The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1893-03-11

ba onep 10 every independent activity.
LEGITIMATE strife IN business should not be
superseded by an enforced concession TO the
demands of combinations that have the power
"a DESTROY: nor should the people to be served
lose the benefit Of cheapness which usually
results from wholesome competition these
aggregations and combinations frequently coa-
stifute conspiracies against the interests OF the
people. aud in all their phases they are un
natural and opposed to our American sense
of fsirness. To the extent that they can be
reached and restrained by Federal power, the
general Government should relieve our citi.
zens from their interference and exactions.
LOYALTY to the principles upon which our
Government rests positively demands that
the equality before the law which it guaran-
tees to every citizen should be justly and
fairly conceded in all parts OF the land. The
enjoyment Of this right follows the badge OF
citizenship wherever, found, and, unimpslred
by race or color it appeals for recognition TO
American manliness and fairness
Our relations with the Indians located
within our borders impose upon US respon.
sibilities 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
msde to lead them through the paths of civ
iIization and education. 10 selfsupporting
and independent citizenship. In the mean
time. as the nations wards, they should be
promptly defended against the eupidity OF
designing men aud shielded from every lntiu-
enee or temptation that retards their advance
menr.
The people of the United States have de
decreed that on this day the control of their
Government, in its legislative aud executive
branches. shall be given to a political party
pledged in the most positive terms to the ac-
complishment off tariff reform They have
thus determined in favor of more Just and
equitable system of Federal taxation. The
aren,s thew have chosen 10 carry out their
purposes are bound by their promises, not
less than by the commands OF their masters,
TO devote themselves unremittingly, TO this
service.
While there should be no surrender Of prin-
cip!e, our task must be undertaken wisely
and without vindieiiveness. Our mission is
not punishment. but the rectitication of
wrongs. If, in lifting burdens from the daily
life of cur people, we reduce inordiAate and
unequal advantages too long enjoyed, tins IS
but a necessary incident of our return to right
and Justice If we exact from unwilling
minds acquiescence IN the theory of an honest
distribution of the fund Of governmental bene-
fcence treasured mp for all, We but insist upon
a principle which underlies our free institu-
tions. When we tear aside the decisions
and misconceptions which have blinded our
countrymen to their condition under vicious
tariff laws. We bat show them how far they
have been led away from the paths of con-
tentment and prosperity. When we proclaim
that the necessity for revenue to support the
Government furnishes the only justification
for taxing the people, we announce truth
tk.t 81 tn MD
the extent TO which Judgment may be inhnenc-
ed by familiarity with the perversious of the
taxing power; and when we seek to reiustate
the self-confiience and business enterprise of
our citizens by discrediting an abject depeu-
dence upon governmental favor, we strive to
stimulate those elements of American charac-
ter which support the hope of American
achievement.
My anxiety for the resumption ofthe pledges
which nv party has made. and solcitude for
the complete justification of the trust the peo-
pie have reposed in US, constraiD me TO re-
mind those with whom | am 10 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 insuperable obstacles and
opposition prevent the contamination of our
task we shall hardly be excused; and if failure
can be traced to our fault or neglect 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
responsibility / assume, but suggests obedi-
ence to constitutional commands, as the rule
By which my official conduct must be guided.
| shall, to the best of my ability, and within
my sphere of duty. preserve the Constitution
by Loyalty protecting every grant of Federal
power it contains, by defending all its re-
straints when attacked by impotence and
restlessness, and by enforcing its limitations
and reservations in favor of the States and
the people. Fully impressed with the gravity
of the duties that confront me, and mindful
of my weakness, should be appalled, if it
were my lot to bear unaided the responsible
ties which await me. | am. however, saved
from encouragement when | remember that
/ shall have the support and the counsel ard
co operation of wise and patriotic men who
will stand by my side in Cabinet places, or
will represent the people in their legislative
halls. | find also much comfort in remem-
bering that my countrymen are just and
generous, and in the assurance that they will
not condemn those who by sincere devotion
TO their service deserve their forbearance
and approval. Above all | know there is
Supreme Being who rules the affairs of men,
and whose goodness and mercy have always
followed the American people; and / know
He will not turn from us now. il We humbly
and reverently seek His powerful aid.