Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-08-16
TUESDAY. :. ...AUGUsT l6. 1892
Mr.. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.

We have expressed desire 10 see Mr..
CLKvELASp's letter formally accepting the
nomination. of the Democratic National
Convention for President of the United
states. Certainly this desire is not based
upon any doubt as 10 his position upon the
questions before the country. The world
against the depleters OF the Treasury.
But we were DESTROYS Of seeing his formal
letter OF acceptance because we expected
il 10 contain some striking argument ad-
dressed 10 the whole people OF the United
States, or perhaps some new illustration OF
one or moro of the problems involved in
the presidential campaign, or q oollocation
OF words that would carry conviction by
their very simplicity TO the minds OF the
masses Of the voters. Mr.. CLEVELAND is a
man of the people. There ought not to
be any two opinions on that point in view
Of what we have witnessed during the
current year He sympathizes so thorough
ly with the suffering public that be can
formulate the peoples grievances without
asking anybody what these are He is
armed and equipped for the presidential
fray. and ready at any time to use his
sabre in cleaving the skull Of any bellige-
rent Republican who may wish to have
bout with him.
We say that though Mr.. CLEvELASD's
position needs no further defining we
would like above all things to see his
formal letter of acceptance. Whilst we
await its appearance let us recur to bis adj
mirable reference in his speech in Ma
dison-Square Garden 10 tho tariff ques-
ton. He depicted in few words the
condition of the good Democratic farm
ers of Virginia who have become Third
party man. or men of any party other
than the Democratic. We quote these
few words:
ave sec the farmer listening TO delusive
story that nils his mind with visions OF advance
while his pocket Is robbed by the stealthy hand
OF high protection"
delusive story it is. indeed. Then be
depicts the workingmen's condition. We
quote again
"our workinRmen are stil told tho tale, Oft
repeated, In spite OF its demonstrated falsity,
that the existing protective tarIn IA boon TO
them, and that under Its beneacent operation
their wages must increase, while as they listen
scenes are enacted in tho very abidlng-placs OF
high protection that mock the hopes Of toll and
attest the tender mercy the workingmsu re-
celves from those made selfish and sordid by
unjust governmental fsvoritism,"
Finally. comes his terse statement that
the question Of protection is too plain
60 call for arguments on constitutional
points. Read his iucisive remarks;
ave oppose earnestly and stubbornly the
theory upon which Our opponents seek TO justify
and uphold the existing tariff laws. We need
not base our attack upon questions OF constitu-
tiOnal permission or legislative power. We de-
nounce this theory upon the highest possible
grounds whom we contend that under present
conditions its operation Is unjust, ana that laws
enacted In accordance with 10 are ineqGtable
and unfair"
Here we stand. We need not raise the
questions OF constitutionality or legisla-
tive power. We denounce tariff levied
Ioely FOR protection upon the highest
possible ground" when we contend that
under present conditions its operation is
unjust. Note the words upon he highest
possible gro,u,dS." Unjust laws, ineduitable
legislation, unfair determinations in favor
of class or classes-these are enough.
Why should we raise constitutional ques-
tiorsl The voters will appreciate this APP
peal TO their good sense. They need no
profound dissertations upon constitutional
law TO enable them TO understand what
the word protection means in the
mouths Of tho Republican party.