Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1893-03-16

To secure the fitness and compe-
tency of appoitees to Office and to re-
move from political action the demor-
alizing madness for spoils civil service
reform has found a 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
encouragement of all who desire to see
our public service well performed or
who hope for the elevation of politi-
cal sentiment and the publication OF
political methods. The existence of
immense aggregations OF kindred en-
terprises and combinations of bust
ness interests formed for the purpose
of limiting production and fixing prices
is inconsistent with the fair field which
ought to be open to every independent
activity. Legitimate strife in business
should not be superseded by enforced
concession to the demands of combi-
nations that have the power to de-
stroy, nor should the people to be
served lose the benefit of cheapness
which usually results from wholesome
competitor. These aggregations and
combinations frequently constitute
conspiracies against the interests of
the people and are unnatural and op-
posed to our American sense of fair
ness. To the extent that can be
reached and restrained by federal
power, the general government should
relieve our citizens from their interfer-
ence 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 ap-
peals for recognition 20 American man
illness and fairness.
DEAL HONESTLY WITH INDIANS.
Our relations with the Indians To-
Gated within our borders impose upon
us responsibilities we cannot escape.
Humanity and consistency require
that we treat them with forbearance
and in our dealings with them to hon
estly and consistently regard their
rights and interests. Every effort
should be made to lead them through
the paths OF civilization and educa-
ton to self-supporting and indepen-
dent citizenship. In the meantime as
the nations wards they should be
promptly defended against the cupid
ity of designing men and shielded from
every influence or temptation that re-
tards their advancement.
The people of the United States have
decreed that on this day the control
of their government in their legislative
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 a 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 mas
ters, to devote themselves unremit-
tingly to this service.
| While there should be no surrender
of principle, our task must be under
taken wisely without vindictiveness.
Our mission is not punishment but
the rectifcation of wrongs. If in lift
ing burdens from the daily life of our
people we reduce inordinate and un-
equal advantages long enjoyed, this
is but a necessary incident OF our re-
1 IuEh " anu ldStiSC, IL VIC CAoNb
from unwilling minds acquiescence
treasured up for all, we but insist upon
a principle which underlies our free in
stitutionS. When we tear aside the
delusions and misconceptions which
have blinded our countrymen to their
condition under the vicious tariff laws
we but show how far they have been
led from the paths ofcontentment and
prosperity. When we proclaim that
the necessity for revenue to support
the government furnishes the only JUS
tification for taxing the people we an
nounce truth so plain that it's denial
would seem to Indicate the extent to
which judgment may be influenced by
familiarity with perversions OF the
taxing power, and when we seek to re.
instate the self-confidentf, nd business
enterprise of our citizens by discredit.
ing an abject dependence upon govern.
mental favor we strive to stimulate
those elements of American character
which support the hope OF American
achievement.
REDEMPTION OF PLEDGES.
Anxiety for the redemption OF pledges
which my party has made and solicl
tude for the complete justification o
| lhC liuot thO pCoPiC hSPoSSa hPot
us, constrain me to remind those with
whom am to cooperate that we car
succeed in doing the work which hai
been especially set before us only by
the most sincere, harmonious and dis
interested effort. Even if insuperabl,
obstacles and opposition prevent tn,
consummation of our task we shal
hardly be excused; and if failure cal
be traced to our fault or neglect W
!, may be sure the people will hold US t,
6 a swift and exacting accountability.
6 The oath l now take to preserve
, protect and defend the heconstitution @
: the United States not only impres
sively defines the great responsibilit,
| assume, but suggests obedience t.
Il constitutional commands as the rul
by which my official conduct must b
guided. l shall to the best OF m
ability and within my sphere of dut
: preserve the constitution by loyalty
protectingev every grant of federal powe
it contains, by defending all it's r,
!. straints when attacked by impatienc
y and restlessness and by enforcing il
? limitations and reservations In favo
9 of the state and the people.
Fully impressed with the gravity {
= the duties that confront me and mlnt
= = full of my weakness, should be al
u palIed if it were my lot to bear unaide
-. the responsibilities which await m
I. l am, however, saved from discourag
y ment when / remember that l sha
have the support and the counsel an
cooperation of wise and patriotic me
y who will stand at my side in cabin'
. places or will represent the people
= their legislative halls.
find also much comfort in remen
bering that my countrymen are Jul
,, and generous and in the assuran
=, they will not condemn those who I
'e sincere devotion to their service d
~ serve their forbearance and approvs
- Above all knw there is a Supren