much
easier borne than the universal distress
which must follow a discredited cur
rency.
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 ascer-
tanned fitness in the selection ofgovern-
mcnt employees. These considerations
alone are sufficient justification for an
honest adherence to the letter and spir-
it of civil service reform. There are,
however ether ff features Of this plan
which abundantly commend 1t.
Through its operation worthy merit IN
every station and condition ofAmerican
life is recognized in the distribution of
public employment, while its applica-
ton tends to raise the standard ofpolit-
zeal activity from spoils-hunting and
unthinking party utilization to the adj
vocacy of party principles by reason and
experiment.
The American people arc gen
erous and grateful, and they
have impressed these characteristics
upon their government. Therefore,
all patriotic and Just citizens must COM
mend 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 pen
sion roll should be roll of honor, UNI
contaminated by i'll desert and unvi-
tiatcd by demagogic use. This is due
to those whose worthy names adorn 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 pa
triotism and fortitude, illustrated by our
pension roll. The preferences accord
ed to veteran soldiers in public employ
ment should be secured to them honest
" and without evasion, and, when ca
pable and worthy, their claim to the
helpful regard and gratitude of their
countrymen should be ungrudgingly ac-
hnowledged. -,
The assurances to the people of the
utmost individual liberty consistent
with peace and cool order, is cardi-
nal principle of our government. This
giyes no sanction to vexatious sumptu-
arv laws which unnecessarily interfere
with such habits and customs of our
people as are not offensive to just
moral sense, and are not inconsistent
with good citizenship and the public
welfare. The same principle requires
that the line between the subjects
which are properly within government