The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-10-12
of frser raw material should be accorded to

intelligence of our fellow couutrymen to re-
iect the charge that a party comprising
majority of our people is planning the de-
struction or injury of American interests:
and we know they cannot be frightened by
the spectre of impossible free trade.
The administration and management OF
our Government depend upon the popular
will. Federal 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 de-
velops a design, which 10 explanation can
mitigate, to reverse the fundamental and
snfe relations between thu people an their
fail tc be regarded by thoughtful men as
proof Of bold determination to secure the
ascendency Of discredited party in recS-
less Disregard OF free expression of the
popular will. To resist such scheme IS an
impulse Of Democracy. At all times and
in all places we trust the people. As against
a disposition to force the way to Fe1eral
power, we present to- them as our claim to
their confidence and support steady cham
pionship Of their rights.
The people are entitled to sound and hon.
est money, abundantly sufficient in volume
to supply their business needs But what
ever may os ene loru1 oL tue psoPie cur
rency, National or State-whether gold,
silver or papsr-it should be 80 regulated
and guarded by governmental ac-
ton, or by wise and careful laws,
that no one can be deluded as TO the
certainty and stability Of its value. Every
dollar put into the hands Of the psople
should be of the same intrinsic value or pur-
chasing power. With this condition abso-
lutely guaranteed, both gold and silver can
be safely utilized upon equal terms IN the
adjustment of our currency.
In dealing with this subject no selfish
scheme should be allowed to intervene and
no doubtful experiment should be attempted.
The wants of our people, arising from the de-.
ficiency or imperfect distribution Of money
circulation, ought to be fully and honestly
recognised and efficiently remedied. It
should, however, be constantly remembered
that the inconvenience or loss that might
arise from such q situation can be much
easier borne than the universal distress which
must follow discredited currency.
Public officials are the agents OF the peo.
those whom they represent the best and
most efficient performance OF public work.
This plainly can be best accomplished by
regarding ascertained fitness In the selec-
ton Of Government employees. These
considerations alone are sufficient justl-
f1cation for an honest adherence to the
letter and spirit Of civil service reform.
Thers are, however, other features OF
this plan which abundantly commend 1t.
Through its operation worthy merit IN every
station and condition Of American life Is
recognized in the distribution Of public en-
ployment, while its application tends to
raise the standard Of political activity from
spoils hunting and unthinking party afhia.
ton to the advocacy Of party principles by
reason and argument.
The American people are generous and
grateful and they have impressed these
characteristics upon their Government.
Therefore all patriotic and just citiz,ns
must commend liberal consideration for our
worthy veteran soldiers anl for the
families of those who have died. No
complaint should be made OF the amount
of public money paid to thoss actually
disabled or made dependent by res.
son Of army service: But our pension roll
should be roll of honor, uncontaminated
by Ill desert aud uninvitiated by demagogtc
use. This Is due to those whose worthy
names adorn the roll, and to all our
people who delight to honor the brave
and the true It Is also due to those
who In years to come should be allowed
to hear. reverently and lovingly, the
story of American patriotism and
fortitude, illustrated by our pension roll.
The preferences accorded to veteran soldiers
in public employment should be secured TO
them honestly and without evasion, and
when capable and worthy their claim to the
helpful regard and gratitude Of their. coun-
trymen should be ungrudgingly acknowl-
edged.
A generous hospitality. which is one Of the
most prominent Of our National Character
istics, prompts Us to welcome the worthy
and Industrious o. all lands to homes and
citizenship among US. This hospitable senti.
ment is not violated, however, BY careful
and rec sonable regulations Tor the protec-
ton of the public health, nor does it justify
the reception Of immigrants who have no
appreciation OF our institutions and whose
presence among US is menace to peace and
good order.
The importauc, Of the construction Of the
Nicaragua Ship Canal as a means OF promot-
ing commerce between our States and With
foreign countries, and also as contribution
by Americans to the enterprises whlcn ad-
vance the interests o. the world OF clvlllzs-
ton, should commend the project to govern
mental approval and en- iorSsneni.
Our cCuntrymen nos only expect IRON
those who represent them in plollc: places
q sedulous care Tor the things which are
directly and pal ably related TO their ma
terial interests out they also fully apprecl-
ate the value OF cuitivating our National
pride and maintaining our National honor.
Both their material interests ana tnelr
National pride and honor are involved IN
the success Of the Columbian Exposition:
and they will not be inclined to condone any
neglect Of effort on the part Of their Gov.
ernment to insure in the grandeur OF this
event fitting exhibit Of American growth
and greatness and splendid demonstration
of American patriotism.
In an imperfect and incomplete manner.
have thus endeavored to state some OF the
things which accord with the creed and IN.
tentions of the party to which l have given
my lifelong allegiance. My attempt
has not been to instruct my coun'
tryme59 ,b nor tr.+ nsnocrpsic my paild doctrius lies
near the principles of our Government and
tends to promote the peoples goo5. l am
willing TO be accused of addressing my
countrymen upon trite topics and in
hoanely fashion, for I believe that i'm.
portant truths are found on the
surface of thought, and that they should
be stated in direct and simple terms. Ihough
much is left unwrirten, my record as pub
lie servant leaves no excuse for misunder-
Standing my belief and position on the ques-
tions which are now presented to the voters
of the land for their decision.
If the action Of the Convention you repre-
sent shall be endorsed by the sutfrages
of nv countrymen. I will assume the
duties Of the great Office for which l have
been nominated, knowing full well Its
labors and perplexities, and with humble
reliance upon the Divine Being, Infinite III
power to aid, and constant in watchful
care over our favored Nation. Yours
verv truly, GROVER CLEVELAND.