The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1896-09-18
Communication.

st. Augustine, Pa, Sept II, 1896.
ED. FREEMAN:-The great campaign is
now fairly before the American people and
politicians are having a busy time of it,
Evidently the great battle is not to be
fought on strict party lines. Both of the
old parties have lost recruits, showing that
more interest is taken in the coming cleo
ton than in any OF its predecessors. There
is good reason for this from the fact that
our financial system will be settled on an
enduring foundation.
The several platforms are an index to
the general policy of the government for
the next four years. These platforms are
also an appeal ts the American people to
pass judgment on the several questions
involved in this campaign. Among the
many questions brought to our notice is
that of pensions 1t would seem that this
topic is to survive all the others presented.
While neither party contemplates any in
Justice to the old veterans, il might be
well to set at rest any apprehension that
might be aroused by the efforts of either
party to capture the soldiers vote. No
man can dispute that both the great
parties had an honorable share in putting
down the rebellion. Hence the interests
of the old veterans are just as safe with
one as the other. While this is true on
general terms. the silver question presents
a new phase to the matter that should be
placed Sauarely before the old soldier. 1t
is argued that if the remonetization of sill
yer is adopted, pensions will be reduced,
not on their face but in the purchasing
power of the mo aey in which pensions will
will be paid. After careful study, govern
ed by past experience, / am compelled to
dissent from this view. A dollar is a dol
lar and will remain a dollar, no matter
whether il is gold, silver or paper. II by
the reconciliation of silver the products
of the farm and the factory should advance
in price. what harm? No citizen would be
injured for the simple reason that when
the farmer and the manufacturer are pros
perods. all are prosperous. The soldier
should not prosper at the expense OF
wealth making professions. He is un-
/ doubtedly counted in American citizen
ship and should be proud of the prosperity
of all. A large majority of our old veter-
ans are engaged in agriculture. manufac
turies and commerce neither of which can
suffer without affecting the others. This
being the case land who will dispute it, il
follows that all the political rant and frGtt
pensioners themselves. There is mani
fest delicacy in handling the subject by
| both parties. Each haye tried To out legis'
late the other in granting pensions for al
\ obvious purpose.
NV comrades, If you desire good times
| that is If you want To see general prosper
| ity restored, can assure you that the goi1
standard will not do il. We are on the
| gold standard now. Are we progressive
as a nation? We are not and never vii
| be until silver is remonetiZed. Why
Becanse there never was too much money
good or bad to clog the wheels CT industry
| You all remember the kind OF money we
had after the war. Did any person hav'
| too much of il? Your answer must be no
Consequently II you vote right. the same
prosperity we enjoyed after our return
| from the war will be restored. We shoul6
ask no more. Luhh bhhh-