Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-09-27

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INVITATION 70 CORRUPTION
THE struggle for unearned advantage
OF the doors OF the government tramples
on tho rights of those who patiently rely
upon assurances Of American equality.
Every governmental concession 10 cia-
morous iavorites invites corruption in DO.
liucal affairs by encouraging the expendi-
tnre Of money TO debauch Che suffrage in
support Of a policy directly favorable to
private and selfish gain. This IN the end
must strangle patriotism and weaken
popular confidence ia the rectitude OF re-
publican institutions.
Though the subject of tariff legislation
involves question Of markets, 1t also IN.
wolves a question of morals. We cannot
with impuniy permit injustice 10 faint the
spfit OF Dght and equity, which IL the
life OF our republic, and we shall fail to
reach our national destiny IL greed and
selhshness lead the way.
Recognizing these truths, the national
Democracy will seek by the application of
Just and sound PRINCIPLES 10 equalize 20
our people the blessings due them from
tue government they support. 60 promote
among our countrymen q closer commu-
nity of interests, cefnented by patriotism
and national pride. and 20 point out fair
held where prosperous and diversified
American enterprise may grow and thrive
in the wholesome atmosphere of American
industry, ingenuity. and intelligence.
TARIFF REFORM. NOT FREE TRADE
Tariff reform is still our purpose.
Though we oppose the theory that tariff
laws may be passed having for their object
the granting of discriminating and unfair
governmental aid 20 private ventures we
wage no eXtermInating war against any
American interests. We believe a read
lustment can be accomplished in accord
anco with the principles we profess with
ont disaster OF demolition. We believe
that the advantages of freer raw material
should be accorded to our manufacturers.
and we contemplate fair and careful dis
tributiOn OF necessary tariff burdens rather
than the precipitation of free trade.
We anticipate with calmnoss the mis-
representation Of our motives and purposes
inStigated by a selfishness which seeks TO
hold in unrelenting grasp its unfair adj
vantage under the present tariff laws. We
VIII reply upon the intelligence Of our
fellow-couutrymen to reject the charge
that party comprising a majority of our
people IS planning the destruction or in
jury of American interests, and we know
they can't Toe frightened by the spectre of
impossible free trade.
THE FORCE BILL REVOLUTIONARY.
1.-THE administration and management
Of our government depends upon the
popular will. Federal power is the instru-
ncnt Of that will. not its master. There
fore the attempts Of the opponents of
Democracy TO interfere with and control
the suffrage Of the States through Federal
agencies develops design, which no ex-
PLANTATION can mitigate. TO reverse the
fundamental and safe relations between
the people and their government.
Snch an attempt cannot fail to be
regarded by thoughtful men as proof
of bold determination TO secure
party in reckless disregard of free ex-
preston of the popular will. To resist
such IA scheme is an impulse OF Demo-
cracy. At all times and in all places we
trust the people. As against disposition
TO force the way to Federal power we pre-
sent 70 them. as our claim to their conf
dence and support, steady championship
OF their rights.
THE MONEY QUESTION.
1.-The people are entitled TO sound and
honest money, abundautly sufficient III
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 50 regulated and guarded bv govern
mental action or by wise and careful laws
I hat no one can be deluded as 10 the GER
tanty and stability of its value. Every
dollar put into the hands of the people
should be of the same intrinsic value or
power. With this condition
absolutely guaranteed both gold and SUI
yer can be safely utilized upon equal
terms in the adjustment of our cur
rency.
In dealing with this subject no selfish |
scheme should be allowed to intervene
aud no doubtful experiments should be at |
tempted. The wants of our people arising |
from the deficiency or imperfect dlstribu- |
ton of money circulation ought 10 be tuqy 1
and honestly recognized and efficiently |
remedied. It should. however, be con- |
stantly remembered that the inconvenience |
or. loss that might arise from such situa- !
ton can be mach easier borne than the |
distress which must follow dis |
credited currency.
CIyII-sERvICE REFORM.
Public officials are the agents of the
people. IL IL. therefore, their duty to
secure for those whom they represent the
best and most efficient performance OF
public work. This plainly can best be ac-
by regarding ascertained tit-
ness IN the selection of government
EMPLOYEES. These considerations alone
are sufficient justification for an hon
est adherence to the letter and spirit
of civil-service reform. There are.
however. other features of this plan
which abundantly commend 1t. Through
its operation worthy merit III every sta
ton and condition of American life is
in the distribution of public
employment, while its application tends to
raise the standard of political activity from
spoil-hunting and unthinking party athlia-
ton to the advocacy OF party principles by
reason and argument.
THE MATTER OF PENSIONS.
1.-THE American people are generous and
grateful, and they have Impressed these
upon their government.
Therefore, all patriotic and Just citizens
must commend liberal consideration for
orr worthy veteran soldiers and for the
families of those who have died No COM
plaiut should be made of the amount of
public money paid to those actually
disab ed or made dependent by reason OF
army service But our penslon-roll should
be n roll OF bOnOr, uncontaminated by
I'M desert and unvitiated by demagogic !
use. This is due to those whose worthy
names adorn the roll and TO all our peo.
ple who delight to honor the brave and
he true. IL IS also due 10 those who III
wears TO come should be allowed TO hear,
reverently and lovingly, the story, OF
American patriotism and tortltude MUS
trated 10y our penslOn-rolls. The prefer
euceS dctOTutQ 10 N0ACAuu sPANiNA0 ~ tNp-
nc 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
should be ungrudginely ac-
sUMPTUARY LAWS.
THE assurance to the people of the ut |
most individual liberty consistent with |
peace aud good order is cardinal prln- |
ciple of our government. This gives no |
sanction TO vexatious sumptuarY laws, |
winch unnecessarily interfere with such |
habits aud systems of our people as are |
NOT offensive TO a lust moral sense and are |
moi inconsistent with good citizenship and |
the public welfare.
PUBLIC EDUCATION.
The same principle requires that the |
line between the subjects which are pro,
perly within governmental control ana
hose which are more httingly lett to |
parental regulation should be carefully |
Kept IN view. An enforced education.
wisely deemed proper preparation Ior
should not involve the impair
nent of wholesome parental authority nor