Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1892-07-21

possible grounds WQen we cOuleliu ludu
in present conditions its operation is
unjust and that laws enacted in accord
ance with it are unjust and unfair.
ours is not a destructive party. we
are not at enmity with the rights OF
any of our citizens. All are our coun-
trymen. We are not recklessly heed
less of any American interests, nor will
we abandon our regard for them: but,
invoking the love Of fairness and justice
which belongs to true Americanism,
and upon which our constitution rests,
we insist that no plan of tariff lcSlsla-
ton shall be tolerated which has for lis
object and purpose forced contribu-
ton from the earnings and income OF
the mass of our citizens 10 swell direct
ly the denominations of q favored few
nor will we permit q pretended soilci-
tude for American labor, or any Other
specious pretext ofbenevolent care fol-
others, to blind the eyes of the people
to the selfish schemes OF those who seek
through the aid of unequal tariff laws to
gain unearned and unreasonable adj
vantages at the expense OF their Eel
lows.
"We have also assumed in our cove
nant with those whose support we in
vite the duty of opposing to the death
another avowed scheme of our adverse
ries, which, under the guise Of protect
ing the suffrage, covers but does not
conceal a design thereby to perpetuate
the power OF party afraid to trust Its
continuance to the untrammelcd and III
telligent votes of the American people.
We are pledged to resist the legislation
intended to complete this scheme, be-
cause we have not forgotten the satur-
MALTA of theft and brutal control which
followed another federal regulation OF
State suffrage. because we know that
the managers of a party which did not
scruple to rob the people OF q President
would not hesitate to use the machinery
created by such legislation, to revive
corrupt instrumentalities for partisan
purposes; because an attempt 10 enforce
such legislation would rckindlc animos-
tiles where peace and hopeilllncss now
prevail because such an attempt would
replace prosperous activity with dis
couragement and dread throughout q
large section Of our country, and would
menace everywhere in the land the
rights reserved to the States and to the
people, which underlie the safeguards
of American liberty.
Il shall not attempt to specify, at this
time, other objects and aims of demo-
cratic endeavor which add inspiration
TO our mission. True TO its history and
its creed, our party will respond to the
wants OF the people within safe lines
and guided by enlightened statesman
ship. To the troubled and impatient
within our membership we commend
continued, answering allegiance to the
party whose principles, in ali times past.
have been found sufficient for them, and
whose aggregate wisdom and patriot
ism, their experience teaches, can al
ways lie trusted
I'm tone of partisanship, which be-
Ats the occasion, let me say to you, as
equal partners in the campaign upon
which we to-day enter, that the person.
al fortunes of those to whom you have
entrusted your banners are only i'm
portant as they are related to the fate
of the principles they represent, aud to
the party which they lead. / cannot.
therefore, folbear reminding you, and
all those attached to the democratic
party Or supporting the principles which
we profess, that defeat in the pending
campaign, followed by the consumma-
ton of the Legislative schemes our op-
ponents contemplate, and accompanied
by such other incidents Of their success
rs might more firmly fix their power,
would present a most discouraging out
look for future democratic supremacy,
and for the accomplishment Of the OBJ
jects we have at heart.
"Moreover, every sincere democrat
must believe that the interests Of his
country are deeply involved in the vic
tory of our party in the struggle that
awaits us. Thus, patriotic solicitude
exalts the hope of partisanship and
should intensity our determination to
win success. This success can only be
achieved by systematic and intelligent
effort on the part of all enlisted i'll our
cause. Let us tell the people plainly
and honestly what we believe and how
we propose to serve the interests of the
entire country, and then let us, after
the manner of true democracy, rely
upon the thoughtfulness and patriotism
of our fellow-countrymen. 1t only re-
mains for me to say to you, in advance Of
q more formal response toyour message,
that obey the command of my party
and confidently anticipate that an in
telligcnt and earnest representation of our
cause will insure a popular endorse
ment of the action of the body you rep
resent"
The next speaker, ex-Lieutenant
Governor Stephen NJ. White, of Cali
fornia, had more success with his
speech notifying General Stevenson of
his nomination, than did Colonel Will
son in his effort. Mr.. Whites voice
was most powerful. He Quoted the
by its very loudness. Every
word was heard, rs the Californian's
lungs were stretched to their utmost.
Mr.. White, in the course of his speech,
said The great organization in whose
battles for the public welfare you have.
borne so conspicuous a part, has en-
manifested its unfaltering
of the enlightened and pro-
gressive administration with which you
were, for four years, prominently iden-
tilted"
Mr.. Bell then read the letter of mott
ication, which, after stating that Mr..
Stevenson had been nominated by the
on the first ballot for vice
continued We are able to
assure you that the honor has been con-