Butte semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1886-1890, 1886-11-20

but rather that the conditions existing here
at present are not favorable to . land
monopoly and that the land monopoly ID
overshadowed by the manufacturing and
transportation m~onopolies.
The danger which threatens labor from
this source is one which is now confined ia
the wage-laborer, but the capitalist OF
monopoly which Expresses him is itself in
turn threatened by some powerful
monopoly or combination with q greater
amount of capital at it's command, so that
none are free from the danger q " where
combinations are formed Of sufficient
strength to override all antagonists and
evade or defy all laws enacted for their re-
straint.
The operations Of individual or corpor.
ate monopoly are not confined to business
transactions where it's influence is suf8.
GENTLY alarming, but it is ever seeking to
control elections and influence legislation
in it's interest. In the pursuit of these
objects it does not scruple or hesitate at
at any measure of coercion or bribery.
however infamous it may be-. Its influence
upon elections, traceable to these methods,
has long been apparent in the East where
manufacturing monopolies are strong.
Were it not for this phase Of the question
the proposition 50 often advanced to
leave the labor question to be settled by
the laws of labor and demand might be
deemed worthy OF consideration. And yet,
even the natural laws of supply and de-
mand are frequently subverted or greatly
modified by the concentrated power OF
combined capital. This ~intermeddling OF
monopoly with political questions which
is naturally on the increase, NJ matter to
what extent practiced is maniiestly in the
same degree sapping the very foundation
upon which Republican institutions rest;
and if allowed to continue and p~erpetuate
it's own power must inevitably lead to rev.
olution. It is such considerations as these
which have led to what is known as the
labor movement and the formation of q
political party called the Labor party.
Whenever this experiment has been tried
the ranks of the Labor party have speedily
been joined by the Socialists, while that
element OF society which may be described
men of moderate means, exemplifyiug
capitals proverbial characteristic of timid-
ity, had a willing ear to monopolJ's whis-
pered stories of Communism and anarchy,
and disregarding the danger which threat
ems from the opposite direction assist to
perpetuate the rule OF monopoly.
It is from this class of men-men in mod.
crate circumstances-who are supposed to
be the more independent Of u citizens
that relief must come. They alone can
give to the party which opposes monopoly
rule the solidity, permanence and strength
necessary to success. And it is essential
that they should look squarely in the face
the dangers which threaten, Join hands
with those whose interests lie in the same
direction and procure the enactment OF
laws which will effectually prevent monopo-
listic interference with the right OF suffrage.
Other restrictive measures to check the
money power may in time become neces-
sary, but this is one which the safety Of
Republican institutions already demand.
Much more might be said concerning the
methods employed by monopoly, such as
interference with the administration of JUS
tice by means of packed %juries and biased
judges, but enough has been said to clearly
indicate the nature OF the dangers with
which we must contend. The most import
ant part of the subject, the remedy and the
manner OF applying that remedy yet re-
mains to be considered. In order that
progress. be not arrested and that the
world may enjoy to their fullest extent the
benefits which civil cation ~confers, it is nec-
essary that the Capitalization of capital be
permitted. Like ~labor-saving inventions
it is the means OF increasing the produc-
tive capacity Of a people. The only desir-
able remedy then is to cripple the power
for evil without destroying it's capacity TOR
allow are the ~vorious classes OF voters
who are interested in checking the power OF
monopoly to be induced to combine for
this purpose? Shall it be by uniting in
support of one OF the two great political
parties already in existence or by forming
a third party?"
The very considerable vote cast for Mr..
Henry George in New York indicates that
a ! labor party may yet become formidable.
Whatever may be the verdict as to the
practicability OF MI. Georges reform meas
ures it is certain hat his theories concern
ing property rights contain enough Of
sound logic to entitle them to respectful
consideration. There are also indications
pointing to a coalition of the labor move
ment and the farming population for the
purpose OF righting the grievances which
Cypress both alike. The great obstacle to
the formation of q third party is that a
political party to become q permanent Or
yanization must be founded upon some
or set of principles broad enough
to embrace the whole theory of government
and must adopt q platform declaring it's
position upon all important issues as they
present themselves. And in all this there
must be consistency and harmony. Now
among those whose interest would prompt
hem to oppose monopoly rule, will be
ound diverse and conflicting opinions upon
;he tariff, silver, prohibition and various
other questions which are in themselves
If most weighty Importance, and the or
voter is disposed to cling to the
party with which he has been accustomed
% act until he finds one which, upon all
important questions, is in harmony with
lis own views and convictions. At any
ate when a single issue is made the basis
or the formation OF new parties or party
ines it must be one Of such magnitude and
as to .foreshadow all other
Luestions. Such was the question of seces-
at the beginning OF our civil war; and
UGH, in my opinion, is the question of
monopoly rule at the present time. But
he contest over this question is not ofthat
character which will force each citi-
en- to define his position, and the Ameri-
people seem slow to realize the nature