Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1892-10-31
STEPHENSON ACCEPTS
In Letter Which Deals in the Same
Old Democratic Doctrines.
Pounds Away On Tariff as5 Force Bill, But
Says Nothing New.

| II. Stevenson has sent his letter of accep
tanee 10 the presiden, Of the National Dem
ocra,ic committee.
| In il he excuses his tarsiiness on tht
| ground of his labors on the stump and b,
/ saws in part The full discussion of pub
lie questions commonly expected from 1
candidate for Vice President is RENDERED
I less imperative by the complete presenta
ton of the Democratic creed by the gentle
/ man with whom have the honor 10 be as
sociated as i, candidate on the nationa
ticket
His treatment of the issues now before
the country for discussion and settlement
are so complete that can do little more
than endorse his position and give it the
emphasi, of my unqualified approval. The
greatest power conferred upon human
government is that of taxation. With Tho
great struggles of the past broader po Utica
liberty looked toward the limitation of this
power by the right to tax, right which
should always be limited by the necessities
of the government and to benefits that may
be shared by att.
Whenever this power is used to draw
tribute from the many for the benefit OF
the few or when part of the people are
oppressed in order that the remainder may
prosper uniuly, equality is lost sight of,
and the injustice hardens into precedent,
which is used to excuse new exactons, and
there arise artificial distinctions which
benefiearies come to look upon in due time
AS vested rights. sacred to themselves.
Ii is plain that our present inequitable
system of tariff taxation has promoted the
growth of such conditions in our land, IA
yorcd though it has been by industrious
and enterprising people, friendly climate,
productive soil and the highest development
of political liberty. If the beneficiaries of
this system are able TO add a new tenure of
power to those they have already enjoyed,
the development of these unfavorable con-
ditions must continue until the power to tax
is lodged in those willing and able to pay
for the perpetuation of privileges originally
conferred by confiding people, for the
preservation in vole of their own govern
ment.
There is no longer a prete1t or excuse
for the maintenance of Il war tariff in the
times of peace, ani more than quarter OF
Il century after the armed conflict has
rea.ed. The platform of the National
Democratic Convention demands the re-
form OF this system ani the adoption in its
place of one which will insure equality to
all people. am in full and hearty accord
with these purposes.
The convention also declared its position
on the currency question in no unmeaning
words in the platform. To this plain and
unequivocal declaration in favor of sound
honest money, subscribe without reser,a-
ton or qualification. A safe circulating
medium is absolutely essential TO the pro-
lection of the business interests of our
country while to the wage Garner or farm
er it is all important that every dollar that
finds its way into his pocket shall be OF
equal, unquestioned and universally ex'
changeable value and of equal purchasing
power.
Another issue of great moment in the
pendng contest is the force bill, the mag
nitude of which cannot be overstated. II
NAV mean the control of the election OF
representatives in Congress by the bayo-
net. The Republican party by its action
in the 5lst Congress and its platform in the
late national convention, stands pledged to
the passage of this bill. That it will pass
it when it has the power no sane man can
doubt. To all our people who desire the
peace and prosperity of our common coun-
try. this question is all important.
Since my nomination ! have been If
eight of the Southern and Southwestern
states of the Union. and talked with mer
of all classes and conditions. | found q
general and growing apprehension of ih'
evils, believed that would result from tn,
passage of the Lodge bill, or similar threat
cned legislation. found industries estab'
lished by Northern capital during Mr.
Clcvelands administration in a languishinp
condition: and the immigration of labor
and the investment of capital invited tt
those states by their then peaceful condl-
ton, had in large measure ceased.
The enactment of the force bill into u
law, while it would threaten the liberties OF
the entire people. would undoubtedly retard
the material growth of states al which it Is
especially aimed, and would incite in many
communities, race troubles, and invite re-
talatory legislation, which would disturb
property values and discontinue and de
stroy the security of Northern investments
Its reflex action upon Northern states would
result in the consequent loss of commercial
and trade relations with the vast territory
now becoming tributary to their wealth and
and prosperity.
say nothing now of the inherent vice OF
the I'M American and revolutionary spirit
in the Lodge bill, pronounced by Reput-
lican senator, The most infamous that
ever crossed the threshold of the Senate.
appeal to the instinct of self-interest and
the sense of common justice in the Ameri
can people, The letter closes with an ac-
ceptance of the nomination.