Democratic Sentinel, Volume 10, Number 29, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 August 1886 — A GREAT GIFT. [ARTICLE]

A GREAT GIFT.

The Democratic House of Representatives has restored to the public domain, releasing them from the clutches of robber corporations nearly one hundred millions acres of land —an area three times that of England. This is the gift of the Democratic party to the people. It was taken from the people by the Republican party and kept from the people by the same Republican party, despite the evidence that the corporations upon which i} had been bestowed failed to merit it. Upon the credit of this magnificent benefaction, for such it is, the Democratic party can properly appeal to the people for a vote of confidence and approval. These acres mean homes for those who have been made homeless by the Republican legislation which has fostered monopolies, reduced wages, and curtailed the opportunities and comforts of the poor. These acres mean hope and happ'er lives to thousands who now stand hungry in the streets of the great cities. These acres mean new cities, new wealth to the nation. No such splendid gift has ever been made to the people since old Zach. Taylor eut Texas from Mexico. We might well consider that, if the record of the Cleveland Administration should be signalized by no other public service than this, it would be enough to make it notable in history. In the face of such, an achievement, criticism of the Democratic House for shortcomings is idle. The members who have assisted in the great work of reclaiming these lands deserve the most signal appreciation at the hands of their constituenfs. Not less admirable their figures in history, because they won an empire by their votes instead of conquering it by the sword. We do not make heroes of our Congressmen as a rule in these degenerate days, but there is nothing in the annals of any country really more worthy of heroics than this work of the Democratic House. —Indianapolis Sentinel.