The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1892-11-19
Chr Democratic Adroeats.
What the Election Meant.


After the 18th of March next the Demo.
cratic party will be in possession OF the
legislative and executive branches Of the
Government. Mr.. Cleveland will be lnau-
gurated on the It'll and in thirty days
thereafter the chief offices of the govern
ment will be filled with Democrats.
The meaning of the election of last week
was emphatically for reform OF the tarlfl
and against Federal interference with elec
lions. So long as the Democrats have the
Presidency or one branch of Congress there
is no danger of the passage Of Force bill,
but the sentiment of the people demands
the repeal Of all laws permitting the ap-
pointment of Federal supervisors and deputy
marshals to supervise elections and lntlml-
Jotn voters The course of John |. Daven-
port contributed largely to the Democratic
majority, not only in New York butthrough-
out the country. 1t gave the people some
idea of what Force bill meant, and the
powers now given for Federal interference
in elections are too great and the demand
is not for enlarged powers, as proposed by
the Lodge bill. but for repeal of existing
statutes under which Davenport operated
While the legislative and executive
L. = ,,,,,,.,,,,,nt will he under
Democratic control after the Ith of March
next. the people must not expect reliei
from unjust tax laws at once. Congress
will not meet until December of next year,
and it will be nearly a year later before a
law can be put into effect, changing the
burdens of taxation And it will be some
months after that before the full effect Of the
law can bel felt. Its not probable. either that
a complete reformation can be accomplished
in the first bill. 1t is not the purpose ol
the Democratic party to undertake to undo
,ll NJ once what has been the growth Of
= nuartcr of century There will be no
violent changes. and there will be no violent
shocks to business. The reductions will be
Gradual Trusts can be completely squelch-
ed. however. by law admitting absolutely
free of duty the products that are manu-
featured by any combination Of manuiac-
uFerS or dealers.
The expenses of government have crown
enormously in the past four years, and
these can be closely scanned and reductions
be made wherever possible. The people
do not want false economy, parSimony and
nirgardness. but there has been cXtrava-
gance, which should be stopped. The pen
sion lists should be closely scanned also,
and purged of every fraudulent name. 1t
WAS never intended that the pension list
should contain any names but those ofper-
sons who were disabled from injuries IT,
ceievd while in line of duty, and then only
to make up the difference in their capacity
to earn livelihood Nor was it intended
that those who were receiving large salaries
in the government service should receive Il
large pension in addition. There are per
sons in Washington who have but little
service to perform who get $1,000 year
salary and S72 month pension. Some OF
these. if they had never be in the army and
lost no limbs could not earn more than
800 Il wear in their ordinary callings.
Every pcnSioner should he re-eXamined
by physicians of high standing not by par
lisan examining boards. 1t is probable
the work could be done by army and navy
surgeons And while in the business of
examining the pension lists, every special
pension granted to wives Of Ex-Prcsldenls
and others. not soldiers. should be rcpealed,
and no more civil pensions should be grant
ed If the people knew how many wealthy
persons were drawing pensions from the
government and how many eN-soldlerS were
an the pension list who are in no wise dis
abled from following their professions and
occupations. they would demand that their
cannes be dropped and would enforce their
demand 1t is an outrage that the people
should be taxed over one hundred and fifty
millions IA year for pensions. when one-hat
would suffice topropcrly assist the disabled.
The soldiers homes should be looked
after also. At these places there are
some ex-soldiers maintained at the gov
ernment expense who are very well able
to earn respectable living for themselves,
and who are getting pensions in addition.
This is wrong. The homes are not intend
ed for such people, and those who are
given food, clothing and shelter at them
should not receive pensions.
The government needs great deal Of
reforming. and the meaning Of the election
last week Is that it must be done as speed
lily as possible. it will require timcto do il,
but there must be no unnecessary delay.
A vast majority of the people voted for a
change. and change must be made and
without unnecessary delay
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