Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1892-10-08
CLKvELAND,s LETTER

i CLEvELAND,s LETTER.
| ident's Document.
Continued reflection and observation have
confirmed me in my adherence to the opin-
ions which l have heretofore plainly and
publicly declared touching the questions in-
volved in the canvass.
Tariff legislation presents q familiar form
of federal taxation. Such legislation results
people as a tribute paid directly into the
hands of the taxgatherer. We feel the bur-
den of these tariff taxes too palpably to be
persuaded by any sophistry that they do not
exist, or are paid by foreigners. Such taxes,
representing the diminution of the property
when laid and collected for the purpose of
maintaining our government, and furnishing
means Tor the accomplishment of its legiti-
mate purposes and functions. This is tax
alton under the operation of tariff for
revenue.
This theory of tariff legislation manifestly
enJOIns strict economy IN public eXpendl-
lures and their Limitation to legitimate pub
lie uses lnasmuch as it exhibits an absolute
| extortion and exaction, by way of taxation,
from the substance of the people, beyond
the necessities of a careful and proper ad-
|
to this theory the dogma is now boldly pre-
sented that tariff taxation is justifable for
| the express purpose and intent of promoting
especial interests and enterprises. Such
proposition is clearly contrary to the spirit
OF our constitution, and SO directly encour-
ages disturbance, by selfishness and greed,
| of the patriotic sentiment, that its statement
would rudely shock our people, If they had
not already been insidiou,ly allured from the
safe landmarks of the principle.
The exigencies of Il terrible war made our
people needless of the opportunities for the
| Interior schemes afforded by their willing
and patriotic payment of unprecedented
| tribute; and now, after long period of
peace, when our overburdened countrymen
| ask for relief and restoration to a fuller en-
| joyment of their incomes and earnings. they
| are met by the claim that tariff taxation for
| the sake of protection is an American sys-
| tenn, the continuance or which is necessary
| IN order that high wages may be paid to cur
worklngmen, and home market he pro-
ylded lOr Our fam products. These pre-
| lenses should no lLnger deceive. The truth
| Is that such system Is directly antagoniZed
| by every sentiment of justice and fairness,
| OF which Americans are pre-cmlnentiy
proud 1t is also true that while our work
ingmen can, the least of all our people, de-
fend themselves against the harder home
life which such tariff taxation DEGREES, the
workingman, suffering from the lmporta-
gated by his profe Sed trends. and seeking
security for his interests in organized coop
Grafton, still waits for division of the adj
yantagej secured to his employer under cOv-
er of generous solicItude for, his wages,
while the farmer Is learning that the prices
of his products are fixed in foreign markets,
where he suffers from competition invited
and built up by system he is asked to sup
PORT. The struggle for Inearned advantage
at the doors OF the government trampleS on
the rights of these who patiently rely upon
the assurances OF American equality.
Though the subject of tarif legislation in
wolves question of markets. it also involves
question of morals. We cannot, with I'LL
punlty, permit injustice to faint the spirit of
right and equity, which is the life of our re-
public; and we shall fail to reach our nation
al destiny If greed and seltishness led the
way.
We believe readjustment can be accom-
plished In accordance with the principles we
profess, without disaster or demolition We
believe the advantages of treer raw ma
terial should be ACCORDED to our manuiac-
turerS, and we contemplate fair and Care
tul dis ribution of the necessary tariff bur-
dens, rather than the precipitation of free
trade.
The attempt of the opponents of democ-
racy to interfere with and control suffrage of
states through federal agencies, develops a
design, which 10 explanation can mitigate,
to reverse the fundamental and safe rela-
tions between the people and their govern
ment. Such an attempt cannot fail to be re-
g irded by faithful men as proof of the
bold determination to secure the ascendancy
of the discredIted party In reckless disregard
of the free expression OF the popular will.
To resist such scheme Is the impulse OF the
democracy. At all times and in all places we
trust the people. As against the disposition
to force a way to federal power, we present to
them rs our claim to their confidence and sup
port the steady championship of their rights.
Every dollar put in the hanis of the people |
should be of the same intrinsic value purchas-
ing power. With tnis condition absolutely guar
anteed, both gold and silver can be safely util-
lied upon equal terms in the adjustment of |
our currency. In dealing with this subject no |
selfish scheme should be allowed to intervene |
and no doubtful experiment. should be attempt
ed. The Inconvenience or loss that might arise |
can be much easier borne than the universal dis
tress which must follow discredited currency. |
No complaint should be made of the amount |
of public money paid to those actually disabled,
but our pension roll should be a roll of honor,
uncontaminated by i'll desert and unvitiated by |
demogogic use. This is due to those whose |
pie who delight TO honor the brave and true.
Preferences accorded to veteran soldiers in pub |
lie employment should be secured to them hon
estly and without evasion, and when capable
and worthy their claim to the helpful regard |
and gratitude of their countrymen should b
ungrudgingly acknowledged:
The assurance to the people of the utmost in
dividual liberty consistent with peace and good |
order is the cardinal principle of our govern
ment. This gives no sanction to vexatious sump-
tuary laws which undeniably interfere with such |
habits and customs of our people as are not of
fensive to just and moral sense, and are not |
inconsistent with good citizenship and public |
welfare. The same principle requires that the
line between subjects which are properly within
control and those which are more
carefully kept in view. An enforced education,
wisely deemed proper preparation for citizen
SNIP sn0aia not involve th me impairment OF
to the household conscience. Paternalism in
the government finds no approval in the creed
of tho democracy. 1t is a system of misrule
whether it is manifested in authorized gifts. or
control of personal and family
affairs.
The generous hospitality, which is one of the
most prominent of our national characteristics. |
prompts us to welcome the worthy and indus