The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1895-03-06
SILVER THE ISSUE.
Democratic Congressman Issue an
Address to the Party.
They Say that the Money Question Over
shadows MI Others and that In the
Advocacy of Free Coinage Lies
the Partys Hope for Success
at the Polls in 1896.

WASHINGTON, March 1.-The demo-
cratic silver manifesto, which has been
the chief topic of talk on that side OF
the house for few days, was made
public Yesterday. While it has been
generally circulated for the considera-
tion of members, there was no attempt
to secure signatures until late hour
because the prime movers in the matter
were undecided whether to call eau
Gus for discussion of the matter, or TO
secure signatures, or issue directly 10
the public. In consideration OF the
short time left and the pressure OF
business it was determined not to have
a conference. Representative members
from fifteen states signed the declara-
tion at the instance of Mr.. Bryan, but
the canvass is so far very incomplete
and the list OF signers will not be made
public until it is complete The paper
follows:
''To the democrats of the United
States: We, the undersigned demo-
Gratis, present for your co sideration
the follow ns statement: We believe
the establishment of gold as the only
monetary standard and the elimination
of silver as full legal tender money
will increase the purchasing power OF
each dollar, add to the burden of all
debts, decrease the market value of all
other forms of property, continue and
intensity business depression, and
finally reduce the majority of the peo-
pie to financial bondage.
I'VE believe that no party can hope
for enduring slccess in the United
States so long as it advocates n single
gold standard, and that advocacy of
such financial policy whould be espe-
cially ruinous to a party which, like
the democratic party, derives its voting
strength from those who may without
repronch be called the common people;
and we point to the overwhelming de-
feat of the party in 1891 to the opposi-
tion aroused by the veto of the sclgn-
forage bill. and to the still more unani-
nous protest against the issue of gold
bonds as proof that the democratic
party cannot be brought to the support
Of the gold standard policy
we believe the money question will
be the paramount issue in 1896 and
will so remain until it is settled by the
Intelligence and patriotism of the
American voters
''We believe alarge majority OF the
democrats of the United States favor
bimetallisn and realize that it can
only be secured by the restoration OF
the free and unlimited coinage of gold
and silver at the present ratio, and we
asssrt that the majority has and should
exert the right to control the policy Of
the party and retain the party name.
I'VE believe it is the duty of the
majority and within its power to take
charge of the party organization ant
make the democratic party an effective
instrument in the accomplishment o
needed reforms.
''It is not necessary that democrat
should surrender their convictions OIL
other questions in order to take al
active part in the settlement of th'
question which at this time surpasse
all others in Importance.
Eve believe the rank and file of tn
party should at once assert themselve
in the democratic party and place it o.
record in favor of the immediate res
toration of the free and unlimite
coinage of gold and silver at the pres
ent legal ratio of 16 to /, as such coiI
age existed prior to 1873, without wait
ing for the aid or consent of any othe
nation, such gold and silver coin to b
full legal tender for all debts publ
and private.
eve urge all democrats who favo
the financial policy above set forth t
associate themselves together and in
press their views upon the party ol
ganization; we urge all newspapers i
harmony with the above financial 20
icy 10 place it at Tic head OF ;he ed
torial column and assist in the immed
MO octnrntiOn of himni 1lisnn ~