Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1902-03-06

the temporary prominence of other issues,
but 1t has never ceased to be the party's
faith.
Revenue reform has many synonyms. Il
may be defined as that policy which fr-
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-
ieth OF 'tarif for revenue only which has
been emblazoned on our party banners SO
many times in our history. 1t 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 unanimity on the
question or 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-
tlon, with keen foresight saw that the doc
trine was being carried to extremes, and
tnat 1t could not much longer resist the
growing public sentiment in favor of a
change, suggested that 1t might be we'll to
l~naugurate a policy of reciprocal trade
through commercial treaties negotiated
between this country and some other coun-
tries asserting thereto.
Reciprocity n Democratic Policy.
The policy of reciprocity is and has al
ways been a democratic policy. There has
never been a time in the history of the
country when the democracy has not been
deslrous of establishing reciprocal trade,
either through treaties or otherwise, be-
tween this and other countries.
Inere was really nothing new in Mr.,
blalnes suggestion In Itself: it 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
a surprise, much more so were the words
or President Mckinley expressed in his adj
dress at the Pan-American exposition at
Buffalo last fall. and which unquestion-
ably would have attracted more attention
and common but for his untimely and
tragic death which followed so soon after
ward. He there said:
Ihe 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 and
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-
Ironted with responsibility in the great of
ice of president of the whole country. are
most significant and instructive. The re-
publican party has been comparatively
silent upon these most important utter
ances.
1T is impossible for our opponents salts
1actorily to answer these inquiries. and
they do not venture to do so. Their lead
ers In congress have repeatedly and de-
hantly declared that there will be no tariff
legislation at this session.
In view of this anomalous situation and
OF these considerations, it becomes the
part or wisdom for the democracy to press
to the front this great issue of revenue re-
torm,. not to the exclusion of other issues,
but prominently and in conjunction there
with.
1T is not necessary to put all our eggs in
one basket. There are other issues worthy
or consideration which should not be ig-
nored and upon which our position is i'm
pregnable.
eve believe in a select construction of
the federal constitution as essential for
the public welfare.
Democratic Policy TerseIy EXPRESSED
I'VE 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 rightd direction
and it ought to prevail.
Opposition to dangerous corporations OF
capital should continue to be the demo-
cratic position. The best and truost IN
terests OF the country require tina 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
tons, and not the corporations the people.
'The Monroe doctrine, first enunciated
by a democratic president, should remain
the settled policy of this republic.
The democratic party favors the main
tenance of the public credit at all times.
w are opposed to reputation in any
form or under any pretense.
we believe Iii hard money-the money
or the constitution-and are unalterabIv
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 unon
whicN all can stand; for, surely, there
could be no objection to a coinage mutually
agreed upon between the leading nations
Of the world.
1.-THE criticism is frequently made that
we are only a party of opposition and
without affirmative issues. 1t is true that
we are not In power, and we do not need
to be reminded of It. But the criticism that
we are without affirmative issues is NOT
just. as a little reflection will disclose.
Il submit that a tariff for revenue il
just as much of an Affirmative issue as Ia
a protective tariff. A strict construction
OF the FEDERAL constitution is just as much
of an affirmative issue as Is a loose con-
struction. The policy of electing United
States senator's by the people is more of
an affirmative issue than mere opposition
or indifference to it.
THE advocacy of a free constitutional
government for all our possessions over
which our flag of right floats is just as
much of an affirmative issue as is the adj
Vocacy or imperialism, and a hundred
times more In accord with the genius of
our Institutions.
THE democratic doctrine of home rule
for states Is certainly just as much OF an
affirmative issue as the republican oprosi>
ton to that doctrine.
The prohibition, restriction or regula.
tlon on dangerous corporate combinations
OF capital presents just as much of an a.
nrmative issue as the championship of sucS
combinations.
Meet the New Issues.
New conditions occasion new du.
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