The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-03-02
SILVER MANIFESTO.
Statement of Democrats Who Favor
Unrestricted Free Coinage.

Statement of Democrats Who Favor
Unrestricted Free Coinage.
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
to-day. While it has been generally circu-
lated for consideration of members. there
was no attempt to secure signatures until
a late hour, because the prime movers
in the matter were undecided whether to
call a caucus for discussion of the matter
or to secure signatures and issue directly
to the public. In consideration of the short
time left and the pressure of business 1T
was determined not to have a conference
Representative members for fifteen States
signed the declaration to-day at the in
stance OF Mr.. Bryan, but the canvass is
incomplete. and the list of signers will not
be made public until it is complete. The
paper is addressed ITO the Democrats OF
the United States" and begins I'VE. the
undersigned Democrats, present for your
consideration the following statement" The
manifesto follows:
1--WE believe that the establishment of gold
as the only monetary standard and the
money will increase the purchasing power
of each dollar and add to the burden of
all debts.i decrease the market value of
all forms of property, continue and intensity
business depression, and finally, reduce the
majority of the people to financial bondage
1--WE believe that no party can hope for
enduring success in the United States as
long as it advocates single gold standard,
and that the advocacy of such financial
party which, like the Democratic party.
derives its voting strength from those who
mon people, and we point to the overwheln-
ing defeat of the party in 1894, to the OPP
orage bill. Land and to the Still more re- ,naneus sne g
protest against the issue of gold bonds as
proof that the Democratic party cannot
be brought to the support of the gold stand
I'VE believe that the money question will
be the paramount issue in 1896. and will so
remain until it is settled by the intelli-
gence and patriotism of the American
voters.
Democrats of the United States favor bi-
metallism and realize that 1t can only be
secured by the restoration of the free and
unlimited coinage of gold and silver at the
present ratio, and we assert that the
control the policy of the party and retain
1--WE believe that it is the duty Of the
majority, and within their power, to take
charge Of the party organization and make
the Democratic party al effective instru-
ment in the accomplishment of needed re-
forms 1t is not necessary that Democrats
should surrender their convictions on other
n order d 69 ne an active part
at this time, surpasses all others in impor-
tance.
I'VE DeueNe Lnat the rank anu HIe OF the
party should at once assert themselves in
the Democratic party and place 1T ON record
in favor of the immediate restoration of
the free and unlimited coinage Of gold and
silver at the present legal ratio of 16 TO l.,
as such coinage existed prior to 1873 with
out waiting for the aid or consent of any
other nation, such gold and silver coin
to be full legal tender for all debts, pub
lie and private.
1--WE urge all Democrats who favor the
financial policy above set forth to asso-
ciate themselves together and impress their
views on the party organizations; we urge
all newspapers in harmony with the above
financial policy to place it at the head of
their editorial column and assist in the
immediate. restoration of hirnefallism .