The weekly tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1891-1894, 1892-02-06
A OLD BLAND.

IL ID TeITcbDlNk 10 Tcuu Iuo otidiShS-
from-the shoulder, vigorous remarks of
Representative Bland in response to Har-
ter's proposition to abandon the proposed
silver caucus of democratic house mem
bers. Harter is one of the weak breth-
rem in the household of silver who needs
the prayers of the faithful three times a
day, supplemented by the free applica-
ton of a stuffed club where il will do
the most good. lie is afraid, or processes
to be. that the agitation of the silver
question by the democratic house will
weaken the party throughout the coun-
try, and that a frcc-coinage plank in the
democratic platform would lose all the
New England and Middle states to the
democracy. What insutferable rot!
What can the democratic party expect
from the New England states anyway!
1t hasn't had an electoral vote from one
of them except Connccticut-sinc
1860. 1t can't reasonably expect one
this ycar And by what authority does
Representative Harter predict the dem
%ocratic party would have to say good
bye to such states as Wisconsin, Illinois,
Iowa and Michigan if "A free coinage
plank were incorporated in the demo
cratic platform: The record negatives
the prediction. Governor Boies was
elected upon IA free coinage platform; the
democrats of Wisconsin and Michigan
had a free coinage plank in their last
state platforms and the Illinois dcmoc-
racy is as fully committed to silver as
anyfothcr western state. We don't be-
lieve that the leading German papers in
this country are opposed to free coinage.
If the Germans want free beer they will
not vote with the republican party by a
large majority not this year. Mr.. Har-
ter did not speak by the card if he is
correctly reported in the TRIBUNE's dis
patches.
But, as stated, after reading Harter's
twaddle it is refreshing to see brave old
Bland make mincemeat of the Ohio rep.
re%sentative and kindling- wood Of his un-
founded prediction. Mr.. Bland fairly
states the situation when he says the
democratic party can not afford now to
go back on it's position on silver. 1t has
taken a stand from which there is no re.
treat. 1t has burned all the bridges be-
hind it; it has passed the Rubicon. II
the party abandoned its position on free
coinage the republican leaders stand
ready to occupy it. There is no mistake
about that. Next to the tariff question
the silver question is the most impor-
tant issue before the people. In the
south and northwest it is the question
of the day. In the silver producing
states it overshadows all others, and the
democratic leaders at Washington should
shape their actions in line with these
facts.
Mr.. Bland cites the history of the past
to show democrats the danger of IA pres
ent misstep on the free coinage question,
He is amply borne out in his warnings:
democrats should heed them. 1t is not
necessary to press free coinage to the
front, it does not belong there. That
place is and should be occupied by the
tariff question. But because the tariff
is the prime issue it does not follow that
silver should be dropped to be taken UP
by the republicans. A free coinage bill
should be passed by the democratic
house. That would establish the record
of the party on silver. A short plank in
the national platform emphasizing the
position Of the party Oh the metal would
be all sufficient. the frills and furbelows
could be reserved to adorn the tariff
planks. Then let the republicans adopt
an anti free cOinrge plank in their plat
form if they will. They dare not and
will not do it. They will put in somt
milk and water. not-warranted to-wash
dOuble meaning, or no meaning plank
which may be interpreted to favor ol
oppose free coinage. That will be about
the size of it.
This house. said Mr.. Bland decisive
ly and earnestly We quote the dispatch
twill pass IA free coinage bill and tho
country can rest assured Of that.
Brave words, bold Bland! Stand b,
them! The great misses Of the people
of the country are with YOU. They out
number and can outvote the none,
power of the east and of the west. The,
demand free silver coinage. The senate
may kill a free coinage bill. the presidcn'
will veto one. Let the one kill or tn,
other veto. The people will attend t.
them hereafter. Put the democrati,
party right on the record. Pass Il FREE
coinage bill in the house.