The free press., 1892-10-06

fixed in foreign markets, where he sui
fer. from competition invited and bu' lit
up By the system he is asked to sup
port.
The struggle for an unearned advantage
at the doors Of the Government, tramplea
on the right Of those who patiently rely
upon the assurance OF American equal
ity. Every governmental concession to
ciamorous iavorites invites corruption IN
political affairs by encouraging the e1-
penditure OF money to debauch the
suffrage 10 support OF policy directly
favorable TO private and selfish gain.
This, in the end, must strangle patriot'
Ism aud weaken popular confidence IN
the rectitude Of Republican institutions.
Though the subject OF tariff leg station
involves tho question of markets, it also
involves question of morals. We can
not with immunity faint the spirit OF
right and equity which is the life OF our
Republic, and we shall fail to reach our
National destiny greed and seltishness
lead the way.
Recognizing these truths, the National
Democracy will seek by application OF
just and sound principles to equaize TO
our people the blessings due them from
the Government they support, to pro-
mote among our countrymen the closest
community Of interest cenented by
patriotism and National pride, and to
point out fair field where prosperous
and diversified American enterprises
may grow and thrive in the wholesome
atmosphere of American industry, in
genuity and intelligence. Tariff Reform
is still our purpose. We oppose
the theory that tariff laws must be
passed having for their object the grant
ing OF discriminating and unfair Govern
mental aid to private ventures. Wa
wage no exterminating war against any
American interests. We behave read
iustment can be accomplished in accord.
ance with the principles we protest
without disaster to anyone. We believe
the advantages Of free raw materials
should be accorded to our manufacturers,
aud we contemplate fair and careful
distribution OF necessary tarI@ burdens,
rather than precipitation of free trade.
We anticipate with calmness the mis-
representation OF our motives and pur-
poses, instigated by the seItishness
which seeks TO hold, in unreIentlnG
grasp, its unfair advantage under the
present tariff laws. We will rely upon
the intelligence OF our fellow country
men to reject the charge that a party
com prising the majority Of our people is
planning the destruction or injury of
American interests, and we know they
can not be frightened by the specter ot
impossible free trade.
THE FORCE BILL.
The administration and management
of our Government depend upon
the popular will Federal power is the
instrument of that will, not its master.
Therefore the attempt Of the opponents
of Democracy to interfere with and con-
troll the suffrage OF the S ates throug J
Federal agencies, develops a design
which no explarP tion can mitigate, 10
reverse the fundamental and safe rela
tons between the people and their Gov
eminent. Such an attempt cannot iail
70 be regarded bv thoughtful men as
proof of a bold determination to secure
the ascendancv of discredited party in
reckless disregard of the free expression
Of the popular will. 10 resist such q
scheme is an impulse of Democracy. AT
all times and in all places, we tlpst the
people as against those who would force
their way to Federal power, We pre-.
sent to them as our claim to their con-
fidence and support the steady cham
pionship of their rights.
THE MONEY QUESTION.
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 tho
peoples money, National or Stete,
whether gold or silver or paper, il
should be so regulated aud guarded by
Governmental action, or by wise and
careful laws, that no one can be deluded
as to the certainty and stability OF It1
value. Every dollar put into the hands
OF the people should be OF the same
intrinsic value or purchasing power.
With this condition absolutely guaran-
teed, both gold and silver can be
safely utilized 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 at
tempted. The wants of our people
arising from a deficiency or an imperfect
ulstllDutlOu VI tll NhidliOu bNBbt
to 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.
CIVIL SERVICE.
Public officials are agents OF the peo-
Pile. 1t is, therefore, their duty to secure
for those whom they represent the best
and most efficient performance OF public
work. This plainly can best be accom-
plished by regarding ascertained fitness
in the selection of Government employees.
These considerations alone are a sufficient
justification for an honest adherence to
the letter and spirit Of civil service re-
form. There are, however, other features
Of this plan which abundantly commend
it. Through its operation worthy merit
in every station and condition of Ameri.
can life is recognized in the distribution
OF public employment, while its applica.
ton tends to raise the standard of
political activity from thoughtless
party afiihatiou to the advocacy OF party
principles by reason and argument.
PENSIONS.
The American people are generous
and grateful; and they have impressed
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