The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1890-08-12
THE PROGRESSIVE FARMER
AND THE SUB-TREAS-
URY BUSINESS.

Mr.. ED1roR:-Since Senator Vance's
letter, coupled with your structures,
criticisms of the same is the theme
for talk in all circles, will you kindly
give me space to express the view 1
entertain both of the letter and your
position as critic?
will premise by saying that l am
neither welded to the Sub treasury
hill nor has it ever struck me as a
practical measure. I will go further,
while | realize the justice of the de-
mand of an increase in the circulation
that the present sum is inadequate
that relief is imperative-that 1t
will be obtained, yet l have not ex-
pected to see the Sub Treasury bill
become a law, nor do l suppose It's
most ardent advocates much expected
it without it's undergoing material
change in form. 1 was rejoiced at Its
presentation, have been doubly inter
ested in it's discussion, sincerely
thanked Senator Vance for the part
he took in bringing it prominently be
fore the public, did not feel that he
necessarily endorsed it or pledged
himself to it's support, on the contrary
supposed that his object was simply
to show himself friendly to a measure
that would open up discussion as to
the conditions that obtained-the
causes that largely operated to render
them possible, that would inaugurate
measures which would tend to hasten
a change. My confidence in the Sen
ator is such that l still think that at
heart he desires to see this change
that he proposed to advocate such
measures as would ensure this result.
The Senator's position, though, is a
peculiar one, difficulties confront him
individually-confront his party. At
heart he is with the people-his party
as a party is in the interest of the
people. The Senator must stand for
reelection, the party again must
measure it's strength. Vance is a
good man, a true nan in a sense; he
is the choice of the people. This he
knows. This hitherto honest action
of his in championing the just de-
mands of the people has arrayed the
railroads against him, a positive stand
against the allied powers of capitalism,
inviting the pregnant shafts of a sub
sidized press, barring himself against
all burden would GO a long ways to in
vite his defeat. Is it any wonder that
he shrinks from the contest =? His
letter is ingenious, it is expressive of
a true interest in the welfare of the
people at large; it contains much that
is worthy of profoundest considera-
ton. Yet with all that his warmest
advisers may and will concede him, it
is the way of the politician. Vance
wants to be his own successor. He
must needs trim his sails to navigate
waters that are turbulent. Individu.
ally 1 do not hesitate to say that he
has my sympathy, yet he occupies
certainly no higher niche in my
esteem as a statesman
Your criticisms, Mr.. Editor, did
not strike me as being unjust or un-
called for nor have | hied in with
Blanch and Tray in voicing the senti.
ments of a secular press, which,
claiming to be such friends to the
people, are usually friends ever ready
not only to take up but to originate a
reproach against the only organization
that does without fear or favor cham
pion the cause of the oppressed of this
land. That you write hastily is ap.
parent, Stand to your c~olors, and
hosts will sustain you.
w. J. BATTLE.