The free press. (Poplarville, Miss.) 1890-19??, 1893-03-16

safely outgrOW. Ihe tolepatlon or
this idea results in the waste of the
peoples money by their chosen set-
wants, and the courageous prodigality
and extravaganza in the home life of
our countrymen. Under our scheme
of government, thel waste of public
money is crime against the citizens,
and the contempt of our people for
economy and frugality in their personal
affairs, deplorably saps the strength and
sturdiness of our national char
acter. 1t is plain dictate of honesty
and good government that public ex-
penditures shall be limited by public
necessity, and that this should be
measured by the rules of strict
economy; and it is equally clear that
frugality among the people is the best
guaranty of contented and strong
support of free institutions. One
more of the Interpretations Of pub
lie funds is avoided when appoint.
ments to Office, instead of being the
rewards of partisan activity, are
awarded to those whose efficiency
promises fair return of work for
the compensation paid to them. To
secure the fitness and competency Of
appointees to Office and to remove
from political action the demoralizing
madness for spoils, civil service re-
form has found place in our public
policy and laws. The benefits already
gained through this instrumentality
and the further usefulness it promises
entitle it to the hearty support and en-
couragement of ali who desire to see
our public service well performed, or
who hope for the elevation of politi-
cal sentiment and the puri fication of
political methods.
SMASH THE TRUSTS.
The existence of immense aggrega.
tions of kindred enterprises and COM
binations Of business interests formed
for the purpose of limiting production
and fixing prices, is inconsistant with
the fair field which ought to be open
to every independent activity. Legit-
innate strife in business should not be
superceeded by an enforced conces-
sion to the demands of combinations
that have the power to destroy; nor
should the people to be served lose the
benefit of cheapness, which us ually
results from wholesome competition.
These aggregations and combinations
frequently constitute conspiracies
against the interests of the people,
and in all their phases they are unnat-
ural and opposed to our American
senses of fairness. To the extent that
they can be reached and restrained by
Federal power, the general govern
ment should relieve our citizens from
their interference and exactions,
Loyalty to the principles upon which
our government rests positively de-
mands that the equality before the
law, which it guarantees to every citi-
zen, should be justly and in good faith
conceded in all parts of the land.
The enjoyment of this right follows
the badge of citizenship wherever
found, and, unimpaired by race or
color, it appeals for recognition to
American manliness and fairness.
Our relations with the Indians loca-
ted within our borders impose upon
us responsibilities we cannot escape.
Humanity and consistency require us
to treat them with forbearance, and in
our dealings with them to honestly
and considerably regard their rights
and interests. Every effort should be
made to lead them through the paths
of civilization and education to self
supporting and Independent citizen
ship. In the meantime, as the nations
wards, they should be promptly de-
fcnded against the cupidity Of de-
signing men and shielded from every
influence or temptation that retards
their advancement.
The people of the United States
have decreed that on this day the con-
troll of their government in its legis-
lative and executive branches shall be
given to political party pledged in
the most positive terms to the accom-
plishment of tariff reform. They
have thus determined in favor of
more just and equitable system of Fed
eral 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 unremittingly to
this service. While there should be
no surrender of principle, our task
must be undertaken wisely and with
out vindictivcness. Our mission is
not punishment, but the rectification
of wrongs. If, in lifting burdens
from the daily life of our people, we
reduce inordinate and unequal advan-
tages, too long enjoyed, this is but
necessary incident of our return to
right and jlstice. If we exact from
unwilling minds acquiescence in the
theory of honest distribution of the
fund of governmental benefcence,
treasured up for all, we but insist
upon a principle which underlies our
free institutions. When we tear aside
the delusions and misconceptions
which have blinded our countrymen
to their condition u:der vicious tariff
laws, we but show them how far they