The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1892-10-07
careful and proper administration
Of the Government
THE ROBBING TARIFF.

THE ROBBINd TARIFF.
Opposed to this theory the dog
ma is now boldly presented that
tariff taxation is justifable for the
express purpose and intent Of there
by promoting special interests and
enterprises, Such a proposition is
SO clearly contrary to the spirit Of
our Constitution and so directly en-
courages the disturbance, by sell
fishness and greed, Of patriotic SEN
timent, that its statement would
surely shock our people if they had
not already been insidiously allur-
ed from the safe landmarks Of prin-
ciple. Never have honest desires
for national growth, patriotic devo-
ton to country and sincere regard
for those who toll, been so betrayed
to the support of a pernicious doc
trine.
In its behalf the plea that our in
fant industries should be fostered
did service until discredited by our
stalwart growth; then followed the
exigencies Of a terrible war which
made our people needless Of the
opportunities for Interior schemes
afforded by their willing and pa
triotic payment Of unprecedented
tribute; andnow, after a long period
of peace, when our oyerburdened
countrymen ask for relief and res
toration to a fuller enjoyment Of
their incomes and earnings, they
are met by the claim that tariff tax
alton for the sake of protection is
an American system, the continu-
anceof which is necessary in order
that high wages may be paid to our
workingmen and a home market be
provided for our farm products.
THE TRUTH ABOUT IT.
These pretenses should no longer
deceive. The truth is that such a
system is directly antagonized by
every sentiment of justice and fair
ness Of which Americans are pre-
eminently proud. 1t is also true
that, while our workingmen and
farmers can the least Of all our peo-
pie defend themselves against the
harder home life which such tariff
taxation DEGREES the workingman
suffering from the importation and
employment of pauper labor, insti.
gated by his professed friends, and
seeking security for his interests il
organized cooperation, still waits
for a division of the advantages Sc
curedto hisemployer under cover o.
t q generous solicitude for his wages
while the farmer is learning tha
= the prices Of his products are fxeC
in foreign mar kets, where he suf
7 fers from a competition invited an(
r built up by the system he is asked
to.support.
=. The struggle for uneaned al
T vantage at the doors of the Gov
/ ernment tramples on the rights o
t those who patiently rely upon as
surances Of American equality.
= Every governmental concession
e 70 clamorous favorites invites cor
n ruption in political affairs by en-
e couraging the expenditure Of mon
t ey to debauch suffrage in suppor
e Of policy directly favorable t
e private and selfish gain. This i
the end must strangle patriotism
y and weaken popular confidence i
: the rectitude Of republican institr
y tious.
e Though the subject of tariff les
J. islation involves a question of MAJ
If kets, it also involves a question {
/ morals. We can not with impunit
permit injustice to taint the spir
n of right and equity, which is tn
" rioht Of our ranuhlic. ond uva cba