The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-08-28
FAITHFUL TO PLEDGES.
The Republican Party Ii Helping the
Country.


Signs of reyiving prosperity have be-
come so general that period OF good
times, covering, il is hoped, long term
of years, is looked for with confidence
Such conditions do not come by acct
dent. 1t is true that the crops are be-
yond the average, but that was also the
case during the preceding two years.
The people of this country should real
ize that when they vote wrong in a ma
tional election they vote away the
basis of profitable business until the
time comes TO restore it at the ballot
box. In the year 1892 our citizens not
only voted perversely, but an immense
number neglected their political duty
by not going to the polls. Perhaps
many will think the penalty that fol-
lowed was heavier than the offense.
That is a question in the wider field of
metaphysics that can never be settled.
The mistake of 1892 was to put full
control of the nation into the hands of
an incompetent party. In wrecking it.
self by its incapacities that party der
ranged the whole business world and
caused enormous losses. Naturally,
there is rejoicing over Frightening pros
poets.
One of the radical faults of the party
successful in 1892 was that it did not
keep the pledges of its platform. 1t
passed n mongrel tariff fathered by no.
body and repudiated by all organiza-
tons. After reducing revenue below
the line of expenses and bringing dis
aster to American industries that par
ty suddenly reversed its financial po-
sition as declared throughout its his
tory. 1t was fundamental change in
the issues on which it had previously
appealed to the people. Without the
popuist fusion and silver speculative
raid the democratic party last year
would have been beaten millions of
votes. But the country preferred the
party that stands squarely upon its
platform. The resolutions adopted by
its national conventions mean exactly
what they say. There is an assurance
of stability in the success of such a
party. 1t never looks around for COM
binations by which declared principles
can be traded for votes. Good faith
marks its legislation, which is shaped
on pledges accepted and trusted by the
people.
In four months after the date of their
return to power and in the face of
many difficulties, including the lack of
a clear majority in the senate, the re-
publican party has redeemed one of
the most important promises of the st.
Louis platform. The opening sentence
in that plank runs thus: I'VE renew
and emphasize our allegiance to the
policy of protection as the bulwark
of American industrial independence
and the foundation of American devel-
opment and prosperity" That idea
has been applied with all possible di-
rectness and is now embodied in the
law of the land. The concluding SEN
! tence of the same plank is: "The coun-
try demands n right settlement, and
then it wants rest" In this prompt ac-
ton and these firm assurances the bust.
ness men of the United States can see
a long period of certainties and good
prospect of wise policies. They know
the value of a reputation for keeping
promises. Where that is lacking, pros
perity is a shy visitor.-St. Louis Globe
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