The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1892-09-07
THE LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE.

General Harrison has forwarded his
letter Of acceptance Of the nomination for
the Presidency by the National Repub-
Lean Convention. 1t is unusual because
of its great length and the broad review
of national politics which it constitutes.
1t is, indeed, the most elaborate and ex-
tended document of it's order ever issued.
His protest against proposed legislation
by the Democracy to restore to us the old
system Of local bank notes as currency is
well taken and strong. There never was
q greater financial nuisance than the State
bank issues. The fluctuations Of these
notes, the limitless counterfeiting of
them, the losses entailed upon the people
by discounts and failures, the impossi-
bility of keeping the people informed as
to the solvency of the banks, threw the
whole trade and commerce of the country
into confusion.
He makes strong and irresistible plea
for restoration Of the ocean carrying trade
to American bottoms and commends the
Fifty-first Congress for legislation giving
bonus for construction of ships to carry
mails so built as to be easily converted
into cruisers. Under this law sixteen
American steamships have been built of
57,4O0 tons in the aggregate, and there are
now under contract other ships that will
cost in the total IS, 100000.
He points out that he has labored assid-
uously to build up ship lines from the
South Atlantic and Gulf coasts and that
the Democratic party found no place in
its platform to approve the patriotic pur-
pose, but declared its hostility by refus-
ing to extend the appropriation for ocean
mail contracts with American lines.
Considerable space is devoted to the
reciprocity policy, which now applies
between the United States and Central
and South Americas, San Domingo, the
Spanish and British West Indies, and
with Germany and Austria. President
Harrison frankly gives great credit to Mr..
Blaine flor his labors in behalf of this
policy. He points out that even our brief
experience demonstrates the wisdom OF
the policy of reciprocal trade upon free
importations of such articles as do not
injuriously compete with the products OF
our own farms, mines or factories, in ex-
change for the free or favored introduc-
ton of our products into other countries. -
This reciprocal policy last year decreased
British exports to Latin-American coun-
tries S23, 750, 900, and German and French
exports also fell off heavily. So great was
the influence of the reciprocity policy
that Germany and Austria found it nee
essary to make reciprocal trade agree
ments with US for their West India colo
MES, and to make important concessions
to secure the free importation of their
beet sugar production.
We cannot follow the President in his
lengthy consideration of this subject.
What he has to say upon it should be
read by all thoughtful voters. The Pres
ident presents the subject with vigor and
Toundly scores the Democratic party fol
pronouncing reciprocity a sham and
threatening to break it down, at the very
time when our European trade rivals find
1t to be serious threat to a trade su.
premacy they have long enjoyed.
The doctrine of protection is then dis
cussed by General Harrison, and is in
line with the declarations and legislation
of his party. On the silver question he
clearly states his position to be that of the
bimetallist. He makes warm defense OF
legislation to secure to the voter a free
ballot and a fair count, and to establish q
commission to consider apportionments
and elections. wherever they relate to the
choice of Federal officers. That is to say
the President is not only in favor of such
supervision in all elections for Federal
offices as will secure the citizen perfec
freedom to cast his vote, and guarantees
that it shall be fairly counted, but he il
opposed to the gerrymander in its effec
upon the selection of citizens to fl