Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1904-10-07

Gradual Changes, Where Necessary.
The letter in which Henry G. Davis
accepts the nomination for Vice Presi-
dent on the Democratic national ticket
practically is a repetition Of his speech
OF acceptance some weeks ago. He ac-
cuses the Republican administration Of
extravaganza, declares the year 1904 will
see u deficit in the national treasury of
$14O,00O,OO0. He quotes figures to prove
that the cost of governing the United
States is much greater per capita under
Roosevelt than it was under Buchanan
or under Cleveland. He halls as the
harbinger of new era" the beginning of
the Panama canal but disapproves OF the
action of President Roosevelt in recog-
niZing the Panama republic, and declares
that the act is the first fruits Of impe-
rlaliSm. Mr.. Davis says the Democratic
party stands for a wise, conservative
and gradual change in the tariff laws,
but says it will ''legislatc with a due re-
gard for the labor and capital involved
in industrial enterprises
Text of the Letter.
The letter is addressed to John Sharp
Va
notification. 1t is as follows:
Dear Sirs-In accordance with custom,
and my promise when notified by your COM
mittee at White Sulphur Springs. OH Aug.
II, of my nomination for the office of Vice
President, l submit the following observa-
lions upon some of the questions now be-
fore the country.
The times are propitious for the rein
statement Of the Democratic party In con
troll Of the government The public mind
is being dlsilusioned of the pretension of
the Republican party, so long and so AFRO
gantly made. that the material prosperity
of the country depends upon its own as
tendency. Thoughtful and patriotic peo-
pie are becoming more and more distrust-
full of the heady and personal element OF
the present administration, and are more
than willing to see 1t replaced by one that
better recognizes constitutional and other
lawful restraits. They demand that the
present wasteful eXtrayagance In the ex-
penditure of the money, drawn by taxa
tion from the industry of the people, shall
cease, and that economy and honesty In
the public service shall be again regarded
as virtues in the high places Of the gov
eminent.
Mr.. Davis quotes figures to show that
the expenses Of administering the gov
eminent under Buchanan were $2.O1 per
capita, under Cleveland $500 per capita
and under Roosevelt $7.14 per capita. He
argues that this shows an alarming
growth of extravaganza. He says
thoughtful and patriotic men" are
alarmed over the growth of Imperialism,
which he holds responsible for the Pan
anna revolution.
Tariff Is Too High.
The letter, continuing, declares the
existing tariff rates are too high. He
says:
The average selling price of hundred
articles, taken principally from the iron and
steel list, is found to be about 20 per cent
higher In this country than abroad. Relief
from these conditions will only come
ty, which stands for a wise, conservative
and gradual change In the tariff laws,
which will equalize the burdens Of taxa
ton and make honest competition possible.
But in making such changes its purpose
will be to legislate with due regard for
the labor and capital involved in industrial
enterprises
1t is estimated that there are in the
United States between 200 and 500 combi-
nations Of capital and corporate interests,
known as trusts, which have grown 9p IN
the last few years under Republican rule.
Some of them are so conducted as to be
pernicous and harmful to the general in
terest With the power they are able to
exert, they can lessen competition, control
prices, and regulate to their own advant-
age the law Of supply and demand. Indi-
vidual effort is helpless against such strong
rivals. and the natural right Of all persons
to barter and trade Is unnaturally restrict
ed. The effort of these trusts Is to control
or monopolize, and these monopolies, when
unrestrained, seem to produce conditions
which bring about strikes and disorders,
and disturb the business affairs of the
country.
The declaration in the st. Louis platform
in favor of arbitration is one that appeals
to my sense of fairness. Nations and
States have employed to advantage this
method of settling disputed questions,
States have invoked It's aid with good re-
suits, and individuals frequently have re-
sort to it In adjusting questions of differ
ence. The Hague tribunal, representing the
sentiment of Cancellation, Is the highest
practical expression of intelligent thought
on this subject
Fraud in Public Service.
Population and fraud in the public serv-
Ice under the present administration, eSpe-
cially In the poStotfice and land depart
mentS, reached such proportions that knowl-
edge of the evils practiced became public
property. Prosecutions naturally followed,
but thorough and impartial investigation
by Congress, proposed and urged by the
Democratic minority, refused by the
Republicans at the mandate, it is believed,
of the administration Congress adjourned
earlier than at any long session for many
years for the purpose, 1t Is believed, OF pre-
venting further agitation of the question,
and In an effort TO curtail expenses.
Offices are created and filled In pursu-
anCe OF law to carry on the government,
and not to further party ambitions and the
selfish purpose of any citizen Many Of
the hundred thousand federal office holders,
servants OF all the people, while under sal
airy, are now vigorously, some covertiy and
some openly, working and contributing in
the present campaign to secure the success
of the Republican party, in defiant viola
ton OF the civil service laws, rules, and
regulations Several members of the cabi-
net and other officials of the government,
forsaking their duties and the departments
at Washington, are spending their time in
making speeches and using all the influence
and power of their official positions to elect
>heir chief.
The late Democratic convention, and its
candidate for President, have given signal
exhibition of mutual respect and conf
dence almost unprecedented IN our political
history, and our party has received new
inspiration and hope in its appeal to the
people, who always appreciate and admire
courage, character, and discretion in their
leaders.