The Mt. Sterling advocate. (Mt. Sterling, Ky.) 1890-current, 1892-10-04

AhhoStAIp AABCnAAtJ ald AhtBAiiktllC6.
Tariff reform Is still our purpose
Though we oppose the theory that tariff
laws may be passed having for the object
the granting Of discriminating and unfair
governmental aid to private ventures, we
wage no exterminating war against any
American interests We believe a read
justment can be accomplished, in accord
ance with the principles we profess, with
out disaster or 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 calmncss the mis-
representation Of our motives and pur-
poses, instigated by a selfishness which
seeks to hold in unrelenting grasp its un-
fair advantage under present tariff laws
We will rely upon the intelligence of our
fellow countrymen to reject the charge
that party comprising majority Of our
people is planning the destruction or injury
of American interests, and we know they
cannot be frightened by the spectre of inn
possible free trade.
The administration and management of
our government depend on popular will
Federal power Is the instrument Of that
will-not its master. Therefore the at
tempts Of the opponents of Democracy to
interfere with and control the suffrage of
the state, through federal agencies devel-
ops a design, which no explanation can
mitigate, TO reverse the fundamental and
safe relations between the people and their
government. Such an attempt can NOT
fail to be regarded by thoughtful men as
proofs of bold determination to secure the
ascendency of discredited party in reck-
less disregard of free expression of the
popular will. TO resist such scheme is
an impulse of Democracy. At all times
and In all places we trust the people. As
against disposition to force the way to
federal power, we present to them
as our claim to their confidence and sup
port, steady championship of their
rights
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 50 regulated
and guarded by governmental action, or by
wise and careful laws, that no one can be
deluded as TO the certainty and stability
of it's value Every dollar put into the
hand 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 adjustments Of our cur
rency.
In dealing with this subject no selfish
scheme should be allowed to intervene and
no doubtful experiment should be at
tempted. The wants of our people, arising
from tho AaHni Or iyrrN
ton of money circulation, ought to be
fully and honestly recognized and efficiently
remedied. 1t should, however, be constant
ly remembered, that the inconvenience or
loss that might arise from such situation |
can be much easier borne than the univer-
sal distress that must follow decrease in |
the currency.
Public officers are the agents Of the peo-
pie It is therefore their duty 10 secure for |
those whom they represent the best and |
most efficient performance of public work.
This plainly can be best accomplished by |
regarding ascersained fitness in the selec |
ton OF government employees These con-
siderations alone are sufficient justification
for an honest adherence to the letter and |
spirit Of civil service reform. There are,
however, other features of this plan which |
commend it. Through its OPP
Grafton woFthier merit In every station and |
condition d American life Is recognized in
the distribution of public employment,
while its application tends TO raise the
of political activity from spoils-
hunting and unthinking party utilization
TO the advocacy Of party principles by
reason and argument
The American people are generous and |
grateful they have impressed these char
acteristics upon their government. There
fore all patriotic and just citizens must
commend liberal consideration for our
worthy veterans soldiers and for the fam
lies of those who died. No complaint
should be made of the amount of public
money paid to those actually disabled or
made dependent by army service. But our
pension roll should be roll ofhonor, I'M
by Ill desert and mvitiated
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 truc. II Is also due to those who
in years TO come should be allowed TO hear,
reverently and lovingly, the story of Ameri-
can patriotism and fortitude, illustrated by
our pension roll The preferences accorded
TO veteran soldier 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.
The assurance to the people of the ut
most individual liberty consistent with
peace and good order Is cardinal princi-
pie Of our government This gives no
sanction to vexatious sumptuary laws
which unnecessarily interfere with such
habits and customs of our people AS are
not offensive to just moral sense and are
not inconsistent with good citizenship and
the public welfare. The same principle re-
quires that the line between the subjects
which are properly within governmental
control and those which are more fittingly
left to parental regulation should be care
fully kept in view. An enforced education,
wisely deemed proper preparation for
should not involve the impair
ment of wholesale parental authority nor
do violence to the household conscience
Paternalism in government finds no APP
prevail In the creed Of Democracy. 1t is
symptom of misrule, whether it is mani
tested in unauthorized gifts or by unwar-
RATED control of personal and family
affair.
Our people, sill cherishing the feeling
Of human fellowship which belonged to our
as a nation, require their gov
eminent to express for them their sympa-
thy with all those who are oppressed under