The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1893-03-11

The people of the United States have decreed
that on this day the control of their govern
ment in its legislative and executive branches
shall be given TO political party pledged in the
| most positive termc to the accomplishment of
| tariff reform. They have thus determined in
favor of more just and equitable system of
federal taxation The agents they have chosen
to carry out their purposes are bound by their
promises, not less than by the command of
their masters, to devote themselves unremit-
tngly TO this services.
While there should be no surrender of prnci-
pie, our task must be undertaken wisely and
without vindictiveness. Our mission is not
punishment, but the rectihcation of wrongs
If in lifting burdens from the daily life of our
people we reduce inordinate and unequal ad-
vantages too long enjoyed, this is but a neces
sary incident of our return to right and justice.
If we exact fran unwilling minds acquiescence
in the theory of an honest distribution of the
fund of governmental benencence treasured up
for all, we but insist upon principle which
underlies our free institutions. When we tear
aside the delusions and misconceptions which
have blinded our countrymen to their condition
under various tariff laws, we but show them
how far they have been led away from the
paths of contentment and prosperity.
uWhen we proclaim that the necessity for rev.
enue to support the government furnishes the
only justification for taxing the people we an
nounce truth so plain that its denial would
seem to indicate the extent to which Judgment
may be influenced by familiarity with perver.
sions OF the taxing power; and whon We seek
to reinstate the self-confdence and business en-
terprises of our citizens, by discredlt,ng an alb
Iect dependence upon governmental favor, VIC
strive to stimulate those elements of American
character which support the hope of American
achievement.
Anxiety for the redemption of the pledges my
party has made and solicitude for the complete
1nsthcation OF the trust the people have
posed in US constrain Inc to remind those with
whom l, am TO cooperate that we can succeed
in doing the work which has been especially set
before us only by the most sincere, harmonious
and disinterested effort Even if insuperaple
obstacles and opposition prevent the consum-
nation of our task We shall hardly be excused
and If failure can be traced to our fault or neg
lect, We may be sure the people will hold us to a
swift and eXacting accountability.
The oath now take to preserve, protect and
defend the constitution of the United States
not only impressivelY defines the great respon-
sibility l assume, but suggests obedience to
constitutional commands as the rule by which
my official conduct must be guided Tshall to
the best of my ability, and within my sphere of
duty preserve the constitution by Loyalty pro-
tecting every grant of federal power 1t contains
by defending all its res traints when attacked by
impatience and restlessness and by enforcing
Its limitations and reservations in favor of the
states and the people. Fully impressed with
lhe gravity ol Ihe uulleS tnat CONFRONT me and
mindful OF my weakness, / should be appalled,
If 1t were my lot to bear unaided the responsi-
biltties which await me. am, however, saved
from encouragement when remember that [
shall have the support and counsel and co-opera-
tion of wise and patriotic men who will stand at
my side in cabinet places or will represent the
people in the legislative halls. l find also much
comfort in remembering that my countrymen
are just and generous and in the assurance that
they will not condemn those who by sincere de.
vot' Sn 10 their service deserve their forebear-
ance and approval.
Above oil l know there is Supreme Being
who rules the affairs of men and whose good.
ness and mercy have always followed the
American people, and I know He will not turn
from us now If we humbly and reverenty seek
His powerful aid.