The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1894-01-20

going on in Congress il Of unusual
interest to the people Of the produc.
ing regions of America, especially
of those states where there 10 IL
present q growing tendency to po-
litical reform. because it practically
defines the position Of the demo-
cratic party on that ancient and
eternal question a. it recurs in the
reign of Grover.
The peoples party has been &C.
cused of sympathy with the demo-
crats in respect to tariff, and as a
populist in doctrine and practice l
repudiate the charge. The national
platform of the party 10 the &C.
knowledged authority for the par
tvs position on all important ques-
lions, and that says: I'VE demand
that all state and national revenues
shall be limited to the necessary
expenses of the Government, eco
nomically and intelligently admin
istered."
The policy Of the Wilson bill,
which advocates protection to the
eastern manufactures by an ad
valorem duty upon every manufac-
tured necessity from the shoes and
clothes we wear to the pots and
kettles we cook in and the tools we
work with, but which also advo-
Gates that in the. production of the
hides and the wool and the iron
and copper and lead, which those
articles are made of, America shall
compete with the peon labor of the
world, that policy is utterly incon.
sistent with the popular demand
for "equal justice to all and special
privileges to none," which is made
by the peoples party. That is the
fundamental principle of the party.
1t underlies every motive, every
declaration and every doctrine of
the party. If that principle can by
any device or course Of reasoning
be detected in the present policy of
the democratic party, either in re-
spect to the finance or the tariff, it
will be apprehended only by the
wealthy class of people who are at
present in control of the executive
and legislative branches of our gov
eminent.
Individually, | am opposed to
the dangerous practice of mixing
drinks. If we must have free trade,
give US ALL free trade. If we must
supply the manufacturer with his
raw materials for a pittance do not
mock US then with sudden "protec-
ton" that taxes us beyond our
means for the manufactured neces-
sity. If we are to have protection,
give us all protection. Place US
upon an equality with the monop-
olists. Protect the great army of
American producers and laborers
as we'll as the scheming commissa-
~ who holds their stores.
The Wilson bill is not democrat
ic; it is not republican; it is not
God only knows what it
is unless it is Clevelandism. Like
everything else that savors of that
mighty potentate, it would be safest
10 relegate it to back seat.
Referring more particularly to
The effect such a measure would
have upon western interests, let US
see how it will operate against our
mines. Iron, lead, copper and all
other metals are on the free list.
[ron-silver ores will come in from
Mexico in large quantities, supply.
ng the smelters of Texas, Colorado
md the Missouri river with an i'm
oortant item of fluxes, and treat.
nent prices on silicious and iron
'res will go up, while in consequence
If the amount of iron imported
rom Mexico and Canada the price
If iron will decline. Silver-lead
,res will come over the border from
Mexico to supply the same works
Ind we can look for corresponding
Increase in the treatment charges
IN this class of ore, as the want !
which the smelters have felt hereto |.
ore for lead will be supplied from ;
mother and more permanent source :
han the American mines offer.
The additional importation of lead
will also operate to depress the
market value of that metal. With .
liver demonetized and going at fab !.
llously low figures, iron and lead !.
lropping and treatment increased :
N every variety of western mine !.
PRODUCTS, the outlook, following the :
'assage of the Wilson bill, would be :
nything but encouraging to US. !.
n fact, many sections of the west, >
here silver-lead mining has already :
Uttered heavily from the repeal Of :
be Sherman law, would find it i'm E
ossible to survive this additional :
low from the administration. j
The west has every reason to feel :
lightly concerned about this tariff &
i'll, and should exert every effort !;
ow as in the past to obstruct and /
rohibit its passage. 9
While / reiterate that such policy t
directly antagonistio to populist G
|eas and leave the other political .
arties to speak for themselves. ] b