The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1902-02-28
issue. but it is an old one-which has


issue. but It Is an old one-which has
grown better by age.
SIT II an issue upon which every demo-
crat In this broad land can stand, without
regard to PAST differences or previous con-
dition of servitude' to any other isues, good,
bad or Indifferent. 1t is not dead issue,
but a living issue; 1t Is not-a passing is
sue, but an ever present issue; It Is not q
questionable issue.
''It has stood the test of ege, because It
Is right. 1t has been obscured at times by
the temporary prominence of other issues
but 1t has never ceased to be the party'y
faith.
Revenue reform has many synonyms. 1t
may be defined as that policy which for
bids the use of the taxing power of the
government for the accomplishment of prI-
vate purposes. That is its true meaning in
a nutshell. 1t Is equivalent to the shibbo-
leth Of tariff for revenue only which has
been emblazoned on our party banners so
many times In our history. It signifies the
sound governmental theory of public taxa
ton for public purposes 1t Is founded
upon the principle that 1t is not the true
province of government to tax one man
for the benefit of another's private bust
ness.
There is absolute uEanimity on the
question of the republican attitude in
democratic ranks. There Is, however, some
division in the republican party on this
question. 1t began several years ago.
when Mr.. Blaine, who had previously been
the uncompromising champion of protec-
ton, with keen foresight saw that the doc
trine was being carried to extremes, and
that it could not much longer resist the
growing public sentiment in favor of a
change, suggested that 1t might be well to
inaugurate policy of reciprocal trade
through commercial treaties negotiated
between this country and some other coun-
tries asserting thereto.
Reciprocity Democratic Policy.
1.-The policy of reciprocity is and has al
ways been democratic policy. There has
never been a time in the history of the
country when the democracy has not been
desirous of establishing reciprocal trade,
either through treaties or otherwise. be-
tween this and other countries.
There was really nothing new in Mr..
Blaine's suggestion in itself; 1t startled the
country simply because 1t came from an
unexpected source. 1t was an Endorsement
of the democratic position from an hither-
to hostile quarter.
But If Mr.. Blaine's tribute years ago to
the wisdom of the democratic party was
surprise, much more so were the words
of President Mckinley expressed in his ad-
GresS at the Pan-American exposition a
Buffalo last fall, and which unquestion-
ably would have attracted more attention
and comment but for his untimely ard
tragic death which followed so soon after
ward. He there said:
The period of exclusiveness is past
The expansion of our trade and commerce
is the pressing problem. Commercial wars
are Improbable. A policy of good will ard
friendly trade relations will prevent
reprisals. Reciprocity treaties are in har-
mony with the spirit OF the times; measures
of retaliation are not. If. per chance, some
of our tariffs are no longer needed for rev.
enue, or to encourage and protect our in
dustries at home. why should they not be
employed to extend and promote our mar
ket abroad?
These words, coming from one whose
political life had been engaged in advocat-
Ing an opposite policy. but whose partisan
views must have been modified when con-
fronted with responsibility in the great of
flee of president of the whole country are
most significant and instructive The re-
publican party has been compare lively
silent upon these most important utter
ances.
''It is impossible for our opponents salts
factorily to answer these Inquiries, and
they do not venture to do so. Their lead
ers In congress have repeatedly and de-
family declared that there will be no tariff
legislation at this session.
I'm view of this anomalous situation and
of these considerations, 1t becomes the
part of wisdom for the democracy to press
to the front this great issue of revenue re-
FORM not to the exclusion of other issues
but prominently and in conjunction there
with.
one basket. There are other issues worthy
of consideration which should not be ig-
nored and upon which our position is i'm
pregnable.
1--WE believe in a select construction of
the federal constitution essential for
the public welfare
Democratic Policy Tersely Expressed
1--WE favor an amendment to the consti-
tuition providing for the election of United
States senators by the people of the several
states rather than by state legislators We
should continue to advocate that AMEND
ment. 1t is a reform in the right direction
and 1t ought to prevail.
Opposition to dangerous corpora lions of
capital should continue to be the demo-
cratic position. The best and truest in
terests of the country require that such
combinations should be prohibited. Rea-
sonable and desirable cooperation of large
moneyed interests may be permitted, but
the scope and methods thereof should be
wisely regulated.
THE people should control the corpora
lions. and not the corporations the people,
THE Monroe doctrine, first enurciated
by a democratic president, should remain
the settled policy of this republic.
''The democratic party favors the main
terance of the public credit at all times
I'VE are opposed TO reputation in any
form or under any pretense.
I'VE believe In hard money-the money
OF the conStitution-and are unaltera bly,
opposed to irredeemable paper currency.
IF any further enunciation of democrat
ic policy upon the financial question is re-
garded necessary, in view of existing
monetary conditions, then 1t Is suggested
that a simple declaration in favor of the
general principles of international bimetal-.
ism furnishes a common ground upon
which all can stand; for, surely there
could be no objection to a coinage mutually