Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1896-02-19
GOOD SPEECH.

Our observation is that Mr.. Finch,
in connection with being good speaker,
has the monetary subject in nutshell
with an explanatory power to give the
most stupid plain understanding. He
| pictured the social conditions of this
| ana other countries before and after
| the demonstration of silver, showing
by facts and figures that in every coun-
try where silver was demonetiZed and
gold made the only money of redemp-
ton, wealth has concentrated in the
hands Of few in an amazingly short
period of time. He referred to gold as
treacher Gus money and made strong
point by showing that in every instance
when this country was ON the verge of
peril, it was the paper and silver
currency that fought the battles and
preserved tue Ship of State.
1t will be remembered that the Cres-
set, last week, reported Mr.. Finch's
speech before schedule time, in which
report it informs its readers what the
speaker will say and what he will not
say. But, as usual, the sheet reported
falsely. Mr.. Finch had been appraised
OF the Cresset's outline and during his
speech dwelt to some length on the
suggestions and propositions. He stat
ed that he was sorry that his friend,
AXline, could not be present but he
would answer his propositions SO that
whosoeyer might be there to represent
Mr.. A. might be benefited. Time and
space prevents more than brief no.
tice along this line, but We will give
such parts as appears to us to have
been the most important and what to-
tally annlhllates the Cresset's line of
argument. One proposition is, HE
won't tell you that the gold and silver
together will not pay a fraction of the
national debts" This is exactly what
the speaker did tell, and added that
he could not possibly see how a man,
after having made such an admission.
can consistently contend for the de-
struction of half Of what does ex-
list. Then he referred to that Mexico
racket which is constant drug on the
goldbug market. He make it clear that,
Notwithstanding that the Mexicans
are greatly inferior people, that the
Mexican government is comparatively
small nation, that her people are not
enlightened and progressive as are
Americans-that, Notwithstanding all
these facts, the MeXicans are constant
ly increasing their railroad mileage and
public improvements, that labor is
plentiful and that the number of unem-
ployed is comparatively insignificant.
He also referred to Japan, which, by
the way, was not mentioned by the
Cresset, and said that it was a flourish
ing nation and is also silver country
He said the Cresset was correct when
it said the merchant can increase his
profits under free silver, Just as can
the farmer and laborer. When the
farmer can dispose OF his corn for
81 instead of Is cents, his wheat for
one dollar instead of 80, 40, and so cents
per bushel, he will be willing to pay
the merchant part of that Increase.
They same way with the laborer, if his
wages are doubled he can we'll afford to
pay more for his goods, and he will
be glad for the chance.
Another goldbug hobby, that this
country would be the dumping ground
for Mexican silver under free coinage,
was also refuted. He advised Axline
not to become uneasy; If the Mexicans
wished to leave their silver here after
coined, they would take with them
some OF our corn, wheat, horses, or
anything the people of this country
have to sell, and business would begin
and prices would soon advance.
He denied the statement that every
free silver candidate was defeated at
the late election, but, on the contrary
said that more free silver men than
gold-bugs were elected, but they went
to Washington and violated their
pledges to the people. The republican
party was retired in 1892 because it
failed to redeem its pledges TO the peo-
pie and the democrats are now being
retired for the same reason.
Mr.. Finch was frequently applauded
and deep interest was shown by the
audience Turing the entire speech. He
stated that ire is arepublican but would
never support any man or party that
was not pledged to the restoration OF
silver at the ratio of 16 to to be coin.
ed free and in unlimited quantities
In this connection he paid his compli
ments (?l to Chester on his late vote
on the silver substitute which is not a.
all tiattering.
Afther Mr. Finch had concluded, {
silver league was organized by electinl
1. w. Stout, chairman and l.. E. Beals
secretary. The next meeting will b,
held on Saturday, Feb. %, when TIT
work of receiving membership will b,
resumed and another speaker will have
been secured. The work promises t,
result bene fciaily to the silver cause.
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