Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1892-10-05

I
If our government depends upon popu-
al will Federal power is the instru-
nent of that will-not its master.
the attempt of the oppon-
ants of democracy to interfere with and
control the suffrage of the States
through federal agencies developes a
design, 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 thought |
full men as proof of bold determine |
ton to secure the ascendancy of dis !
party in reckless disregard of
a free expression of the popular will.
To resist such a scheme is an impulse
of democracy. At all times and in all
places we trust the people. AS against
a disposition to force the way to feder-
al power we present to them as our
claim to their confidence and support
a steady championship of their rights.
SOUND MONEY.
The people are entitled to sound and
honest money, abundantly sufficient in
volume to supply their business needs.
But whatever may be the form of the
peoples currency, national or State
whether gold, silver or paper-it should
be SO regulated and guarded by gov
ernmental action or by wise and care
full laws that no one can be deluded as
to the certainty and stability of its val
ue. Every dollar put into the hands
of the people should be of the same in
With this condition absolutely guar
anteed both gold and silver can be safe
ly utilized upon equal terms in the ad-
justment of our currency.
In dealing with this subject no self
ish scheme should be allowed to inter
vene and no doubtful experiment
should be attempted. The wants of
our people, arising from the deficiency
or imperfect distribution of money cir
culation, ought to be fully and honest
ly recognized and efficiently remedied.
1t should, however, be constantly re-
membered that the inconvenience or
loss that might arise from such a situa-
ton can be much easier borne than the
universal distress which must follow a
discredited currency.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
Public officials are the agents of the
people. It is therefore their duty to
secure for those whom they represent
the best and most efficient performance
of public work. This plainly can be
best accomplished by regarding ascer-
tanned fitness in the selection of gov
eminent employees. These considera-
tions alone are sufficient justification
for on honest adherence to the letter
and spirit of civil service reform. There
are, however, other features of this
plan which ahundantly commend it..
Through its operation worthy merit in
every station and condition of Ameri-
can life is recognized in the distribu-
ton of public employment, while it's
application tends to raise the standard
Of political activity from sgoils hunt
ing and unthinking party affiIiatfon to
the advocacy of party principles by
reason and argument.
I4BERAt PENSIONS.
The American people are generous
and grateful, and they have impressed
these characteristics upon their gov
ernment: Therefore all patriotic and
just eiti8ens must commend liberal con
sideration for our worthy veteran sol
diers and for the families of those who
have died. No complaint should be
made of the amount of public money
paid to those actually disabled or made
dependent by reason of army service
But our pension roll should be a roll of
honor, uacbntaminated by i'll desert
and unvitiated by demagogic use This
is due to those whose worthy names
adorn the roll, and to all our people
who delight to honor the brave and the
true. 1t is also due to those who in
years to come should be allowed to
hear, reVerently and lovingly, the story
Of American patriotism and fortitude
Illustrated by our pension roll. The
preferences accorded to veteran SOL
diers in public employment should be
secured TO them honestly and without
evasion, and when capable and worthy
their claim to the helpful regard and
gratitude of their countrymen should
be ungrudgingly acknowledged
SUMPTUARY LAWS.
The assurances to the people of the
utmost individual liberty consistent
with peace and good order is cardinal
principal of our government. This
gives no sanction to vexatious sumptu-
airy laws which unnecessarily interfere
with such habits and customs CT our
people as are not offensive to q Just
moral sense and are not inconsistent
with good citizenship and the public
welfare. The same principal requires
that the line between the subjects
which are properly within government
al control and those which are more
fittingly left to parental regulation
should be carefully kept in view An
enforced education, wisely deemed a
proper preparation for citizenship,
should not involve the impairment OF
wholesome parental authority nor do
violence to the household conscience.
Paternalism in government finds no
approval in the creed of democracy.
1t is a symptom of misrule, whether it
is manifested in unauthorized gifts or
by an unwarranted control of personal
and family affairs.
IMMIGRATION.
Our people, still cherishihg the feel
ing OF human fellowship which belong
ed to our beginning as a. nation, require
their sympathy with all those who are
oppressed under any rule less tree than
ours,
A generous hospitality which is one
of the most prominent of our national
characteristics, prompts us to welcome
the worthy and industrious Of all lands
TO homes and citizenship among us.
This hospitable sentiment is not vic
lated, however, by careful and reason
able regulations for the protection of
the public health, nor does it Justify
the reception of immigrants who have
no appreciation of our institutions and
whose presence among Us is menace
to peace and good order.
NICARAGUA SHIP CANAL
The Importance of the construction
of the Nicaragua ship canal as a
means of promoting commerce between
our States and with foreign countries,
and also as contribution by Aineri-
cans to the enterprises which advance
the interests of the world of civiliza-
ton, should commend the project to
government approval and indorse-
ment.
COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION.
Our countrymen not only expect from
those who represent them in public
places sedulous care for the things
which are directly and palpably relat- |
ed to their material interests, but they |
also fully appreciate the value of cul |
tivating our national pride and main |
tanning our national honor. Both their |
material interests and their national |
pride and honor are involved in the
success of the Columbian Exposition,