Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1892-09-29

Monday ex-Presidcnt Cleveland is
sued his letter of acceptance of the
Democratic nomination for President.
1t is addressed to William l.. Wilson,
chairman of the notification committee
appointed by the national Democratic
convention, and is as follows:
GENTLEMEN. In responding to your for
NAL notification of my nomination to the
Presidency by the national Democracy. |
hope may be permitted 10 say at the out
set that continued reflection and observa-
ton have confirmed ME in my adherence
to the opinions. which | have heretofore
plainly and publicly declared, touching
the questions involved in the canvass.
This is time, above all Others when
these questions should be considered in
the light afforded by sober apprehension
OF the principles upon which our govern
mont is based and a clear understanding
of the relation II bears to the people for
whose benefit it 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 honesty of every
political question can be judged If doc
trines or theories are presented which do
not satisfy this test loyal Americanism
must pronounce them false and mis-
chievous.
The protection of tho people in the ex-
elusive use and enjoyment of their
property and earnings, concededly cons
stitutes the especial purpose and mission
.ot our free government This design is so
interviewer with the structure of our plan
of rule that failure to protect the citizen
in such use or enjoyment, or their I'M
3ustitiable diminution by the government
itself, is betrayal of the peoples trust.
TARIFF LEGISLATION.
We have. however, undertaken to build
great nation upon plan especially our
own. To maintain it and to furnish
through its agency the means for the
accomplishment of national objects, the
American people are willing, through
Federal taxation, to surrender 4 part OF
their earnings and income.
Tariff legislation presents familiar
form of Federal taxation. Such legislation
results as surely in a tax unon the daily
life of our people rs the tribute paid
directly into the hand Of the tax gathcrer
We feel the burden of these tariff taxes toe
palpably to be persuaded by any sophstry
that they do not exist, or are paid by
foreigners.
Such taxes, representing diminution Of
the property rights of the people, are only
ustifiable when laid and collected for the
purpose of maintaining our government
and furnishing the means for the accom-
plishment of its legitimate purposes ant
functions This is taxation Under tn,
operation of a tariff for revenue. II accord
with the professions of American free in
stitutions, ard its Justice and honesty
answer the test supplied by correc
appreciation of the principles upon which
these institutions rest.
This theory of tariff legislation mani
testify enjuinS strict economy in publi
expenditures and their Limitation to legiti
mate public uses, inasmuch as 1t exhibit
as absolute eXtortion any eXaction, by wa,
of taxation, from the substance of tn
people, beyond the necessities of careful
and proper administration of government
TUE REPUBLICAN DOGMA.
Opposed to this theory the dogma is nov
boldly presented, that tariff taxation j
justlhable for the express purpose and in
tent of thereby promoting especial interest
and enterprises. Such II proposition is $,
clearly contrary to the spirit Of our consti
tuition and so directly encourages the dis
turbance by selfishness and greed o
patriotic sentiment that its statemen
would rudely shock our people if they ha
not already been insidionsly allured from
the safe landmarks of principle
Never have honest desire for nationa
growth patriotic devotion to country an,
sincere regard for those who toll, been 5
betrayed to the support oil a perniciou
doctrine In its behalf the plea that on
infant industries should be fostered di
service until discredited by our stalwar
growth; then followed the exigencies of
terrible war, which made our people heeC
less of the opportunities for ulterio
schemes afforded by their willing and pi
triotic payment of unprecedented tribut,
and now, after long period of peac,
when our oyerburdened countrymen as
for relief and Il restoration to fuller eI
joyment of their incomes and earning
they are met by the claim that tariff taxi
tion for the sake of protection is an Anne
lean system, the continuance of which
necessary in order that high wages may !
paid to our workingmen and hon
market be provided for our farm product
HOW LABOR is AFFECTED.
These pretenses should no longer d
ceive. The truth is that such a system
directly antagoni2ed by every sentiment
Justice and fairness Of which American
are prominently proud, 1t is also trl
that while our workingmen and farme
can, the least of all our people, defeI
themselves against the harder home Ii
which such tariff taxation DEGREES, Il
WorkingInan suffering from the import;
ton and employment of pauper labor il
stigated by his professed friends, and see
ing security for his interests in organize
cooperation, still waits for division
the advantages secured to his employ,
under cover of generous solicitude f
his wages, while the farmer is learnir
that the prices of his products are fixed
foreign markets, where he suffers from
competition invited and built up by ii
system he is asked to support.
The struggle for unearned advantage
the doors of the government tramples {
the rights of those who patiently rely upC
assurances of American equality. Evel
governmental concession to Clamoro
tavorites invites corruption in political q
fairs by encouraging the expenditure
money to debauch suffrage in support Of
policy directly favorable to private al
selfish gain. This in the end must strang
patriotism and weaken popular coniiden
~ In the reCtitude of Republican institution
Though the subject of tariff legislatir
involves question of markets. IL also
wolves question of morals we cam
~ with impunity permit injustice To tai
'N the spirit of right and equity which is d
life of our republic and we shall fail
reach our national destiny if greed Al
selfishness lead the way.
M TARIFF REFORM THE wATCHwoRD.
Recognizing these truths, the nation
~ Democracy will seek, by the application
4 Just and sound principles, to equalize
our people the blessings due them fro
,N the government they support, to promo
t among our countrymen closer comm
s3t nifty OF interests cemented by PATRONS
M and national pride, and to point out f
~ field, where prosperous and diverslti
M& American enterprise may grow and thru
N in the wholesome atmosphere Of Americ
W industry, ingenuity and intelligence.
l4 Tariff reform is still our purpo
Though we oppose the theory that tar
laws may be passed having for their obj
4, the granting of discriminating and unfi
governmental aid to private ventures,
wage no exterminating war against a
rs American interests. We believe ret