The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1896-01-08
A GOOD LETTER.
A wELL-REASONED ARTICLE on
=. THE PLATFORM OF 1896.


- THE PLATFORM OF 1896.
Editor Representative:
! have read with great pleasure the
many suggestions of friends respecting our
platform Of 1896 -, and also the suggestions
of the editor as to the best method OF
getting united action for presidential
election. I think now is the time to sim
mer our Omaha platform and stew out the
water. The resolution in our platform
beat us in this state last year, now let US
do better l suggest that the preamble
OF the Omaha platform as far as the dec
larations commence be retained in its en-
tirety. It is a noble document and should
be handed down through all time side by
side with the one penned by Thos Jeffer-
son. Next we must have platform
broad enough to stand on, with no surplus
lumber. | am sure Brother Long will want
more than one plank IL he tramps around
on some folks corns next campaign as
have heard him on previous ones. l think
the people will want something more def
mite than Brother Owens, Down with
corporate control in politics. l think 100.
that all who have studied our financial
question, will admit that free-silver l6 to
1~ill give us only partial financial relief,
and that we must have paper money is
sued by the general government only.
Now while l have the greatest respect for
the many men of many minds. who are
honestly endeavoring to reform the world.
yet we must remember that 1t was the last
straw that broke the camels back. We
must not overload, and therefore suggest
the following four planks as broad, strong.
comprehensive, patriotoc, ana suitable 10
our eountrys present needs.
First, We demand the restoration of
true bimetallism as it existed in this coun-
frv n
Of other countries.
Second, We demand national currency
issued by our general government only,
this issue to be full legal tender for all
debts public and private. and in sufficient
quantity with our money metals, for the
needs of the people, also that our monies
be increased with the increase of our popu-
lation..'
Third, All corporations now chartered
and existing by our governments use of
her right of eminent domain, shall be
owned and operated either by the gen.
eral government, state, or municipal cor
poration, as each case may require
Fourth That in order to have upright
servants in our legislative halls. and equa:
and Just laws for the people, we demand
that the Swiss system of the Initiative and
Referendum be Incorporated in our ma
.tional and state laws.
Now what more can any reformer ask?
Our middle of the road Populist has got
the substance OIL the OIIldIld pidllOIIIl, LICE
silver Democrats and Republicans have
their doctrines as enunciated by their
great leaders at the fountain head of their
organizations, with simply the Referen-
dunn added; our old greenback friends are
right in It; the third plank covers all our
labor and socialist organization; and the
fourth invites Prohibitionists, single tax
ers and all other small or large reform Or
CARNATIONS, who without it cannot hope
for many years to come (and perhaps
never) to have a voice in our legislation.
Now let us add to this our editors plan,
for all reformers to meet in convention in
the same city, at the same time, agree on
presidential candidates, repeat the process
In state and county conventions, unfurl
"Old Glory" adopt as our war cry, 1--WE
advocate the rights of the American peo>
ple,' Shylock says, the people be ID;
and am confident that with such a plan
of campaign, we could arouse the sleeping
patriotism of the people Of this country
and carry "Old Glory" to victory.
Yours for patriotism, before narrow par
tizanship, JAMES ARNOLD,
Vesta, Redwood County, MINI.