The Forrest City times., 1896-09-11
Cuba.

The people Of the United States happy In
the enjoyment OF the blessings of free govern
ment, feel "a generous sympathy toward all who
are endeavoring to secure like blessings for
themselves. This sympathy, while respecting
all treaty obligations, is especially active and
earnest when excited by the struggling of
neighboring people, who like the Cubans are
near enough to observe the workings of a gov
eminent which derives all its authority from
the consent OF the governed.
The Civil Service.
That the American people are not in favor
OF life tenure in the civil service is evident
from the fact that they, as a rule, make fire.
quent changes In their official representatives
when those representatives, are chosen by ballot.
A permanent office-holding class is not in har-
mony with our institutions. A fixed term in
appointive Offices except where the federal
constitution now provides otherwise, would
open the public service TO a larger number of
citizens without impairing its efficiency.
The Territories.
The territorial form of government Is tenn
porary in its nature, and should give way as
soon as the territory is sufficiently advanced
to take its place among the states New
Mexico, Oklahoma and Arizona are en-
titled to statehood, and their early adj
mission is demanded by their material
and political interests. The demand
of the platform that officials appointed to adj
minister the government of the territories. the
District OF Columbia and Alaska should be
bona fide residents OF the territories or dis
trict, is entirely In keeping With the demo-
cratic theory of home rule. am also heartily
In sympathy with the declaration that all pub
lie lands should be reserved for the establish
ment CT free homes for American citizens
Waterways.
The policy of improving the great waterways
OF the country is justified by the national
character OF these highways and the enormous
tonnage horne
demonstrated that continuing appropriations
are, In the end. more economical than single
appropriations separated by long intervals
The Tarir.
1t is not necessary to discuss the tariff ques-
tfsn at this time Whatever may be the indt-
vidual views OF citizens as to the relative
merits Of protection and tariff reform all must
recognize that until the money question is
fully and finally settled the American
people will not consent to the con-
sideration OF any other important ques-
tion. Taxation presents problem which in
some form is continually present, and a post-
ponement OF definite action upon ii involves
no sacrifice Of personal opinion or political
principles; but the crisis presented by financial
conditions can net be postponed. Tremendous
results will follow the action taken by the
United States on the money question. and de-
lay is impossible. The people of this nation,
sitting as high court, must render judgment
in the cause which greed is prosecuting against
humanity. The decision viii either give hope
and inspiration to those who toll. or shut the
doors OF mercy on mankind. In the presence
of this overshadowing issue, differences of
opinion upon minor questions must be laid
aside In order that there may be united action
among those who are determined that progress
towards universal gold standard shall be
stayed and the gold and silver standard of the
constitution restored.
ISignedl WILLIAM J. BRYAN