The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1892-09-27

upon the rights OF those who patiently
rely upon the assurances Of American
equality. Every governmental conces-
sion to clamorous fayorites invites COR
ruption IN political affairs by enccourag'
ing the expenditure of money to dc.
bauch suffrage in support of q policy
directly favorable to private and selfish
gain. This in the end must strangle
patriotism and weaken popular conf
dence in the rectitude OF republican IN
stitutions.
Though the subject OF tariff lsgisla-
ton involves question Of markets. 1t
also involves question Of morals. We
cannot with impunity permit injury to
taint the spirit OF right and equity
which 10 the ilfe OF our republic, aud We
shall fail TO reach our national destiny
ii greed and selfshness lead tho way.
LETTING IT DOWN EASY.
Recognizing these truths. tho national
Democracy will sock by the application
of just and sound principles to equaliIe
to our people the blessings due thcm
from tho government they support, to
promote among our countrymen closer
community OF interests cemented by
patriotism and national pride, and to
point out o tair field whore prosperouH
American enterprise may grow and
thrive in the wholesome atmosphere Of
American industry, ingenuity and in
telligence. Tariff reform is still our
purpose. Though we oppose the theory
that tariff laws may be passed having
for their object the granting OF dis;
eliminating and unfair governmental
aid TO private ventures, we wage no ex-
tenuating war against any American
interests. We believe a readjustment
can be accomplished in accordance with
the principles we profess without dis
aster or demolition. We believe that
the advantages of freer raw material
should be accorded toour manufacturers,
and we contemplate fair and careful
distribution OF necessary tariff burdens,
rather than the precipitation OF free
trade.
We anticipate with calmness tho mis-
representation OF our motives and pur-
poses, instigated by seltishness which
seeks to hold in unrelenting grasp its
unfair advantage under present tariff
laws. We will rely upon the intellt-
gence Of our fellow countrymen to re-
ject the charge that a party comprising
a majority OF our people Is planning
the destruction or Injury Of American
interests; and we know they cannot
be frightened by the spectre OF impoSi.
sible free trade.
THE FoGcE BILL BoGY.
Tho administration and management
OF our government depend upon popu-
lar will. Federal power Is tho instru-
ment OF that will-not its master.
Therefore the attempt Of the opponents
OF Democracy to interfere With and
control the suffrage Of the states
through federal agencies develops de-
sign. which no explanation can miti.
gate, to reverse the fundamental and
safe relations between the people and
their government Such an attempt
cannot fail to be regarded by thoughtful
men as proof OF bold determination to
secure the ascendancy Of a discredited
party in reckless disregard ol a free ex-
preston OF the popular will. To resist
such scheme is an impulse OF Democ-
rscy. At all times and in all places we
trust the people. As against q disposi-
ton to force the way to federal power,
We present to them as our claim to
their confidence and support steady
championship Of their rights.
AGAINST FREE SILVER.
The people are entitled to sound and
honest money abundantly sufficient in
volume to supply their business needs.
But whatever may he tho form OF the
peoples currency, national or state
whether gold, silver, or paper-it should
be so regulated and guarded by govern
mental action, or by wise and careful
laws, that no one can be deluded as to
the certainty and stability Of its value.
Every dollar put into the hands ot the
people should be of the same intrinsic
value or purchasing power. With hkthis
condition absolutely guaranteed, both
gold and silver can be safely utilized
upon equal terms in the adjustment Of
our currency. In dealing with this sub.
iect no selfish scheme should be allowed
to intervene and no doubtful experi-
ment should be attempted. The wants
OF our people arising from the def
cheney or imperfect distribution Of
money circulation ought to be
fully and honestly recognized and
efficiently remedied. Il should, how.
ever, be constantly remembered that
the inconvenience or loss that might
arise from such situation can be much
easier borne than the universal distress
which must follow discredited cur
rcncy.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
Public officials are the agents Of the
people. 1t is therefore their duty to
secure for those whom they represent
tho best and most efficient performance
OF public work. This plainly can be
best accomplished by regarding ascer-
tained fitness in tho selection otgoxern-
mont cmployes. These considerations
alone arc sufficient justification for an
honest adherence totho letter and spirit
OF civil service reform. There are, how
ever, other features OF this plan which
abundantly commend it. Through its
operation worthy merit in every station
and condition OF American life is recog-
nized in the distribution OF public en-
ployment, while its application tends to
raise the stated standard OF political
activity from spoils hunting aud nm
thinking party afiliation to the advo.
cacy OF party principles by reason and
argument.
HEDGING on HIS PENSION RECORD.
The American people are generous
and grateful; and they have impressed
these characteristics upon their govern
ment. Therefore, all patriotic and just
citizens must commend liberal coneid-
Grafton for our worthy veteran soldiers
and for the families OF those who have
died. No COMPLAINT should be made