The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1895-03-07
OUR OPPORTUNITY.

oumbers OF men In tne hePuoii0"n I
party, especially, in the South ana
We,t. who are irreconcilably opposed
TO the single gold standard doctrine
IF that party. 1t is also true that
unite q number of influential leaders
in that party are not in accord with
the majority of their party on the
financial issue. 1t is not possible
for these financial reformers, with
in the Republican party to stay
where they are, for the simple
reason, that their power to impress
and mould their counsels is nil, 80
soon a. their disloyalty to the gold
idea is known or suspected. Let
these facts be borne in mind tor a
minute. We shall make use Of
them presently.
The history of the present Demo-
cratic administration shows that
there are many sturdy and able men
in the upper ranks of.that party who
cannot be carried over into the gold
camp. This same history shows
that there are vast numbers of the
rank and file of the Democrats, in
every section of the country, VINO
believe that Mr.. Cleveland's attempt
to carry his party to the gold stand
ard not only ruined his party, but
came dangerously near running the
country. 1t is. certain that these
Democrats will not become the sup
porters of mono-metallism in any
form. 1t is also certain that the
two factions of the Democratic
party can never work together again,
20 as to carry the country.
From the foregoing statements OF
fact, it appears, that there is mi
Aority-lsrge and influential-ln
the Republican party in favor OF
financial reform. 1t is true, also
that there is a large majority of thu
Democratic party in favor of finan
cial reform. 1t is certain tina
neither the minority in the Repub
lican party, nor the majority in tn
Democratic party, can ever get tn
financial reform they want within
either of these old parties. Nov
what should be done? What doe
patriotism require to be done: Wha
does common sense demand to b
don? The answers to these question
are not far to seek.
The populists are sure that the re
form of all our financial methods
more important for the present tina
anything else-than all things els'
They have declared that this is tn
one paramount issue before the cour
try. They want the money of tn
constitution-gold and silver-r'
stored to equal honors equ'
usefulness. They want the nations
banking incubus removed from OF
fiscal system. They want amp
provision made for such an enlarg
ment of our circulation as will brin
relief to the debtor classes. The
want some sure and safe arrang
ment made for such growth of OF
currency as will keep pace with Il
increase of our population and Il
extension of our business, and mail
tain the stable relations of all value
They want every dollar of tt
nations money to be exchangeab
into every other dollar of that none
These demands are reasonable-th,
are necessary. The Populists dec!a
them to be 80. The financial r
formers within the Republican par
say these demands are reasonabl
The silver men in the Democrat
party concede that these deman
are reasonable. What do the fac
of the case point out to be don
What does wise craftsmanship inc
cate as the true line of policy
the Populists to pursue? Let us 81
1t is the duty of the Populists
90 manage their cards, as to comp
realignment of political force
upon the lines they themselves ha
laid down. And the Populists ha
it In their power to compel tt
realignment They have the balar
of power in the Senate. They ha
the balance of power in several
the States, and they will have sucl
balance in several other States ]
fore the next general election. 1t
only necessary for the Populists
plant themselves firmly upon tn
own principles of financial refor
and stand there; and the work W
be done.
"But," says some one, "would J
. advise the Populists to concede no
ing!" Most certainly; nothing aus
to be conceded. There is nothing
our financial demands that can
conceded, without peril to our VIII
contention. We think our prir
pies are right. They are gaining
cruits at a most rapid rate If