Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-10-03
MR.. DAVIS'S LETTER OF AC-
CEPTANCE.

his letter of acceptance. Amorg other
things Mr.. Davis says /:
The times are propitious fer the rein
Statement: of the democratic party in
control of the government. The public
mind is being disillusioned Of the pre-
tension of tue republican party, so long
aud so arrogantiy made, that the ma
terial prosperity of the country depends
upon its own ascendancy. Thoughtful
and patriotic people are becoming more
and more distrustlul of the heady and
personal element OF the present admin
istration, and are more than willing to
see it replaced by one that better recog,
nizes constitutional and other lawful
restraints. They demand that the
present wasleful extravaganza in the
expenditure OF the money, drawn by
taxation from the industry Of the people,
shall cease, and that economy and hon
esy in the public service shall be again
regarded a, virtues in the high places OF
the government. The expenditures per
capita of the government are increasing
at an alarming rate. When the pres
ent administration went into power
there was large surplus, but notwith-
standing the enormous taxation, the
revenues therefronf are not now ade-
uuate to meet the demands made on
reckless appropriations. The revenues
fell short during the last fiscal year, Of
over $40, 100000. In the first six
ty days of this fiscal year the ex-
penditures exceeded the receipts ty
$24, 600, 900, and if thi: rate Of excess
should continue, the deficit for the pres
ent fiscal year would be in the neighbor-
hood of $40, 900, 900. This needless
deficit is due to the extravaganza Of the
administration, and can only be met by
imposing additional taxes or selling
bonds, thereby increasing the interest
bearing debt of the government. Which
course wi the republicans adopts The
cost Of government during the fiscal year
was 81. IA per capita, which means that
the average tax paid in some form or
another by every family of five persons
toward the support of the national adj
ministration ot public affairs was over
s25, which, in the case OF wage earners,
is a considerable percentage in their en-
tire earnings Tor the year. No more
money should be taken from the people
by taxation, direct or indirect, than is
necessary for the needs of government
economically administered.
Mr.. Davis makes some interesting
comparisons, and shows that under
Buchanan's administration the per cap
tia was $2.0l under Cleveland in 1892
s.. 30, and Roosevelt in 1904 $7.14.
Mr. Davis deals with the pension order,
lhe Panama scandal, imperialism, the
tariff and trusts. In speaking OF local
self government he says
Local selfgoyernment, that came to
us not as the gift of the national govern
ment, but as the legitimate outcome Of
the reserve powers of the States and of
the people, is the very corner stone of
our political structure, and the best as
surance OF liberty regulated by law.
It can only be maintained by strict OBJ
servance of the limitations Of the federal
constitution. Tho democratic party has
always resisted, and will continue to re-
sist, the encroachment by its enemies
upon the fundamental right of the peo-
pie of the several States. All power
comes from the people, and shcpld be
surrendered only in the interest of the
people, and whenever this power is used
Tor selfish interests it is not only an
abuse, but au usurpation.
The writer deyotes small portion Of
his letter to the race issue in which he
says:
All lovers OF their country must
deprecate the rehabilitation by the re-
publican party of a disappearing race
issue, at time when every effort should
be made to promote rather than retard
the progress which was being made in
States where slavery had existed, toward
kindlier relations between the two races.
The revival of this issue, with all its
attendant evils, must of necessity retard
the development of the southern States,
whose people are struggling manfully
with conditions left by the war, and
seriously interferes with the industrial
progress of both races.
Fraud in the public service during the
republican regime and the violation Of
the civil service laws are commented
upon, and in closing Mr.. Davis said
The late democratic convention and
its candidate for President was given
signal exhibition of a mutual respect and
confidence almost unprecedented in our
political history, and our party has re-
ceived new inspiration and hope in its
appeal to the people. who always appre-
ciate and admire courage, character and
discretion in their leaders. Our candi-
date has these qualities and can be de-
pended upon at all times to observe that
self-control in speech and action which
is so necessary to safe reasoning and
sound judgment. With undated trust
in the efficiency of the cardinal pr:nci-
pals Of our great party, when applied to
the practical administration of govern
ment, to realize the blessings OF peace
and prosperity fer all, and believing that
the people will correct the present abuses
of administration by change of party
in power, l await with confident the re-
suit Of their judgment at the polls.
The New York Stock Market.