The Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Tenn.) 1888-1946, 1892-10-07

iustihable diminution by the government II
self is a betrayal OF che peoples trust. We
hRvs, however underN \ zen to build great ma
tion upon a plan especStiy our own. To main
tain and to furnish through its agency the
means for the accomplishment of national OBJ
jects, the American people are willing. through
federal taxation. to surrender a part Of their
earnings and income.
Tariff legislation presents familiar form OF
federal taxation Such legislation results as
surely in a tax upon the daily life OF our peo-
pie as the tribute paid directly into the hands
Of the tax gatherer. We feel the burden of
these tariff taxes too palpably TO be persuaded
by any sophistry that they do not exist or are.
paid by foreigners.
Such taxes, representing a diminution of the
property rights of the people, are justihable
when laid and collected for the purpose of main
tanning our government ami furnishing the
means for the accomplishment of its legiti-
mate purposes and functions. This Is tax
alton under the operation OF tariff for reve.
nue.. It accords with the profession OF Amer
lean free institutions and its justice and hon
esty answer the test supplied by correct ap
probation of the principles upon which these
institutions rest.
Economy in Government.
This theory Of tariff legislation manifestly
enjoins strict economy in public expenditures
and their limitation to legitimate public uses,
inasmuch as il exhibits as absolute extortion
any exaction by way of taxation from the sub-
stance Of the people beyond the necessities of
q careful and proper administration of govern
ment.
Opposed to this theory the dogma is now
boldly presented that tariff taxation is justi-
fable for the express purpose and intent Of
thereby promoting especial interests and en-
terprises Such proposition is so clearly con-
tra-y to the spirit OF our constitution and so
directly encourages the disturbance by selfish
ness and greed OF patriotic sentiment that its
e. Ill ~
they had not already been insidiously allured
from the safe landmarks of principle. Never
have honest desire for national growth, patri-
otic devotion to country and sincere regard for
those who toll, been so betrayed to the sup
port OF a pernicious doctrine. In its be-
half the plea that our infant industries
should be fostered did service until discred-
tied by our stalwart growth; then followed the
exigencies OF a terrible war which made our
people Needless of the opportunities for Interior
schemes afforded by their willing and patriotic
payment of unprecedented tribute land now af-
ter long period of peace, when our overbur-
dened countrymen ask for relief and restora-
tion TO fuller enjoyment of their incomes and
earnings, they are met by the claim that tariff
taxation for the sake OF protection is an Amer
lean system. the continuance of which is neces-
sary in order that high wages may be paid to
our worlxngmen. and home market be pro-
yided for our farm products.
System Contrary to Justice.
These pretenses should no longer deceive.
The truth is that such system is directly an
tagonized by every sentiment of justice and
fairness OF which Americans are pre- eminentiy
proud. 1t Is also true that while our working
men and farmers can, the least OF all our peo-
pie, defend themselves against the harder
home life which such tariff taxation decrees
the workingmen suffering from the importa-
tion and employment OF pauper labor insti-
gated by his professed friends, and seeking
fu for int in -ah
operation, still waits for division OF the Ad-
vantages secured to his employer under cover
of n generous solicitude for bis wages; while
the farmer is learning that the prices of his
products are fixed in foreign markets, where
he suffers from q competition built up by the
system he is asked to support.
The struggle for unearned advantage at the
doors OF the government tramples on the
rights OF those who patiently rely upon assur-
ances OF American equality. Every govern
mental concession to clamorous favorites in
vites corruption in political affairs by encour-
aging the expenditure OF money to debauch
suffrage in support Of policy directly favor
able to private aud selfish gain. This in the
end must strange patriotism and weaken con-
fdence in the rectitude OF republican institu-
tions. Though the subject of tariff legislation
involves a question of markets, it also involves
a question of moral principle. We can not
with impunity permit injustice TO taint the
spirit of right aud equity. which is the ma
tional destiny if greed an6 destiny lead the
way.
A Question OF Equity.
Recognizing these truths the national dem
ocracy will seek by the application OF just and
sound principles TO equalizs to our people the
blessings due them from the government they
support; TO promote among our countrymen a
closer community OF interests cemented by
patriotism and national pride and to point out
a fair fed. where prosperous and diversified
American enterprise may grow and thrive in
the wholesome atmosphere of American indus
try, ingenuity and intelligence.
Tariff reform is still our purpose. Though
we oppose the theory that tariff laws may be
passed having for their object the granting or
discriminating and unfair governmental aid to
private ventures we wage no exterminatlng
war against any American industry. We be-
eve aresdiustmsnt can be accomplished, in ac-