People's party paper. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1891-1898, 1892-12-16
The End Draws Near

LII Gl0 UuS1u6SS DIS Ill Cu0 AdGS11dL
world, all things have their orbit, and
all efforts have their periods of
reckoning by certain standards of
calculation. Every successful bust
ness man, every substantial business
man, every substantial institution,
and every prosperous venture has its
annual, semi annual, or quarterly
balance sheet by which It's future
course is guided. This is not mere
statement of dollars and cents, but a
full analysis of all the prospective
contingencies which may wait upon
further action. Cold blooded calcu-
lation resting upon past experience,
and the most conservative prospects
Of the future instead Of theories and
speculation, are their ruling charac-
teristics. In this manner the day of
accounting Is anticipated with no
fear of the result. On the other
hand, haphazard business with no
continuity of purpose, reaching out
here and there at the caprice or per-
sonal advantage Of each or either of
the parties interested, regardless of
the aggregate benefit, is always in a
state of expectation, ignorant alike
of its power or danger, and contin-
ually suspicious of its own status.
AS with individuals so with nations,
save only the elements of care and
prudence are rapidly becoming the
exception and not the rule. In re-
gard to the financial affairs of the
United States, the day for squaring
accounts is near at hand. False
book excepting can no longer conceal
the results of ignorant and vicious
methods, and the bald fact that the
people have been cheated, betrayed
and banl1rupted stands out plain and
distinct.
During the past thirty years those
in charge of the government have
permitted its business to run riot.
Debts have been incurred by the
millions without knowing or caring
who would pay them. Contracts
and obligations have been entered
into without even policy for fulfill
ment. The energies of the people
have been mortgaged for generations
without their knowledge or consent,
the income Of the nation has been
pawned beyond its value, and the
entire economic fabric honey
combed with fraud and corruption.
When concealment is no longer pos
sible the curtain has been removed
and the rotten carcass of the body
polite is seen in all its hideouS de-
formity. And now after years Of
tribute, after more than a generation
Of plundering, the people find them
selves burdened with debt and strug-
CLING with low prices. The turn has
been called; and the books are
opened for inspection, and what a
spectacle. Through fraud and po-
lltical scheming the annual pension
list has swollen to nearly $ZO0,000,-
900. By similar methods every
branch of government has increased
it's expenditures until the annual
tribute amounts to over $500,000,-
900 or IS per capita. Bonds already
due have been extended, and, in or
der to meet this extravaganza and
accruing interest, further issue OF
bonds is contemplated. The treas
ury has been looted of legitimate
deposits, and funds heretofore con-
sidered sacred have been squaa-
dered. In addition to this, nearly
$10O,000,000 Of bonds guaranteed
by the government and loaned to
the Pacific railroad companies will
begin to fall due during the coming
year. Designing and dishonest men
in official positions have pro5tituted
their authority and opportunities for
gain until the executive, legislative
and judicial branches Of government
have become a combination to rob
and plumber labor in production.
The affairs Of the nation have been
conducted in absolute disregard for
plain business principles, and hence
the present unsatisfactory condition
with it's prospective disasters. The
crying need OF the hour is for honest
men; men who will administer the
affairs of the nation as they would
their own. This can never be at
tanned except through the complete
destruction of the two old parties
who have perpetrated the wrong
and brought about this threatening
situation.