Great Falls weekly tribune., 1896-10-02
Robert Ii. Smiths Speech.

The main speech OF the evening was
made by Mr.. Smith, who was introduced
by the chairman in u speech exceedingly
complimentary to the orator of the even
ing. He said:
Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow Citizens:
1t affords me high degree of satisfac-
ton to be permitted to speak to so large
zens of Great Falls and this vicinity this
evening.
This is perhaps the most momentous
Especially is it so from its national feat
ure. When, in 1860, the people OF this
country were aroused by the eloquence
of Lincoln they we're contending for
great constitutional queetion-a great
constitutional issue had been aroused in
the public mind. That question was
the liberation of the black slaves of this
country some 100000 in number. To-
day we are confronted with PROPOSE
ton that is vastly more important, be-
cause we are contending for the liberia
ton of 50,000,000 of the common people
Of this country from the rule of the
moneyed power of the earth ZAP
plause.) Not only is the liberation OF
the black man involved, from financial
bondage, but likewise the liberation of
his white brother is equally important
tonight, iApplause.)
The issue is clearly set forth in the
platform. Long before the national
conventions assembled it became appar-
ent that each political party would be
called upontto define its position in un-
equivocal terms. The first convention
that assembled was the republican ma
tional convention. 1t was apparent be-
fore it assembled what its attitude upon
the financial question would be; that it
was committed to policy that was new
10 the history of this country; it was
also apparent who would be the nom-
inee Of that convention. They formu-
lated a platform upon this financial
question which, say, is new depart
ure in American politics, for nowhere in
the history of this country, from the
adoption of the constitution in
1883 down to the present year
has there been political party in
existence that has declared for any other
than bimetallic standard Of finance in
this country, until the republican con.
vention of the present year changed the
policy and asked the people to sustain
the present existing gold standard until
Europe should consent to change.
Since that convention assembled, three
other national conventions have assem-
bled in this country. The first of these
was the democratic convention; there
assembled in that convention representa-
tive men OF this country, representing
the great interests OF the common peo
pie. The cesult of that convention wa!
grander than any person could hope be
fore that convention assembled. No
/ only did it take an advanced position
!. upon the financial question, but upol
many other important questions tina
vitally affected the interests OF the com
t mon people Of this country Perhaps il
t this campaign there is no question tha
, ig more thoroughly discussed than tn
; question of finance, because upon tina
: the public mind is centered, upon tha
/ the public mind is engrossed, and tn
t politicians may do what they will to tr.
to shift the issue or change the curren
;. of the campaign, it will be impossible
. the public mind is fixed upon this ques
= tion and demands Il solution at once
and by their verdict on the Sd day o
I November, believe that a solution wi
s be given that will be highly satisfactor