Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-09-27
TUESDAY. H.. SEPTEMBER 81. 1892.
Mr.. Cleveland's Acceptance.


made during his public life.
Theletter is in direct and simple terms"
and upon the right topics" which he
treats in " homely fashion"
II is characteristic production pithily
worded. frank. and positive. No issue is
eyaded; no subject upon which he was
expected TO speak is sluTred over. Bold
ness and decision mark every sentence OF
il and il will raise him in the estimation
Of the world. while it reinvigorates the
Democratic party with faith in his wisdom
and worth.
Tariff reform, the proper scope OF Fed
eral lower in dealing with the rights Of
citizens, tho currency question, enforced
education a" and "psternalism in govern
ment" the necessity for giving earnest at
teptlon TO our immigration laws, pensions
10 Union soldiers. ciyil-servioe reform,
"vexstious sumptuary laws" the govern
ment's duty 10 the Columbian Exposition,
sympathy for the oppressed peoples OF the
earth, and the Nicaragua canal are all
discussed briefly, but with explicitness.
The compactness of the letter is in re-
markable contrast to President HABRI-
soN's tedious explanations and ponderous
sentences.
The tarlf receives more attention from
Mr.. CLEVELAND than any other subject, and
he declares that such taxes, representing
diminution Of the property rights of the
people, are only justifiable when laid and
collected for the purpose of maintaining
our government and furnishing the means
for the accomplishment of its legitimate
purposes and functions.
THIS. he insists, 'is a taxation under the
operation of a tar43 for revenue only. II
accords with the professions of American
free institutions, and its justice and
honesty answer the test supplied by cor
rect appreciation of the principles upon
which these institutions rest"
Tariff reform is still our purpose" says
Mr.. CLEVELAND. Though we oppose the
theory that tariff laws may be passed
having for their object the granting of
discriminating and unfair governmental
aid to private ventures, we wage no ex-
terminating war against any American in
terests. We believe n readjustment can
be accomplished in accordance with the
principles we profess without disaster or
demolition We believe that the advan-
tages of treer raw material should be &C
corded TO our manufacturers, and We con-
template fair and careful distribution OF
necessary tarld burdens rather than the
precipitation Of free trade"
The whole letter breathes hostility to all
such forms of legislation as are contem m
plated by the Republican party with the
design of controlling the votes of the
States in their interest but Mr.. CLEVELAND
had in mind the JOHNNIE DAVENPORT force
bill especially when he wrote; The ad-
ministration and management of our
government depends upon the popular
will. Federal power is the instrument
of that will, not its master. Therefore
the attempts of the opponents of De-
mocracy to interfere with and control
the suffrage of the States through Federal
agencies develops design, which no ex-
PLANTATION can mitigate, to reverse the fun
damental and safe relations between
the people and their government.
Such an attempt cannot fail to be
regarded by thoughtful men as proof
of bold determination to secure
the ascendancy of u dsoredited
party in reckless disregard of free ex-
preston of the popular will. TO resist
such a scheme is the impulse of Demo-
cracy. At all times and in all places we
trust the people. AS against disposition
70 force the way to Federal power we pre-
sent to them as our claim to their conf
dence and support steady championship
of their rights"
Mr.. CLEVELAND reaffirms his position on
the currency question, but adds that 1.-THE
wants Of our people arising from the de-
fciency or imperfect distribution OF
money circulation ought to be fully and
honestly recognized and efficiently RENE
died but he thinks that this inconve-
nience can be much easier borne than
that universal distress which must follow
discredited currency"
He favors IAN honest adherence TO the
letter and spirit of civil.service reform"
and would have our pension-rol made "a
roll OF honor, uncontaminated by Hide
sert and unvitiated by demagogic use."
For "yexatious sumptuary laws" he
finds no warrant in our system of govern.
ment, and he declares that an enforced
education should not Involve the impair
ment of wholesome parental authority,
nor do violence 10 the household con-
science Paterualism in government finds
no approval III the creed of Democracy.
And there is where no hits Republican
legislation in some of the western States /;
legislation that has been very offensive TO
the people of more than one religious de-
nomination.
Careful and reasonable regulations for
the protection OF the public health" and
an exclusion of people who have no ap-
probation Of our institutions and whose
presence among US is menace TO peace
and good order" are suggested, while a
generous hospitality should prompt us'to
welcome the worthy and industrious of
all lands.'
The Nicaragua ship-oanal project he
thinks worthy of government approval
and endorsement.
The Columbian Exposition he cordially
commends. and he regards our national
pride and honor" as involved in its sue
cess.
In closing, Mr.. CLEVELAND says that his
attempt has not been to instruct his coun-
trynen or his party. but 20 remind both
that Democratic doctrine lies near the prin-
ciples Of our government and tends TO pro-
mote the peoples good.' And II elected
he declares that be will assume the duties
OF the great Office for which he has been
nominated knowing full well its labors
and perplenties and with humble reli-
ance upon the Divine Being. infinite in
power 10 aid and constant in watchful
care over our favored nation"
The Association Of Southern Democrats