The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-03-19
4 Direct Issue

The voters OF each of the great parties
are sick and disguised with equlyocations
and political jugglery on the part Of lead
crs and platforms upon the currency qucs-
don They want the financial plank in
each platform free from verbal trickery,
doubtful phrases, and two-faced declara-
lions. They desire an absolutely clear
direct, unmistakable insistence upon oltA-
er the use Of both gold and silver Is stan
daId money, together with the free coin
axe OF each at a ratio Of rs TO without
waiting FOR an agreement with any other
country. or an equally plain declaration in
favor Of the single gold standard. the
people are in no humor for being trited
with. They are thoroughly Disguised with
the complex eyasiYe. insinccre, ingenious,
lnconclusiye arguments Of the lodging
shutting politicians who manufacture
platforms which mean anything IN gem
oral. and nothing in particular. No par
" has ever attained lOng-continucd sue
cess which enshrOuis its principles in the
gloom Of mystery. No principle is worthy
Of notice in any platform unless II merits
bold and outspoKen advocacy. hall
hearted declaration OF doubtful construc-
ton discounts the merit which any issue
may possess.
II we may take the Ohio Republican
platform. framed indirectly by the lead
ing Republican candidate for President
AS an index TO what We may expect from
the national platform OF that party the
policy Of the Republicans viii continue 10
be one of evasion OF the currency ques-
ton. That platform says:
I'VE favor blmetallism and demand the
Use Of both gold and silver as standard
money. either in accordance with a ratio
TO be fixed by an International agreement
l.. ..I.sa. nod I.FT a q %
strictlons and such provisions. to be de-
termined by legislation. as will secure the
maintenance Of the PARTIES OF values OF
the two metals, so that the purchasing
and debt-paying power OF the dollar
whether OF silver, gold. or paper shall
be at all times equal
This is the same old dodge-the same
old falsehood decked out IN verbage war
ranted not 10 wash IL is deceptive and
means everything desired by both wings
Of the party. and nothing 10 either
Stripped Of the mystery and confusion OF
words. its declaration IN favor or BIZ
metallism stands out bold. brazen. max
ad faisehood. intended 10 deceive the al
rocatee of tho use of silver as sfand-
ard. The platform has very naturally dis
l1lsted both the slngle-standard and BIZ
metailist portions OF the party. and the
leaders who so adr0.tly worded IL already
soc that Mckinley has weakened his
chances for the nomination. IL Is pro-
nounced "a magnificent straddle.' and
straddles VIII not be popular for the next
twelve months.
We sincerely trust that the Democrats
In their state and national platforms VIII
utter no uncertain sound upon The iinan-
cial question Let the fight be upon clear
cut issues. and upon pronounced declaFa-
tions I'm favor Of either free coinage or the
GOLD standa-,l-not OF both. We cannot
honestly favor the free coinage OF silver
al a given ratio and its use Is standard
money. and al the same time declare that
gold is the only standard. and silver. Ike
,recnhacks. IS but token money. There
are two sides Let US take one which -
consistent with the traditions n the par
~ with the declarations OF the leading
statesmen OF the past. and which the ex-
perience ol the last twenty years has
proven the only wise and safe one which
a ubcrty-loving people can adopt.
Whatever may be the fnal result. let
the Democratic party put principles sew
eral notches above any doubtful expe-
d.ents II the Democratic parry is net
then Tor bi-metallism, there will be sufii-
cient time for the consideration Of new
marty algnments.-Charlott Prog
rass.