St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1892-10-15

tional objects the American people are
willing. through Federal taxation, to
surrender d part of their earnings and
income, and to the opinions which taft
legislation presents is the familiar form
of Federal taxation. Such legislation
results as surely in tax upon the
daily life of our people as a
tribute paid directly into the
hands of the tax gatherer. We feel
the burden of these tariff taxes too pal
pabIy to be persuaded by any sophistry
that they do not exist or are paid by
foreigners. Such taxes, representing
the dim1ution of the property rights of
the people, are only justlfiable when laid
and collected for the purpose OF main
tanning the government and furnishing
means for the Accomplishment OF its
legitimate purpose and functions This
Is taxation under the operation of a
tariff for revenue. 1t accords with the
professions Of American free institutions
and it's Justice and honesty answer the
test supplied by a correct appreciation
IF the principles upon which these insti-
f11tions rest. This theory of tariff legis-
lation rnanifestly enjoins strict economy
IN public expenditures and their limlta-
tion to legitimate public uses. Inas-
,nuch as it exhibits any exac-
fion Iv way of taxation ffom the sub
stance Of the people beyond this neces-
sity and the careful and proper admins
4ninistration of the government IS abso-
lutte extortion. .
Opposed to this theory, the dogma is
boldly presented that tariff taxation is
iustifiable for the express purpose and
with intent thereby of promoting special
interests and enterprises. Such prop
osition is so clearly contrary to the spir-
II of our eonstitI, ion and SO directly
encourages disturbances by selfshness
and greed of patriotic sentiment that
its statement would rudely shock our
people if they had not already been in
sidiously allured from safe Landmarks
nf principle. Never have honest desire
for national growtn and sincere regard
for those who toll been SO betrayed TO
the support of pernicious doctrines. In
its behalf the plea that our infant IN
iustries should be fostered did ser
sy;.a until discredited by our stalwart
Growth. Then followed the exigencies
1f fhe terrible war, which made our
neople needless of the opportunities for
Interior schemes afforded by their will
ing and patriotic payment OF an unprec-
fadented tribute. and now, after Ions
,,eriod of peace, when our overburdened
country1nen ask for relief and restora-
I fion to the fuller enjoyment Of their in
comes and earnings they are met by the
claim that tariff taxation for the sake
af protection is an American system. a
continuance of which is necessary n
order that high wages may be pald
workingmen and a home market be pro-
yided for our farm products.
THESE pretenses should no longer de-
ceiye. The truth is, such a system Is
directly antagonized by every sentl-
ment Of Justice and fairness OF winch
Americans are pre-esninently proud
n ID also true that while our working
men and farmers least of all people de-
fend themselves against the harder
nome life which such tariff taxation DE
crees. The workingman suffering from
the importation and employ o.
pauper labor instigated by his protessef
friends, and seeking security for ms IN "a
terests in organized cooperation, stu
waits for division of the advantage
secured I'd the employer under the covel
of a generous solicitude for his wages
while the farmer is learning that prices
Of his products are fixed IN foreigI
markets where he suffers from com com
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