Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1892-09-29
CLEVELAND'S VIEWS.
His Letter of Acceptance Given
to the Public.
In the Document He Declares for Tariff
Reform, Sound Money, Favors PEN
sions and DenOunces the Fed
eraI Election Bill.
THE DOCUMENT.

THE DOCUMENT.
BUZZARD's BAY, Mass, Sept. 81
Following is the text of the letter of
Grover Cleveland issued in accepting
the democratic nomination for presi-
dent:
To Hon. WILLIAM L. WILSON AND OTHERS,
COMMITTEE, ETC.-Gentlemen: In responding
10 your formal notification OF my nomination 70
the presidency by the national democracy,
hope / may be permitted TO say at
the outset that continued reflection and
observation have confirmed me in my adj
herenee 70 the opinions which l have
heretofore plainly and publicly declared,
touching the questions involved in the canvass
This is time above all others when these ques-
tons should be considered in tue light Afforded
by sober apprehension of the principles upon
which our government is based and clear I'M
Outstanding OF the relation IL bears to the people
for whose benefit IL was created. We shall thus
be supplied with 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 hon
esty of every political question can be judged
If doctrines or theories are presented which do
not satisfy this test loyal Amerieanism must
pronounce them false and mschievous
The protection OF the people in the exclusive
use and enjoyment of their property and earn
ings concededly constitutes the especial pur-
pose ana mission OF our tree government.
This design is so interviewer with the
structure of our plan of rule that fail
ure to protect the citizen in such use and
enjoyment, or their unjustihable diminu-
ton by the government itself, is betrayal OF
the peoples trust We have, however, under
taken to build great nation upon plan espe-
cially our own. To maintain ii and TO furnish
through its agency the means for the accom-
1,1,g, Arf,pr
pie are willing through federal taxation TO sur
render a part of their earnings and income.
Tariff legislation presents familiar form OF
federal taxation such legislation results as
surely ina tax upon the daily life of our people
as the tribute paid directly into the hands Of the
tax gatherer We feel the burden OF these
tariff taxes too palpably to be persuaded by any
sophistry that they do not exist or are paid by
foreigners Such taxes, representing diminu-
ton of the property rights OF the peo-
pie, are only justihable when laid ana
collected for the purpose Of maintaining our
government and furnishing the means for the
accomplishment of its legitimate purposes and
functions. This is taxation under the opera
ton of tariff for revenue 1t accords with
the professions of American free institutions,
and it's Justice and honesty answer the test sup
| piled by correct appreciation of the principles
| upon which these institutions rest
This theory of tariff legislation manifestly
I
and their limitation to legitimate public uses.
inasmuch as ii exhibits as absolute extortion
any exactiOn by way OF taxation from
the substance of the people beyond
the necessities of careful and proper
administration of government Opposed
to this theory, the dogma is now boldly pre-
scented that tariff taxation is justifable for the
express purpose and intent Of thereby promot-
| ing especial interests and enterprises. Such
proposition is so clearly contrary to the spirit
! of our constitution and so directly encourages
the disturbance by selfshness and greed
Of patriotic sentiment, that its statement
would rudely shock our people had they not
already been insidiouSly allured from the safe
landmarks of principle. Never have honest de-
sire for national growth, patriotic devotion TO
country, and sincere regard for those who toll
been so betrayed TO the support OF pernicious
| doctrine.
| In its behalf the plea that our infant indus
| tries should be fostered I'D service until dis
! credited by our stalwart growth; then followed
| the exigencies of terrible war which made our
people needless Of the opportunities for Interior
| schemes afforded by their willing and patri-
/ otto payment of unprecedented tribute; and
now, after long period of peace when
| our overburdehed countrymen ask for relief
| and a restoration TO fuller enjoyment OF their
| incomes and earnings, they are met by the
| claim that tariff taxation for the sake OF pro-
| lection is an American system, the continuance
] OF winch 10 necessary III OEucI tHdN ulSH wages
| NAV be paid to the workinRmen and home
| market be provided for our farm products
| These preteuses should no longer deceive.
| The truth is that such system is directly an
| tagonzed by every sentiment OF justice and
| fairness OF which Americans are prominently
! proud II is also true that while our working
| men and farmers can. the least OF all our
| people, defend themselves against the harder
| nome life which such tariff taxation DEGREES,
! the workngman suffering from the importa-
| ton and employment of pauper labor in
! stigated by his professed friends, and seeking
security for his interests in organized coopera-
ton still waits for a division of the advantages
secured to his employer under cover OF gener-
! Gus solicitude for his wages, while the farmer
! is learning that the prices of his products are
| fixed in foreign markets, where he suffers from
| a competition invited and built UP by the sys-
| TEN he is asked to support
The struggle for unearned advantage at the
! doors of the government tramples IN the rights
Of those who patiently rely upon surances of
! American equality. Every governmental con-
! cession 10 clamorous fayorites invites corrup-
| ton in political affairs by encouraging expendi-
| ture of money 10 debauch suffrage in support Of
4 4 policy directly favorable TO private and sell
| fish gain. This in the end must strangle patri-
otism and weaken popular confidence in the rec
/ titude of republican institutions.
Though the subject of tariff legislation in
wolves question Of markets, it also involves
i a question of morals We cannot with impunity
permit injustice to faint the spirit OF right and
4 equity which is the life OF our republic; and
I We shall fail to reach our national destiny il
! greed and selfshness lead the way. Recog-
uzing these truths, the national de-
/ mocracy will seek by the application
4 Of just and sound principles to equal
4 ze to our people the blessings due them
! from the government they support, to promote
! among our countrymen closer community OF
interests, cemented by patriotism and national
I pride, and to point out fair field, where pros
| nerous ana diversified American enterprises
may grow and thrive ia the wholesome atuos-
phere Of American industry, ingenuity and in
/ telligence.
Tariff reform j. still our purpose. Though we
oppose the theory that tariff laws may be
passed having for their object the granting or
. discriminating and unfair governmental aid 70
private ventures We wage no discriminating
war against ans American interests We be-
fieve readiastment can pc accomplished in
accordance wita the principles We profess
witaoat disaster or demolition We believe
that tae advantages u freer raw material
mould IA accorded to oar maG4tae ltef-, AID
s u. X. sFsE e. t4raEH + t- = # +