The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1895-05-11
LET SPEAK.

LEI LAFAl ETIE SfEAk
The calling of Il convention in Mis-
souri, for the purpose of declaring the
will of the democrats of this state con-
cerning the great issue of finance, we
believe would be opportune and advisa-,
BILE. We cannot close our eyes to the
fact that there is, even here in Mis-
souri,, some difference of opinion upon
this issue, and for the good of the
party in this state, this difference
might rs well be settled, and Missouri's
position plainly and unambiguously
published to the world.
OF course ii may be urged by some
that this state is on record. WhiIe
the platform adopted at Kansas CITY
suits the INTELLIGENCER, it will be
remembered That just as soon rs that
convention adjourned, the different
papers and politicians of the state
began to differ, and they differ to this
day in the construction of the finance
plank. Some say it means IL to l;
others think the reference to ''the
position prior to '13" has nothing to do
with the ratio"
But suppose it did, or it did not,
times have changed since that conven-
ton. We have had another year of
monometallism, and it has changed
opinions upon the question consid-
erably.
The democracy of Missouri cannot
be hurt by a meeting, nor will it be
crippled by giving to the world its
honest opinions. A state convention
would excite an interest in the destiny
of the party which would be whole
some, and in the campaign coming on
be worth thousands of votes.
A convention called for but one pur-
pose, unhampered by the aspirations of
scores of candidates, free from the
political chicanery which characterizes
nominating conventions, where prin-
ciple alone Is at issue, and in which
the aspirations of individuals are not
considered, could give free and fearless
expression OF the will of the people.
| Such a convention, we believe, should
be held in Missouri.
A large element of Missouri demo-
Gratis want this convention. The
majority of the central committee of
the state are opposed to it, but if they
can be appraised of the demand, these
will enter into a call, and the nve
ton accordingly held.
The democratic party's principles
begin with man as a private individual,
and take him through the societies of
township, county and state to the ma
tional government. Democracy tesches
that the people delegate the rights to
the nation, and not the nation to the
people. Hence 1t is but proper that
such movements as effect great issues
should begin with the people. They
are the sovereign rulers in the eyes of
our party, and in them is the source of
all law.
Many counties have acted upon this
question. OF all that have been heard
from none discourage the idea; all, so
far, favor the convention. AS the
question effects every citizen in Lafay-
cite county, why should we not place
ourselves On recordP Why not Lafay-
ette speakp Surely she is interested as
much as any county in the state. She
has more at stake in the solution of
this question than any one of at least
one hundred counties. Her resources
are greater, and therefore, her interests
are more than many of her sisters.
The INTELLIGENCER would urge the
democratic central committee to get
together and discuss this matter. Mind
you, the INTELLIGENCER don't say hold
a silver convention; it says hold a o n
vention of the democrats of this county
to express the position of III democ-
racy upon the money question, and to
either protest against the state con-
vention, or to urge the converting of it.
Let the democratic voters of Lafayette
say whether or not they want the con
vention. This is fair.