The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1892-10-05

This design Is so interwoven with the struct-
ure OF our plan of rule that failure TO protect
the citizen in such use and enjoyment or their
unjustifiable diminution by the government
Itself, is a betrayal of the peoples trust.
We have, however, undertaken TO build
great nation upon plan especially our own.
To maintain 1T and to furnish, through its
agency, the means for the accomplishment OF
national objects the American people are
willing through Federal taxation, to surren-
der part OF their earnings and income.
Tariff legislation presents familiar form of
Fe leral taxation. Such legislation results as
surely in a tax upon the daily life of our peo-
OF the tax-gatherer. We feel the burden of
these tariff taxes too palpably TO be per-
suaded by any sophistry that they do not ex-
LIST or are paid by foreigners
Such taxes, representing diminution OF the
property rights of the people, are only justifl-
able when laid and collected for the purpose OF
maintaining our government and furnishing
the means for the accomplishment of it's legitt-
mate purposes and functions. This is taxa
ton under the operation of tariff for revenue.
II accords with the professions of American free
institutions and its justice and honesty an
swer the test supplied by correct apprecia-
ton of the principles upon which these insti-
tutons rest.
This theory OF tariff legislation manifestly
Ell joins strict economy in public expenditures
and the limitation to legitimate public uses,
inasmuch as 1t exhibits as absolute extortion
any eXaction, by way OF taxation, from the
substance of the people beyond the necessities
o. a careful and proper administration OF gov
eInmcnt.
Opposed to this theory the dogma is now
boldly presented that tariff taxation is justt-
fable for the express purpose and intent or
thereby promoting especial interests and en-
tcrprises. Such a proposition is so clearly
contrary to the spirit OF our Constitution, and
so directly encourages the disturbance by
selfisaness and greed OF patriotic sentiment,
that it's statement would rudely shock our
people if they had not already been insidiously
allur5d from the safe landmarks of principle.
Never havc honest desire for national growth,
patriotic devotion to country and sincere re-
gard for those who toll been so betrayed to
the support Of pcrnicious doctrine.
In itS behalf the plea that our infant indus
tries should be fOsteIed did service until dis
credited by our stalwart growth; then followed
BE eXig encies Of q terrible war, which made
our PEOPLE needless OF the opportunities for
1lterior schemes afforded by the willing and
patriotic payment of unprecedented tribute;
and now, after long period of peace, when
orr overwhelmed countrymen ask for relief
and restoration to q fuller enjoyment OF
their incomes and earnings, they are met by
the claim that tariff taxation for the sake of
protection Is an American system, the con-
tinuance OF which Is necessary in order that
high wages may be paid to our workingmen
and home market be provided for our farm
~ o iucts.
These pretenses should no longer deceive.
The truth Is that such system II directly
antagonized by every sentiment Of justice and
fairness OF which Americans are prominently
proud 1t is also true that while our working
men and farmers can the least O.; all our people
defend themselves against the harder home
worklngman suffering from the Importation
and employment OF pauper labor, instigated
by his protested friends, and seeking security
for his interests In organized cooperation,
still waits for a division OF the advantages Sc
sured 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 IL asked to support.
The struggle for unearned advantage at the
doors of the government tramples on the
rights OF those who patiently rely upon as
surances of American equality. Every gov
ernmental concession to clamorous favorites
invites corruption in political affairs by en-
couraging the expenditure OF money TO de-
bauoh suffrage in support OF policy directly
favorable to private and selfish gain This in
the end must strangie patriotism and weaken
popular confidence IN the rectitude of republi-
can institutions.
Though the subject OF tariff legislation in
wolves question of markets IL also involves
a question OF morals. We cannot with Inn
punity permit injustice to faint the spirit of
right and equity, which is the life of our
public; and we shall fail TO reach our national
destiny IL greed and sehshness lead the way.
Recognizing these truths, the National De-
mocracy will seek by the application OF Just
and sound principles to eQualike to our people
the blessings due them from the government
they support, TO promote among our country
men a closer community OF interests, cement
ed by patriotism and national pride, and { o
point out fair field where prosperous and di-
versitied American enterprise NAV grow and
can industry, ingenuity amt intelligence.
Tariff reform Is still purpose. Though
we oppose the theory that tariff laws may be
passed having tor their obi acb the granting of
discriminating and unfair aid to private ven
lures, we wage no eXterminating war against
any American interests. We believe a read
justmcnt can be accomplished in accordance
with the principles we profess witEoui dis
aster or demolition. We believe that the adj
vantages of freer raw material shoull be ac-
corded to our manufacturers. and we contem-
plate fair and careful distribution or neces-
sary tariff burdens rather than the precipita-
ton of free trade.
We anticipate with calmness the misrepre-
sensations OF our motives and purposes insti
gated by selfishness which seeks to hold in
unrelenting grasp its unfair advantage under
sent tariff laws. We viii rely upon the in
telligence OF our fellow countrymen TO reject
the charge that n party comprising majority
of our people is y tanning the destruction or
injury OF American interests, and we know
they lnnot be frightened by the specter of
impossible free trade.
The administration and management OF our