Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1892-09-30
.CLEVELAND'S LETTER.
HIS ACCEPTANCE OF THE PRESi-
DENTAL NOMINATION.
A Clever and Interesting Document Which
Handles the Points of Party Princi-
pies In an Able Manner.

Cleveland's letter of acceptance of the
nomination as presidential candidate
for the Democratic party contains the
principal features of the letter in brief
form:
To Hon. VIM. l.. Wilson and others,
committee, etc:
Gentlemen-In responding TO your
formal notification of my nomination
TO the presidency by the national
Democracy, l hope that l may be per-
mitted TO say at the outset that con-
tinued reflection and observation have
confirmed me in my adherence to the
opinions which | have heretofore
plainly and publicly declared touching
the questions involved in the canvass.
After this introduction the letter pro-
proceeds to all important issue OF tariff
and taxes in which tariff for revenue
only is advocated. The letter says:
Tariff legislation presents a familiar
form of federal taxation. Such legis-
lation results as surely in a tax upon
the daily life of our people as the trib-
ute paid directly into the hand of the
tax gathcrer We feel the burden of
these tariff taxes too palpably to be
per-laded by any sophistry that they
do not exist, or are paid by foreigners.
| Such taxes, representing a diminutlon
of the property rights of the people,
are only justihable when laid and col
| lected for the purpose of maintaining
our government, and furnishing the
means for the accomplishment OF its
| legitimate purposes and functions.
This is taxation under the operation of
a tariff for revenue. 1t accords with
the professions of American free insti-
tutions and its justice and honesty
answer the tests supplied by correct
appreciation of the principles upon
which these institutions rest. This
theory of tariff legislation manifestly
| enioins strict economy in public eX-
penditures and their limitation TO legit-
/ innate public uses, inasmuch as it eX-
hibits as absolute eXtortion any eXac-
ton by way of taxation from
the substance of the people, be-
yond the necessities of careful and
proper administration of government.
Then follows the usual arguments IA
voring a less restricted trade with other
countries.
Tariff reform is still our purpose.
Though we oppose the theory that
tariff laws may be passed having for
their object the granting of discrim-
mating and unfair governmental aid
|
terminating war against any American
interests. We believe a REIMBURSEMENT
can be accomplished in accordance
with the principles we profess, without
disaster or demolition. We believe
that the advantages of freer raw
materials should be accorded to our
manufacturers and we contemplate a
fair and careful distribution of neces-
sary tariff burdens, rather than the
precipitation of free trade"
The subject of state rights is handled
substantially thus: The administra-
ton and management of our govern
ment depend upon popular will. Fed
eral power is the instrument of that
will-not its master. Therefore the
attempt of the opponents of Democracy
TO interfere with and control the
suffrage of the states through federal
agencies develops a design, which no
explanation can mitigate, to reverse
the fundamental and safe relations
between the people and their govern
ment. To resist such scheme is an
impulse of Democracy"
No decided stand is taken upon the
the silver question, but honest money
is advocated: "The people are entitled
to sound and honest money, abund-
antly sufficient in volume 10 supply
their business needs. But whatever
may be the form of the peole's cur
rency, national or state-whether gold
, silver or paper-it should be so regu'
! lated and guarded by governmental
, action, or by wise and careful laws
, that no one can be deluded as to the
certainly and stability of its value"
! Civil service reform: public Off
| az 1c ven 4ha ocrants of the naOnlp- II Is
therefore their duty to secure for those
whom they represent, the best anC
most efficient performance of public
work. This plainly can be best accom-
I plished by regarding ascertained fit
ness in the selection of government
, employees. These considerations alone
are sufficient justification for an homes
a adherence to the letter and spirit o
= civil service reform"
The pension roll: "The American
{ people are generous and grateful, anC
they have impressed these characters
tics upon their government. There
fore, all patriotic and just citizens mus
: command liberal consideration for oul
4 worthy veteran soldiers and for tn
: families of those who have died. n
q complaint should be made of the amour
O of public money paid to those actual.
a disabled or made dependent by reasol
i of army service. But our pension rol
g should be roll of honor, uncontami
~ mated by i'll desert and unvitiated b.
:, demagogic use. The preference
accorded veterans in public employment
should be secured to them honestly an
without evasion and when capable an
l. worthy, their claim to the healthful re
+ gard and gratitude of their country
n men should be ungrudgingly acknow
IS edged"
IS immigration should be restricted
% the Nicaragua canal is of great in
n portance and should be completed b
a. American enterprise; the Worlds Fai
is heartily approved of and our govern
ment should do all in its power to az
n vance its material interests as n matte
a. of national pride.
$. The letter then concludes with fe
bv words not bearing on the issues of til
I'd day, but expressing his thanks to I'll
IN Democratic party for its confiden'
IN in naming him for the third tin
as its leader.