Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1893-03-11

UllS pun VI pm oASebk
methods.
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 in
consistent with the fair field which
ought to be open to every independent
activity. Legitimate strife in bust
ness should not be superseded by mn
enforced concession to the demands
of combinations that have the power
to destroy; nor should the people
to be served lose the benefit of cheap
ness which usually results from
wholesome competition. These ag
gregations and combinations fire.
ouently constitute conspiracles
against the interests of the people
and in all their phases they are un
natural and opposed to our Aneri-
can sense of fairness. TO the extent
that they can be reached
and restrained by Federal pow
err. the general government should
relieve our citizens from their in
reference and eXactions.
Loyalty to the principles upon
which our government rests, posi-
lively demands that the equality
before the law which it guarantees
to every citizen should be justly and
in good faith conceded in all parts of
the land. The enjoyment OF this
right follows the badge of citizen
ship wherever found, and unimpalred'
by race OF color, it appeals for recos,,
milton to American manliness and
fairness.
Our relations with the Indians To-
Gated within our borders impose
upon us responsibilities we cannot
escape. Humanity and consistency
require us to treat them with for
bearance. 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 civlllza
ton and education, to self-suppOrt-
ing, and Independent citizenship. In
the meantime, as the nations wards,
they should be promptly defended
against the cupidity of designing men
and shielded from every influence or
temptation that retards their adj
vancement.
The people of the United States
have decreed that on this day the
control of their government in its
legislative and executive branches
shall be given to Il political party
pledged in the most positive terms
to the accomplishment of tariff
reform. They have thus determined
in favor of a more just and equitable
system of Federal taxation. The
agents they have chosen to carry out
their purposes are bonnd by their
promises. not less than by the conf
mand of their masters, to devote
themselves nnremittingly to this
service.
While there should lie no surrender
of principle, our task must be under
taken wisely and without vindictive-
ness. Our mission isnot punishment,
but the rectiication of wrongs. If,
in lifting burdens from the daily life
of our people, we reduce inordinate
and unequal advantages too long
enjoyed, this is but a necessary Incl
dent of our return to right and justice.
If we exact from unwilling minds
acouiescence in the theory of an
honest distribution of the fund of
governmental bene6cence treasured
up for all, we must insist upon II
principle which underlies our free
institutions.
When we tear aside the delusions
and misconceptions which have
blinded our countrymen to their
condition under vicious tariff laws,
we but show them how far they have
been led away from the paths of
contentment and prosperity. When
we proclaim that necessity for rev.
enue to support the government fur
nishes the only Justification for tax
ing people, we announce a.truth so
plain that its denial would seem to
indicate the extent to which judg-
ment may be influenced by famil-
iarity with. the peryersions of the
I taxing power, and when we seek tC
reinstate self-confidence and business
enterprise of our citizens by discred
iting the abject dependence upon
governmental favor we strive tc
Stimulate those elements of Ameri
can character which support the hope
of American achievement.
Anxiety for redemption Of pledges
which my party has made and solic-
tied for the complete justification
of the trust the people have reposed
in us, constrain me to remind those
with whom am to co operate that
we can succeed in doing work which
has been especially set before us
only by 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 peo-
pie will hold us to a swift and exact
Ing accountability.
The oath | now take to preserve,
protect, and defend the constitution
of the United States not only i'm
pressively defines the great respon-
sibility assume but suggests obedi-
ence to constitutional commands as
the rule by which my official con-
duct must be guided. shall to the
best of my ability, and within my
sphere of duty preserve the consti-
tuition by loyalty protecting every
SIduG VI ICNSibi -OWCl ~ SOI1v1NIlIo
by defending all its restraints when
attacked by Impotence and restless
ness, and by enforcing its limitations
and reservations in favor of the
States and 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, re
sponsibilities which await me.
I am, however, saved from dis
couragement when | remember that
shall have the support and counsel
and cooperation of wise and patri-
otto men who will stand at my side
in cabinet places or will represent
the people in their legislative halls.
I find also much comfortin remember
ing that my countrymen are iustand
generous and in the assurance that
thev will not condemn those who