Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1896-08-20

In the second place. change in the ratio is
not necessary. Hostile legislation has de-
creased the demand for silver and lowered its
price when measured by gold. while this same
hostile legislation, by increasing the demand
for gold has raised the value of gold when
measured by other forms of property.
We are told that the restoration of bimetal-
lism would be a hardship upon those who
have entered into contracts payable in gold
coin, but this is mistake 1t will be easier
to obtain the gold with which to meet q gold
contract when most OF the people can use sill
yer than it is now when everybody is trying to
secure gold.
The Chicago platform expressly declares in
favor of such legislation may be necessary
to prevent for the future the characterization
of any kind of legal tender money py private
contract Such contracts are objected to on
the ground that they are against public policy.
No one questions the right of legislatures to
nix the rate of interest which can be collected
by laws: there is far more reason for the pre-
venting private individuals from setting aside
legal tender law. The money which is by law
made legal tender in the course OF ordinary
business will be accepted by 90 out of every leo
persons. Why should the 100Eh man be per-
mitted to exempt himself from the general
rule?
In conclusion. permit me TO say a word in re-
gard to international bimetallism We are not
opposed to an international agreement looking
to the restoration OF bimetalliSm throughout
the world. The advocates OF free coinage on
all occasions have shown their willingness to
cooperate with other nations in the reinstate-
ment OF silver. but they are not willing to
await the pleasure of other governments when
Immediate relief is needed by the people of the
United Sites. and they further believe that in
dependent action offers better assurance OF in
ternatiOnal bimetalliim than servile de-
pendence upon foreign aid. For more than %
years we have invited the assistance of Euro
pean nations but all progress in the direction
Of international bimetalliSm has been blocked
by the opposition of those who derive Pc
cuniary benefit from the appreciation of gold
How long must we wait for bimet llliSm to be
brought to by those who profit by mono
metallism? If the double standard will bring
benefits to the people, who will deny them the
right to enjoy those benefits:
Our Government Should Act.
II our opponents would admit the right the
ability and the duty of our people to act for
themselves on all public questions without the
assistance and regardless of the wishes of
other nations. and then propose the remedial
legislation which they consider sufficient, we
could meet them in the field of honorable de-
bate, but when they assert that this nation is
helpless to protect the rights of its own citi-
zenS, we challenge them to submit theirs to q
people whose patriotism has never been ap-
pealed to in vain.
We shall not offend other nations when we
declare the right of American people to gov
ern themselves. and without let or hindrance
from without. decide upon every question pre-
scented for their consideration In taking this
position. simply maintain the dignity of
Inc FUUOU,UUU c1I1ZeHS wa are SECOND 10 none
in the capacity for Self-government. The gold
standard has compelled the American people
to pay an ever-increasing tribute to the cred
itOr nations of the world-a tribute which no
one dareS to defend
Citizens of New York. have travelled from
the center of the continent to the Seaboard
that might, in the very beginning of the cam
paign. bring you greeting from the people out
west and south. and assure you that their de-
sire is not to destroy but to build up. They in
vfte you to accept the principles of living
faith. rather than listen to those who preach
he gospel Of despair and advise endurance of
the ills you have.
The advocates OF free coinage believe that,
in striving to secure the immediate restoration
of bimetal1ism they laboring in your be-
half as well as in their own behalf. a few of
our people may prosper under present condi-
tionS. but the permanent welfare of
New York rests upon the producers of
wealth The great city is built
on the commerce of the nation and must suffer
If that commerce is impaired. You cannot sell
unless the people have money with which to
buy and they cannot obtain the money with
which to buy unless they are able to sell their
products at remunerative prices
I ask, I expect your cooperation. 1t is
true that a few of your f1nanciers would
fashion new fgure-a figure representing
Columbia, her hands bound fast with fet-
tiers of gold and her face turned toward
the east, appealing for assistance to those
who live beyond the sea, but this figure
can never express your idea of this nation
You Will rather turn for the inspiration to the
heroic statue which guards the entrance to
your city-a statue patriotic in conceptions
it is colossal in proportions; it WAS the
gracious gift OF . sister republic. and stands
upon pedestal which was built by the Amer
lean people. That figure-Liberty Enlighten-
ing the Worlds emblematic of the mission
of our nation among the nations of the earth.
Agovernment which derives its powers from
the consent OF the governed secures to all the
people freedom of conscience. freedom of
thought and freedom of speech, guarantees
equal rights to all and promises special privi-
leges to none. The United States should be an
example in all that is good and the leading
spirit in every movement which has for its
OBJECT the uplifting of the human race.
The delivery of Mr.. Bryan's speech
consumed nearly two hours and its
finish was greeted with hearty ap-
plause. The vice presidential nomi-
nee, Arthur Sewall, was next intro
duced, and Gov. Stone presented him
with the formal nomination document.
Mr.. Sewal1 made a short speech, say
ing among other things:
We believe that we need and must have the
broad and expanding foundation of both gold
and silver to support monetary system strong
and stable, capab Bile of meeting the demands of
growing country and Industrious, ener-
getic and enterprising people: a system that
viii not be weakened and panic-stricken by
every foreign draft upon us: system that will
maintain unity of just values and the nations
money and protect US from the frequent f1uctu-
ationS of to-day, so disastrous to every bust.
ness and industry of the land