The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1896-11-12

IT is the part of wisdom to carefully
study popular movement and seek to
learn It's animating purpose. There is
always some reason for the disqu:etude
of the masses, and good reason if the
real cause manlfests itself. But this does
not always come to the front 10 the mi
tlal contest requires. 1t probing TO discov-
er the seat of trouble and in the meantime
superficial examination ls sure to lead to
the application of remedy which ag-
gravates the difficulty.
There is 70 denying the fact that a
feeling of unrest for which there is ample
cause, found expression in the Chicago
convention. Had conditions been prop
erly studied and the situation clearly
understood, the honest purpose of a Ian &c
majority of those composing that cOnven-
ton would have found proper expression
and platform would have been adopted
which would have commended itself to
every one who believes IN the ability of
the people to govern themselves.
But unfortunately, the remedy at band
was that which could not fail to aggrg-
vate the evil it was designed TO cure. 1t
was not the purpose of that convention
to do aught that might prove injurious.
But the west and south had made much
OF the currency question, and On it was
the only organized sentiment. 1t was
made the corner stone, afte-ward to be
rejected when It's lnsufticiency and un-
worthiness were discovered
The brilliant, aggressive and persGas-
i've leadership Of the man selected as
candidate for the presidency, bis attract
i've personality and sincerity, invested
the silver question with feature of at
traction IL would not have if regarded
in the steany light of fact and the un-
emotional attitude of business sense.
Admiration for the man made careful
analysis of the question difficult, particu-
larly when allegiance to party asserted
itself.
But it should not be understood that
the defeat of free silver means a protest
against reforms which was the impulse
of the Chicago convention though it did
not find voice in its declaration of
principles, or rather it was smothered by
Our government has been administered
on lines too narrow TO include all inter
ests. The west and south have been
lnsolently regarded as being provincially
immature. True, their ideas are crude
but they view things as they perceive
them in their midst. The west has not
generations back of 1t from which to
draw lessons of wisdom. 1t needs the
capital of the east, but it should Tot be
treated contemptuously for this reason.
True, it was an unwise step to attempt
to infiict wrong on every individual in
order to punish those against whom the
west fancied it had grievance.
The hating and wavering financial
policy of the government led to financial
yagaries among the people and these
came to the front the first opportunity
The people where not wholly responsible
for this, as they simply carried out the
grotesgue financial theories to which the
government committed itself.
This popular arising should prove a
warning to those who manage the legls-
IatJnn nf tho Tho nannlo
not always wise 10 the instruments they
choose to effect reforms. But their action
is the result of feeling there Is something
wrong. 1t is dangerous to ignore this
feeling of dIsquietude. If its cause is
not eliminated legItimately, some such
means as that lately attempted will be
brought into use. This is to be avoided
If possible, but cannot be il reform is to
be neglected.
The government must go out of the
banking business and that at as early
day as the change will permit without
endangerlng interests which have relied
upon this financial policy.
Discrimination should not be made in
favor of any industry. The tax imposed
upon the people should be sufficient for
Its revenue and no more Industries
speCidIlg losteieu W Tue SONeTuuleUL
invite appeals for like favors.
CORPORATIONS should not have undue
Influence III congress. People are jealous
OF special privileges as they have reason
to be.
Some means should be devised to pre-
vent the organization Of trusts.
Legislation should be for the general
good and what Is special should accord
nc advantage to q class or 10 a section
which might initiate against the inter-
ests of others.
The government should be felt as
little as is consistent with the protection
OF the individual, of property and society
and the integrity of the nation
A government conducted on sdch
principles will never be troubled with
isms.