People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1892-08-19

and to purchase support Thus, one unconsti-
tutional measure was intended 10 be upheld by
another; and the abuse Of the power Of taxation
was to be maintained by usurping the power Of
spending the money in internal improvements
You cannot have forgotten the severe and
doubtful struggle through which we passed
when the executive department OF the govern
ment By its veto, ,endsavored 10 arrest this
prodigal scheme of injustice, and TO bring back
the legislation OF congress TO the boundaries
prescribed by the constitution. The good sense
and, practical judgment of the people when the
subject was brought before them, sustained the
course Of the executive; and this plan Of IN.
constitutional expenditure for the purposes
OF corrupt influences is, trust finally over
thrown
THE result Of this decision has been felt in the
rapid extinguishment Of the public debt and
the large accumulation OF surplus in the treas
ury Notwithstanding the tariff was reduced,
and is now far below the amount originally
contemplated by its advocates. But rely upon
it, the design 10 collect an extrayagant reve-
nue. and TO burden you with taxes beyond the
economical wants Of the government is not yet
abandoned The various interests which have
combined together TO impose heavy tariff, and
70 produce an overfowng treasury are too
strong, and have too much at stake 10 sur
render the contest The corporations and
wealthy individuals who are engaged in large
manufacturing establishments, desire high
tariff to increase their gains. Designing poll
tcians will support il 10 conciliate their favor,
and TO obtain the means OF profuse expenditure
for the purpose of purchasing influence in other
quarters, and since the people have decided
that the federal government cannot be permit
ted TO employ its income in internal improve
ments, efforts will be made TO seduce and mis-
lead the citizens OF the several states, by hold
ing out 10 them the deceitful prospect Of bene-
fits TO be derived from a surplus revenue col
lected b. the general government and annually
divided among the states. And II encouraged
BIZ these fallacious hopes, the states should
disregard the principles OF economy which
ought to characterize every republican gov
eminent and should indulge in lavish expenai
lures exceeding their resources, they will be-
fore long find themselves oppressed with debts
which they are unable TO pay, and the tempta-
ton will become irresistible TO support high
tarlif, in order TO obtain surplus distribution.
DO not allow yourselves, my fellow-citiZens, to
be misled on this subject The federal govern
ment cannot collect a surplus for such purposes
without violating the principles OF the consti-
tuition and assuming powers which have not
been granted Ii u.s. moreover. a system Of in
jus ice and If persisted in. will inevitably lead
to corruption and must end in ruin The sur
plus revenue will be drawn from the pockets OF
the people from the farmer the mechanic and
the laboring classes Of society; but who will re-
ceiVe 1t when distributed among the states,
where 1t is to be disposed OF by leading politi-
clans who have friends to favor and political
partisans to crafty! 1t will certainly not be
returned to those who paid, and who have most
need Of IT, and are honestly entitled TO it,
There is but one safe rule, and that is TO con-
fine the general government rigidly within the
sphere OF its appropriate duties. 1t has no
power to raise revenue, or to impose taxes,
except for the purposes enumerated in the con-
stitution; and If its income Is found to exceed
these wants It should be forthwith reduced,
and the burdens OF the people so far lightened.