St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1892-10-15

tenn he is asked to support. The strug-
gle fer an unearned advantage at the
doors Of the government tramples on
the rights of those VINO patiently rely
upon the assurances of American
equality. Every governmental conces-
sion to clamorous favorites invites cor
ruption in political affairs by encourag-
ing an expenditure of money to debauch
suffrage in support of policy directly
favorable to private and selfish gain.
This in the end must strangle patriot
ism and weaken popular confidence in
the rectitude of Republican institutions.
Though the subject of tariff legisla-
tion involves the question of markets,
1t also involves a question of morals
We cannot with ilnpunity permit in
justice to taint the spirit of right and
equity, which is the life of our republic;
and we shall fail to reach our national
destiny if greed and selfishness lead the
way. Recognizing these truths the
national Democracy will seek by the
application of just and sound principles
to equallze to our people the blessings
due them from the government they
support, to promote among our country
men a closer community of interest,
cemented by patriotism and national
pride, and to point out a fair field where
prosperous and diversified American
enterprise may grow and thrive in the
wholesome atmosphere of a nation of
industry, ingenuity and intelligence
Tariff reform is still our purpose.
Though we oppose the theory that tariff
laws may be passed having for their
object the granting of discriminf ting
and unfair governmental aid TO private
ventures, we wage no exterminating
war against any American interest. We
believe that a readjustment can be ac-
complished in accordance with the
principles we profess without disaster
or demolition. We believe the advan-
tages of free raw material should be ac-
corded our manufacturers and contem-
plate a fair and careful distribution of
the necessary tariff burdens rather than
a precipitation Of free trade. We an
ticlpate with ealsnness the nisrepresen-
tation of our motives and purposes, in
by selishness which seeks to
hold in unrelenting grasp its unfair adj
vantage under the present tariff laws
We will rely upon the intelligence of
our fellow countrymen to reject the
charge that party comprising a
majority of our people is planning the
destruction of or injury to American
and know that they cannot be
frightened by the spector of impossible
free trade.
The Force Bill.
The administration and management
of our government depends upon the
popular will. Federal power is the in
of that will and not its master.
The heretofore attempt of the opponents
of Democracy to interfere with and con-
troll the suffrage of the states through
Federal agencies developes a design,
which no explanation can mitigate, to
reverse the fundamental and safe rela-
ton between the people and their gov.
Such an attempt will not fail
se be regarded by thoughtful men as
the ascendenesy Il to secure
reckless disregard of the free expression
Of the popular will. TO resist such a
scheme is the impulse of Democracy.
At all times and in all places we trust
the people as against the disposition to
force the way to Federal power. We
present to them as our claim to their
confidence and support steady cham
of their rights.
AS to silver Coinage.
The people are entitled to sound and
honest money, abundantly sufficient in
volume to supply their business needs.
But whatever may be formed, the peo-l
ple's currency, national or state.
gold, silver or paper, it should
be so regulated and regarded by gov
action or by wise and careful
Jaws that no one can be deluded as to
the certainty and stability of its value.
Every dollar put into the hands of the
people should be of the same intrinsic
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
subject no selfish scheme should be al
owed to intervene and no doubtful ex-
pertinent should be attempted. The
wants of our people arising from de-
iciency or unprotected distribution of
money circulation oughtto be fully and
recognized and efficiently REM
4died It should, however, be con-
stantly rememb bered that the loss that
might arise from such situation can
be much more easily borne than the
distress which must follow
1iscredited currency.
The Public Service.
Public officials are the agents Of the
people and it is therefore their duty to
secure for those whom they represent
The best and most efficient performance
Of public work. This plainly can best
be accomplished by regarding ascer-
tanned fitness in the selection of govern
ment employees. These considerations
alone are sufficient justification for hon
est adherence to the letter and spirit of
civil service reform. There are, how
ever. other features of this plan which
we abundantly commend. Through its
operation worth and merit in every sta
tion and condition of American life is
recognized in the distribution of public
employment, while its application tends
to raise the standard of POLITICAL ac-
tiyity from spoils hunting and unthink-
ing party affiliation to an advocacy of
party principles by reason and argu-
ment.
Pensions.
The American people are generous
and grateful and they have impressed
those characteristics upon their govern
ment Therefore all patriotic and just
decisions must commend the considera-
tion for our wealthy veteran soldiers
and for the families OF those who have
died, No complaint should be made of
the amount of public money paid those
actually disabled or made dependent by
reason of army service, but our pension
roll should be a roll of honor, unconv
taminated by i'll desert and unyitihted
by demagogic use. This is due those
whose worthy names adorn the roll and
due our people who delight to honor