The Opelousas courier., 1895-06-22
The Silver Question.

The writer was in attendance at the
Memphis Silver Convention and was
very much impressed not only with the
vast number OF delegates there present,
but also with the fixed determination
and nneompromising attitude of every
D Of them npOn the all absorbing
question then occupying their nndivi-
ded attention. L. was truly ii represent
tatiye assembly. In touch with the
mine owner was an humble farmer ;
beside the statesman stood a fearless
representative of the plain people in
the person of some rural newspaper
nan Or country lawyer. The religious
element was fairly we'll represented.
Beside the writer sat Il minister of
the Gospel cheering Justify the speak
ers.-antl that too Notwithstanding the
fact that two af his brothers had
bankers convention That sat in the
same hall just 3 weeks before. This is
a poiEter-Tlfe Man of God" with an
eye single to the peoples good was
willing to forego his religious duties
for the nonce, to join in the movement
that promised to restore plenty and
prosperity to the many, whilst his
brothers doubtless in the employment
of some Dives were called upon and
doubtless forced to take sides with the
%plntOcrats of the country o engaged
10 the nefarions purpose of trying to
silence the agitation intended to restore
to us the money OF the Constitution. the
money of the people, the money which
maintained prosperity throughout the
entire country for more Than three
ton of which has brought upon lis
| disaster and ruin hraataniup no with
national bankruptcy, without one
CLEAN OF hope. II the convention
meant anything it was clearly an
nounced in the ringing resolutions
reported by the comI.iGt1co-su resolu-
tons and the unanimity with which
they were adopted presaged the con-
ing battle. 1t is as Gov. Evans of
South Carolina put it white or fight
Or as Gov. Tiiman remarked THE
people of South Carolina have their
knap-sacks ready for enlistment in the
silver fight, LOT for three months, nor
six months, but for the entire war"
Continuing, he said: 1.-The pendulum
OF public Indignation swung way up
10 1872, and swept from power the
Republicans in the House and Senate
and gave us a President; but unmindful
OF our duties and recreant to the great
trust imposed upon US, it swung back
10 1894 and restored to the Republicans
both branches Of Congress. The next
time it swings, it will revolve all the
way round and revolutionize the
country in the peoples behalf" So
mote it be.
To win our people must girdle on
their arnO and go forth to battle with
an untiring vigilance that shall neither
sleep nor slumber. The goldbugs have
enlisted for the fight. Their henchmen
have received their instructions, and
throughout the length and breadth of
this land its seductive Influences are at
work. Senators, Representatives, lead
ers Of public opinion in every commu-
nifty are going to be targets in this fight.
Those able to withstand the alIuring
offers Of the money changers OF the land
will live 10 the hearts OF a grateful peo-
pie, while those succumbing to the sub
tie influences above named will be swept
from their present positions by the storm
OF Indignation arising from a misgov-
erned constituency.
Ofice-holders, beware The people
want free silver, and they are going to
have it. Ii you want to continue in your
present position, or ascend higher in the
public service, fall into line and march
to the music of the Free and unlimited
coinage of silver at Is to l."
To the voters of this Parish and State
we say Accept no man for office who is
not willing to submit to the above, be
he democrat, republican or populist-no
compromise, no promise, but uncondi-
tional acceptance and allegiance to our
canse, must be demanded and obtained
from every candidate for office.
st: Landryans, your brethren are in
the field organizing. Stand We not idle
on the 4th Of JULY our natal day, come
forth and help organize the Bimetallic
League of the Parish of st. Landry.