The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1892-10-07
cLsvrLlsps LETTER OF AecrrrA scs

he following Is Cleyeiands letter oi
acceptance. We bespeak careful perusal
of it by every reader of the DEMOCRAT:
In responding to your formal notification
OF my nomination TO the presidency by the
national democracy. hope may be per-
mitted TO say at thee outset that continued
reflection and observation have confirmed
me in my adherence to the opinions which
have heretofore plainly and publicly de-
clared, touching the questions involved in
the canvass. This is time above all others
hen these questions should be considered
in the ligli: afforded bya sober apprehen-
sion Ct the principles upon which our
government is based, and a clear under
standing OF the relation il bears TO the
people forswhose benelit it was created.
We shall thus be supplied with a test by
which the value Of any proposition relating
to the maintenance and administration of
our government can he ascersained. and by
which the justice and honesty Of every po-
iitical question can be judged. II doctrines
or theories are presented which do not
satisfy this test. loyal Americanism, must
pronounce them false and nIsehier Gus. The
pfoteetion Of th- people 10 the exclusive use
and enjoyment cfthsis properly aud earn
ings. concetsly cOnstitsses The especial pur-
pose and mission Of our free government.
This de<igx Is 50 intef~oven with the s.ruct-
nre Of oaI plan Of rule that future TO protect
the citizen IN such use and emp'oynest, or
shsif unius'iiabIe diminu,ion by tn. govern
ment itself. Is = betrayal OF The peoples uast.
We have. ho1eyes, undertaken "a build
nation upon plan especially Our ows. To
nnsis;Ain Il and TO furnish ihscugh is agen-y
The means for shs s~eompIishmcn, Of a.s.oa-
al ohjerss, he AaaeIicsn people arc wiliins
through federal taxsti0a. 10 surrender part
fof their earnings aud Income.
Tariff icsisissioa prsea.s familiar form OF
fs1esal taza'ion- Sueh legislation resal,s a.
surely in = tax upon the daily life Of cur peo-
pie as the tribute psiI directly ialo :he hands
cf the tax -gsihcrefs. We feel the harden
os these iariE taxes loo pslpablY 10 be PEI
shaded by anT sOphssssy iha, ;hey DO no. eI-
is', e' are paid by foseignsfs. Sach taxes,
representing dirninu,ioa Of the properly
fsghts of Tie people. are only ias;ifiabIe ~hsn
laid and collected sos The r3rpose II E,ainsair-
/ iag our gOvesnmest. and 10 furnish The nea ns
for The accomplishment Ct is legitimate par
PoseE and taaessoss. This is TAXATION undsr
the operation e tariff for revenue Isac-
cords villa he pfasessSoRs Oi American free
iasiiiutsozs. ars. iss iasslre asd hozessY ans
~sE tAe ifs, suPpii.d ~ correct appreciation
o. tE.s issacips-s upon whIca. these initi,zsions
ssaasisaily sal0in s,rics eccaoEny ia pablic
exPeadignEea All their liGisaisoa 70 lertIia,aie
Pzhlse nses. snAsmEeh il esAibs,s as abb
s0lgte sx'ostioa any exactsOn by waY OF tax
ssina fsOn the saSssRnes of the psople heyozi
Ihe hecSsAitixs cs careful zdsusassssstioa of
go''sTnmsEt. Opposed to ,llis tIaecry she
aogaa is EOS boldly psesea,si ,lsz, t,riE tax
alton IS issiiiisSle tcs the eT7sess pzrpose
and intent of pfo=sossOa Of special Interests
and enterprises Such proposl,ioa 10 20
clearly coasrzry 10 the spirit Of our eoss;iss-
ton. sai 50 disrcsiy encourages tisgsrbsaces
by sriftsAnsss and greed Of pas,issic sentiment.
ilai is s'ai<Ensai wosld ruisly shock Oss Fe0-
| pc, II isey had No; already been insitioss!y
aglsred irom the SAFE iss6marks Of priscipis.
Never nsTs bones, desire tos Saiioasl grostA.
patriotic devotion 10 country, and sincere re-
gard for ihos< ~ho toll. b<sn 50 betrayed 20
The support Of q peraie'oss doctrine.
In It's beAsl: n. plea iha, our !nsan; tn
dssIies should le fos;ered did sersiee aa,i
5is=reii;el By oar s;aIuar, growth: then FOL
owed tie exiseEcss Of a terrible war, which
made our people heedIsss Of the opportunities
tOi uliesior schemes. Attended by their willing
patriotic payment Of unprecedented tribute
and ao~, atser org period Of peace, when
osr ovsrbardeues couatymsn ask for relief
aud Eessoralioa TO ialler cnjsyu,eE, Of their
iaoOmss aud earnings. ihsy are mel by The
eiaara that tasiT taxassoG for the sake Of pro-
iessioa il an American system. the contin =
aanee OF which IS necessary ia cgteE fAa
high wages may be paid 10 our workmea and
a home marke, be provided for al car farm
products. These Pre:enses should no longer
deceive. The truth Is that ssch \ sYsesn is
directly zn:agonisea by every sentiment OF
justice and fairness Of which Americans are
pfe-em!nsnily rioud. l: is also trae tha,
while oar woSkiBgmen and farmers eau, the
lesst Of all people, defend themselves against
the harder home life which sach taIia tax
alton DEGREES. the working man, suffering
from The Importation and employment. of pau.
per istoT ins;igA;ed by his pIoGs<sed f'iends
and seeking security for his Interests 10 or
gsniSsd Corporation, ssih waits foF disisiC n
. of the advantages secured 10 his employer
, under the cover Of generous soiieitade for
. his wages, while the farmer is lcsraing sha,
the prices Of bis products are fixed m foreign
mifkeis. where be suffers from competition
invited and built up By the system be is asked
to support. The struggle for unearned ad-
, vantage at the doors OF the government tramp
: les on the rights of those who patiently rely
upon the assurances of American equality.
Every government concession 10 elamorous
favori,es invites corruption in political affairs
by encouraging the expenditure of money 10
0 debauch suffrage in sspport Of a policy direct
7 ly favorable tnIsivate and selfish gain. This.
! in the end, must strangle patriotism and weak
!. en- popular confidence 10 the recti,nde Of re-
publican institutions. Though the subject oi
tariff legislation involves question OF mar
keis, II also involves que,aion of morals
: cannot with impunity permit injustice
10 taint the spiri, of right and equity which
IS is the life of our republic, and We shalt fall
J to reach our natioual destiny il greed an,
sc ad.
Recognizing these truths, the naliona
4 democracy will seek. application
is of just and sound principles, to equaliz
J, to our people the blessings due them from
:" the government they support; to promot,
among our countrymen closer com
munity of interests, cemented by patriot
ism end national pride, and TO point out
!, y fair field where prosperous and diversifie
American enterprise may grow and thriy
In the wholesome atmosphere of Ameri
can industry, ingenuity and diligence
= :, Tariff reform Is still our purpose. thong
y. we onrasa the theorv of pranxiny discrfu1