The Forrest City times., 1896-09-11

from any personal desire. except the desire to
prove worthy OF the confidence of my country.
Human Judgment is fallible enough when I'M
biased by selfish considerations, and in order
that may not be tempted to use the patron
age OF an ONCE to advance any personal ambi-
tton, hereby announce, with all the emphasis
which words can express, my fixed determine
ton not, under any circumstances, to be a can
didate for rec lection In case this campaign re-
suits In my election.
l have carefully considered the platform
adopted by the Democratic national conven-
tion, and unqualifedly indorse every plank
therein
The Main Purposes of Government
our institutions rest upon the proposition
that all men. being created equal, are entitled
to equal consideration at the hands of the gov
ernment Because all men are created e quail,
it follows that no citizen has a natural right to
inJure another citizen. The main purpose Of
government being to protect all citizens in the
enjoyment of life, liberty and the pursuit OF
happiness this purpose must lead the govern
ment, first, TO avoid acts of affirmative in
justice, and, second, to restrain each citizen
from trespassing upon the rights OF any other
citizen
democratic form of government is con-
ducive to the highest civilization, because IL
opens before each individual the greatest op-
portunfties for development, and stimulates to
the highest endeavor, by tnsuring to each the
full enjoyment of all the rewards of toll ex-
cept such contribution as is necessary to sup
port the government which protects him
Democracy is Indifferent to pedigree-it deals
with the individual rather than his ancestors
Democracy ignores differences in wealth
neither riches nor poverty can be evoked in
behalf of or against any citizen. Democracy
knows no creed-recognizlng the right of each
individual to worship God according to the
dictates of his own conscience, 1t welcomes all
to common brotherhood and guarantees
rran TO
church or through what forms they commune
with their Creator.
Our Dual Form of Government.
Having discussed portions OF the platform at
the time OF its adoption. and again when your
letter of notification was formally delivered. 1t
will not be necessary at this time to touch upon
all the subjects embraced in the partys decla-
rations.
Honest differences OF opinion have ever ex-
listed, and ever will exist to the most effective
means of securing domestic tranquility but
no citizen fails to recognize at all times
and under all circumstances the absolute
necessity Tor the prompt and vigorous enforce
ment OF law and the preservation OF the pub
lie peace. In a government like ours law is
but the crystalization of the will OF the people:
without it, the citizen is neither secure in the
enjoyment of life and liberty, nor protect
ed IN the pursuit of happiness With
out obedience to law, government IS
impossible. The democratic party is
pledged to defend the constitution and
inforce the laws of the United States,
and it is also pledged to protect and defend the
dual scheme of government instituted by the
founders of the republic. The name United
States was happily chosen. 1t combines the
idea of national strength with the idea OF local
self government, and suggests IAN indissoluble
union of indestructable states"
The Forefathers and CentraIiza ton.
Our wise forefathers, fearing the tendency
toward Capitalization. as well as the dangers
OF dlSIntegration, guarded against both and
national safety. well as domestic security
| is to be found in the careful observance OF the
limitations which they impose. 1t VIII be
noticed that, while the United States guaran-
tees to every state a republican
! form of government. and is empowered
| TO protect each state against invasion it is not
! authorized to interfere in the domestic affairs
/ OF any state, except upon application of the
! legislature of the state, upon the applica-
| ton Of the executive when the legislature can
| not be convened. This provision rests
| upon the sound theory that the people
! OF the state, acting through their
| legally chosen representatives, are, be-
| cause OF their more intimate acquaintance
with local conditions, better qualified than the
! president to judge OF the necessity for federal
assistance. Those who framed our constitu-
| tion wisely determined TO make as broad an
application OF the principles OF local self-gov-
| eminent as circum tances would permit, and
! we can not dispute the correctness of the posi-
tion taken by them without expressing a dis
trust OF the people themselves.
Economy.
Since government exists for the protection
Of the rights OF the people, and not for their
| spoilation, no expenditure of public money can
| be justified unless that expenditure is neces-
sary for the honest, economical and efrcient
administration OF the government In deter
| mining what appropriations are necessary, the
| interests OF those who pay the taxes should be