The free press., 1892-10-06
CLEvELAND'S
Formal L etter Of Ac-
eeptance.
A TARIFF FOR REVENUE.
A Strong Presentation of the
Issues Now Agitating the
Public. The Plain
Talk of Plain Man
to the Plain
People.
4 SOUND LETTER TO THINKING MEN

NEW YoRK, Sept. 27.-The following
Is the letter of Grover Cleveland accept
ing the nomination as the Democratic
candidate for President OF the United
States:
To Hon. william L. Wilson and Others Com.
mittee, etc:
GENTLEMEN: In responding to your
formal notification of my nomination to
the Presidency by the National Democ-
racy, l hope / may be permitted to say
at the on set that continued reflection
and observation have confirmed me in
my adherence to opinions which have
heretofore plainly and publicly declared
touching the questions involved in thu
canvass.
This is time above all others when
these questions should be considered in
the light afforded by a sober apprehen-
sion OF the principles on whcil our gov.
eminent is based, and a clear under.
standing of the relation it bears TO the
people for whose benefit il was created.
We all thus be supplied with a test by
which the value OF any proposition re.
iatlng to the maintenance and adminis-
tration Of our Government can ba
ascertained, and by which the justice and
honesty OF every political question can
be judged. II doctrines or theories are
presenie ed which do not satisfy tiis test,
loyal Americanism must pronounce them
false and mischevous. The protection
of the people in the exclusive use and
enjoyment OF their property and earn
ings. it is conceded, constitutes the
especial purpose and mission OF our free
Government. THIS design is so inter,
woven with the structure OF our plan of
rule that ia lure to protect the citizens
in snch use or enjoyment, or their un.
justifiable diminuton by the Govern
ment itself is betrayal Of the peoples
trust. We have, however, undertaken
to build great Nation upon plan
especially our own.
To maintain it and furnish through it,
agency the means for the accomplish.
people are willing, through Federal taxa.
ton, to surrender part OF their earn
ings and income. Tariff legislation
presents familiar form OF Federal taxa.
ton. Such legislation results rs surely
in tax upon our people as tribute
paid directly into the hand OF the tax
gat erer. We feel the burden OF these
tariff taxes too palpably to be persuaded
by any sophistry that they don't exiS.
or are paid by foreigners. Such taxes.
representing dminution Of the prop.
erty rights of the people, arc only justi-
fable when laid and collected for tina
purpose OF maintaining our Government
and furnishing means Tor the accom-
plishment Of its legitimate purposes and
functions.
This is taxation under the operation
of tariff for revenue. 1t accords with
the professions of American free insti.
tutions and justice and honesty answer
the test supplied by correct apprecia-
ton OF the principles upon which these
institutions rest This theory OF tariff
legislation manifestly enjoins strict econ.
omy in public expenditures and THEN
limitation to legitimate public uses,
inasmuch as it prohibits absolute extor,
ton and exaction by way Of taxation
from the substance of the people beyond
the necessities of a careful and proper
admins tration OF the Government.
Opposed to this theory the dogma ia
now boldly presented that tariff taxation
is Justitiable for the express purpose and
intent OF thereby promoting especial
Interests and enterprises. Such propo
sition Is so clearly contrary TO the spirit
oil our constitution, and so directly
encourages the disturbances OF selfish.
ness and greed that its statement would
rudely shock our people il they hadn't
already been insidiously alured from
the safe landmarks OF principle. Never
have honest desire for National growth.
patriotic devotion to the country, and a
sincere regard for those who toll, been so
betrayed BY the support OF pernicioua
doctrine. In its behalf the plea tnat
cur infant industries should be fostered
did service until discredted by our stal,
wart growth.
Then followed the exigencies OF
terrible war, which made our people
needless OF opportunities for ulterios
schemes afforded by their willing and
patriotic payment of Unprecedented
tribute, and now. after long period OF
peace, when our overburdeud country.
men ask relief and restoration to a fuller
enjoyment OF their incomes and earn,
ings, they are met by the claim tha,
tariff taxation for the sake of protect on
W All ancflCdH system, Tue continuance
of which is necessary in order thai
high wages may be paid to our working
men, and home market be provided
for our farm products. These pre-.
lenses should no longer deceive. Th,
truth is that the system is directly
antagonized by every sentiment of JUS.
tice and fairness. of which Americans ar,
pre-eminently proud.
It is also true that, while our people
defend themselves against the harder
home life which such tariff DEGREES, tho
workingman, suffering from the i'm.
portal on of pauper labor instigated by
his professed friends, aud seek ing
security for his interests in organized
co-opsration, still waits for division OF
che advantages secured to his employer