The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1892-10-01
CLEVELAND ACCEPTS
A BRIEF LETTER ON THE
POLITICAL SITUATION.
He REITERATES His TARIFF VIEWS
Both Gold and silver Can be Utilized as
Currency y-sumptuary Laws, Nicar-
aqua Canal, Columbian Exposition,
Immigration, and Equity In
TariT Legislation All
Touched Upon.

New YORK, Sept. 27. Grover Cleve-
land yesterday gave out his letter ac-
cepting the presidential nomination
by the Democratic party. 1t is as fol-
lows:
Hon. William L. Wilson land others,
committee, etc.
Gentlemen: In responding to your
formal notification of my nomination TO
the presidency of the national democracy,
/ hope / may be permitted TO say at the
outset that continued reflection and
observation have confirmed me in my
adherence to the opinions which I have
heretofore plainly and publicly declared
touching the questions involved in the
canvass.
This is time above all others when
these questions should be considered in the
light afforded by sober apprehension of
the principles upon which our government
is based and clear understanding of the
relation 1t bears to the people for
whose benefit 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 be
ascertained and by which the justice and
honesty of every political question can be
judged. II doctrines or theories are pre-
sented which do not satisfy this test loyal
Americans must pronounce them false and
mischievous.
The protection. of the people in the exclu-
sive use and enjoyment of their property
and earnings concededly constitutes the
especial purpose and mission OF our free
government. This design is so interviewer
with the structure of our plan of rule that
failure to protect the citizen in such use
and enjoyment or its unjustihable diminu-
tion by the government itself Is betrayal
of the peoples trust.
We have, however, undertaken to build
great nation upon plan especially our
own. To maintain it and TO furnish
through its agency the means for the ac-
complishment of national objects, the
American people are willing through fed
eral taxation TO surrender a part of their
earnings and income. Tariff legislation
presents q familiar form of federal taxa
ton. Such legislation results assuredly in
tax upon the daily life Of our people as
the tribute paid directly into the hand Of
the tax gatherer We feel the burden Of
these tariff taxes too palpably TO be per-
suaded by any sophistry that they do not
exist, or are paid by foreigners.
A Tariff for Revenue.
Such taxes representing diminution
Of the property rights of the people, are
only justifiable when laid and collected for
the purpose of maintaining our government
plishment of its legitimate purposes and
functions This is taxation under the
operation of tariff for revenue. 1t accords
with the professions of American free in
stitutions and its justice and honesty
answer the test supplied by a
correct appreciation of the principles upon
which these institutions rest. This theory
OF tariff legislation manifestly enjoins strict
economy In public expenditures and their
limitation to legitimate public uses, inas-
much as 10 exhibits as absolute eX ortion
any exaction by way OF taxation from the
substance of the people beyond the neces-
sities of careful and proper administra-
ton of government.
Opposed to this theory the dogma is now
boldly presented that tariff taxation Is
justifable for the express purpose and in
tent of thereby promoting especial inter
ests and enterprises. Such proposition
Is so clearly contrary to the spirit OF our
| constitution and so directly encourages the
disturbance by selhshness and greed of
patriotic sentiment that its statement
would rudey shock our people II they had
not already been insid.ously allured from
the safe landmarks of principle. Never
have honest desire for national growth,
patriotic devotion to country and sincere
regard for those who toll been so
6erniS;aas betrayed TO doo,ries tine support Of Ia
half the plea that our infant industries
should be fcstered did service until dis
| credited by our stalwart growth; then fol-
lowed the eXigencieS Of terrible war
which made our people Needless of the op-
portunities for Interior schemes afforded
by their willing and patriotic payment Of
unprecedented tribute; and now, after o
long period of peace, when our overbur-
dened countrymen ask for, n relief and q
restoration to a fuller enjoyment of their
incomes and earnings, they are met by the
claim that tariff taxation for the sake of
nrn 10 nm m innr af.aVts ha fsf.f-
tinuance of which is necessary In order
that high wages may be paid TO our work.
ing-meD aud home market be provided
for our farm products.
Though the subject of tariff legislation
involves question of markets it also in
wolves question of morals. We cannot
with impunity permit injustice to taint the
spirit of right and equity, which Is the life
Of our republic, ana We shall fail to reach
our national destiny If greed and selfish
ness lead the way.
Tariff Reform.
Recognizing these truths the national
democracy will seek by the application of
just and sound principles to equaliZe to
our people the blessings due them by the
government they support; to promote
| among our countrymen a closer community
of interests cemented by patriotism and
national pride and to point out fair field,
where prosperous and diversified Ameri-
wholesome atmosphere of American indus
try, ingenuity and intelligence.
Tariff reform is still our purpose.
Though we oppose the theory that tariff
laws may be passed having for their OBJ
| ject the granting of discriminating and un-
fair government aid to private ventures,
| we wage no exterminating war against any
American interests. We believe q read
| justment can be accomplished in accord
| ance with the principles we profess with
| out disaster or demolition. We believe
that the advantages of freer raw material
should be accorded to our manufacturers
| and we contemplate q fair and careful
distribution of necessary tariff burdens
| rather than the precipitation of free trade.
We anticipate with calmness the mis-
representation of our motives and purposes
instigated by a selfishness which seeks To
hold in unrelenting grasp it, unfair advan
| tage under present tariff laws. We will
| rely upon the intelligence of our fellowl
countrymen to reject the charge that n
| party comprising majority of our people
| Is planning the destruction or injury of
| American interests and we know they can
| not be frightened by the specter of impos-
| sible free trade.
Federal Elections.
The administration and management OF
| our government depends upon popular will.
Federal power is the instrument of that
| will-not its master. Therefore the at
| tempts of the opponents OF democracy TO
| interfere with and control the suffrage of
the states through federal agencies devel
ops design, which no explanation can
mitigate, to reverse the fundamental and
safe relations between the people
and their government. Such an at
| tempt can not fail to be regarded by
| faithful men as proof Of bold determine
| lion to secure the ascendancy of dis
credited party in reckless disregard of
free expression of the popular will. To
resist such scheme is an impulse of
democracy. At all times and in all places
we trust the people. AS against u dis
| position to force the way to federal power
we present to them as our claim to their
confidence and support a steady champion
ship of their rights.
The Financial Issue.
The people are entitled to sound and hon.
EST money, abundantly sufficient in volume
to supply their business needs. But what
ever may be the form ofesthe peoples eur
rency, national or state--whether gold, sill
YER or paper-it should be so regulated and
guarded by governmental action, or by
wise and carefuElaws that no one can be
ieluded as TO The certainty and stability
of its value. Every dollar put into the
hands of the people should be of the same
tiLtrinsio value, or purchasing power.
With this condition absolutely guaranteed,
both gold and silver can be safely utilized
upon equal terms in the adjustment Of our
currency.
| In dealing with this e.;>.H 1s< Ii selfish