Mexico weekly ledger., 1895-06-13

SPRINGFIELD, ILL, June 6.-The
letter written by Governor Stone of
Missouri in answer to a letter written
by Governor Altgeld, inviting him to
attend the silver convention, was read
to the convention. Governor Stone
expresses regret at his inability to be
present, and adds:
"The struggle upon which you are
entering is to be the most momentous
and important, even involving more
to the American people than any
which has occurred since the close of
our civil war. The demand for the
restoration of silver coinage zones
from the common people. The peo-
pie who ask this boon are the indus
trial masses of the country. Those
who toll in the field and shop consti-
ute the forces behind this movement.
| do not say that all who belong to
that class favor the free coinage of
silver, but | do assert without fear of
intelligent contradiction that the de-
mand for silver coinage is supported
by those who labor for a livelihood
who are personally engaged in some
field of industrial employment. 1t is
the demand of the common people.
| believe Il large majority of theAmer-
lean citizens are on that side of the
question.
son the other hand, we find in
gorgeous battle array the hosts of
plutocracy. l do not say, for it is not
true, that every ma who flashes his
sword under the standard of gold is a
plutocrat, or that all such are indiffer-
ent to the honor or well-being of the
country. But do say that the aggre-
gated and concentrated wealth of the
country-the moneyed aristocracy-
(and, unhappily, We have such class
dominates, directs and controls the
forces arrayed against those who are
in the battle of bimetaIlism. l do not
believe that the ascendency of that in
fluence is calculated to promote the
happiness of the people or the we'll
being of the country, for | have OBJ
served no evidence Of reform in the
character and disposition of the money
changes since Christ scourged them
from the temple. But the power of
money is enormous. 1t exercises a
stupendous influence. 1t is vigilant,
alert, resourceful and INSCRIPTIONS. 1t
can attract the bright n most IN
fuential men to its side. 1t al con-
troll the great metropolitan class,
| which is the most powerful with poll
ticians in the Republic. 1t a dupe,
| contaminate and debauch every source
of power-the people themselves.
"Money is king-a heartless, sordid,
british king. The people revolt
against its suppressive and debasing
rule, but subjugation is as probable as
victory. The opposition is compact
| confident and aggressive. There vii
be no division in it's ranks. Every eff
fort will be made to excite discoro
and dissension among us. Treason
! will be found in our midst and trusted
leaders will be betrayed. Our great
est danger will be in the lack of CO.
hesion and cooperation. The battle
to be fought will be a struggle of giant
and it involves more of veal or woe
present and future, to the American
people than any struggle they have
engaged IN for a generation. In hi
tremendous combat, it is fortunate
that the great state of Illinois, Oh
whose bosom sleeps Ghe ashes of Lin
coin and Douglass, two great cham
pions of the common people-shal
take the lead. The note of cheer you
gallant Democracy will send forth o.
the 5th of June will stir the hearts Q
our people with hope and courage an
the fervor of patriotism. You deserV
to be most heartily congratulated"
The thanks of the convention wer
t~elegraphed to Governor Stone. .