Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-10-19

NEW YORK, Oct 18-The following let.
ter of acceptance of Hon. Whitelaw Reid
was given out this evening:
Hon. ". 7. Durbin, Anderson, Ind:
DEAR sIR-When the nomination with
which the National Convention had hon
ored me was formally announced by your
committee accepted it at once. In doing
so accepted also the principles set forth in
the resolutions adopted by the convention
as the basis of its appeal to the popular suf-
frage. To do other or less than this is, to
any honorable man, an impossibility.
A political party is an association of. citi
zens seeking to have the government con.
Quoted in accordance with its views and
presenting candidates whom it strives to
elect for that purpose. To accept its nom.
fnation without intending to carry out its
principles would be as dishonorable and as
criminal as to procure goods under false
pretenses.
There will be no misunderstanding as to
the purposes of the Republican party in this
contest. and no doubt as to the attitude of
Its candidates. What it intends it has set
forth in language that cannot be mistaken;
and they will strive by all the lawful means
in their power to enforce its plainly e1-
pressed will.
The Two Platforms Compared.
Since my interview with your committee,
further reflection and careful attention to
the arguments on both sides in the current
public discussion have confirmed my belief
in the wisdom of the Republican declara-
tions, as well as in the lucid candor with
which they have been presented.
The party platforms-so-called-are more
important this year than usual Both the
leading candidates have once commanded
the approval of the American people in its
highest form of expression. Attention is
therefore concentrated less on the men
themselves and more on the principles each
is put forward to represent, and would, in
case of election, be required to carry out.
The declarations of our opponents demand
still closer scrutiny, since their victory
now would give them the first opportunity
they have had since 1859 to put in practice
their policy. Never, since that date, have
they had control at once both in the execu-
tive and legislative departments OF the
Government This year the election
of a President clearly carries with it
majorities in both houses of Congress.
Rival Issues That Must Be Settled.
1t is obvious that in, the common judg-
ment of the people in all parts of the coun-
try the really vital issues which this year
divide parties and demand popular decis-
ion are those relating to the tariff and the
currency. Fortunately both sides have
stated their positions on these subjects with
directness, simplicity and frankness. The
issues thus made between the rival candi-
dates for the popular suffrage are specially
sharp and distinct.
We favor protective tariff, and when in
full power made the present one. Our op-
ponents favor a tariff for revenue only, and
promise the repeal of the present one. We
maintain that the tariff should cover the
difference in the cost of the home and for
eign product, caused by the difference in the
home Snd foreign wages for the labor en-
ployed upon it. Our opponents distinctly
repudiated the proposition that American
wages should be considered in the matter,
and they declared instead that tariff levied
for anything but revenue only was uncon-
stitutional. As the London Times of Sep
tember 2S very naturally remarked: "Thfs
policy, if fairly and logically carried out, is
not to be distinguished from free trade in
the practical form in which we are familiar
with it. If protective duties are unconsti.
tutional, as was asserted at Chicago, no
financial legerdemain can produce any
other 'readjustment' than that which would
follow the removal of all imposts
tending to bolster up particular branches of
industry and commerce"
What the Coming Election Signifies.
Should the American people now choose
the Republican candidates the present tariff
would stand, or, when amended, would only
be SO changed as to insure q closer con.
formity in practice to the principles on
which it was made. II our opponents should
be chosen their Congress is pledged to the
repea! of the present tariff and to the
adoption Of one arranged for revenue only
and their executive is pledged to tile
doctrine that a tariff having regard also for
American wages is unconstitutional, SO that
The only new one that could escape the |
Presidential veto must be OF the kind which |
the London Times considers equivalent to |
free trade.
We maintain that the present tariff has |
worked well; that it has developed Ameri- |
,an manufactures, steadied and increased |
American wages, and promoted the general |
prosperity. Our opponents deny that there |
las been any increase of prosperity under |
he present tariff. declare that wages have |
been reduced, and denounce the Republican
policy which, as they say. fosters no other |
industry SO much as that OF the Sheriff.
we tavor the system by which, when we |
mink the country ready for the reduction
'r abolition of duties, we insist upon getting
and reciprocal advantages
rom foreign countries as the condition of
heir enjoying these advantages in our own
markets: Our opponents denounce this
as sham, and therefore infer
'ntially pledge themselves to its repeal.
The Time to Settle All Differences.
The sharp issues thus presented for the
eclsion OF the American people cover more
and more specifically than
yer before the whole range of considera-
ions relating to protective tariff, its con.
its expediency, its relation to
ages, its practical workings and the uues-
ion whether, as it is from time to time re.
uced, we should throw away the advantages
hus extended to foreign nations or should
ct something in return for them.
The constitutionality of a prorective tarfff
as heretofore been thought established. A
arif bill avowedly for "the encouragement
nd protection of manufacturers" was car
led through the First Congress by James
Iadison, and was signed by George Wash
lgton. A third of century later Andrew
ackson, In message to Congress Decem.
or . 1880, maintaining the constitutionality
the protective system, said: "1n this con-
usion I am confirmed as well by the |
pinions OF Presidents Washington, Jeffer.
IN, Madison and Monroe, who have each |
'peatedly recommended the exercise Of
IFS right under the Constitution, as by the
inform practice of Congress- the continued
,quiescence of the States, and the general
1derstanding of the people"
To this testimony from the men who made |
le Constitution, and from the father of the
odern Democratic party, may be added
at OF the latest high authority of that
lrty on constitutional law, Hon. George
cknor Curtis, who has recently said:
Curtis Quoted as an Authority. 1,
"In common with many other Democrats |
nnot subscribe to the doctrine that Q pro