The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1896-12-16
THR INTELLIGENT EAST.

They Didn't Know Enough to Wind up the
Thermometer We are
Sure to Win.
Editor Representative.
Ever since the first issue of the Rep
resentative, almost four years ago, I
have looked forward to it's weekly visits
with surprising interest, and this feeling
suffered no dimminution of interest till
since the last election. Fondly cherish
ing the hope that it's columns would TEEN
with the cheering news of our triumph
ant victory over corporations, trusts and
com binatiOns, whose sole aim and object
is to perpetuate the reign of tyranny and
financial oppression SO long practiced. /
cannot describe to you the painful SEN
sations that your first post-election issue
caused. 1t seeme&that all was lost; that
justice had forever fled. But as the real
situation OF affairs became known, | feel
much relieved, and feel growing pride
in the reflection that the silver senti-
ment has become a power in this repub-
lie, and like Banquo's ghost, will never
down till it's supremacy is complete.
Though often losing faith in the stability
and perpetuity of this government, ow-
ing to the heterogeneous mass compris-
ing our voting force, firmly believe that
the six and halt million voters for free
coinage, who, through abuse, threats and
Intimidation without a political parallel,
marched boldly to The polls and voted for
Bryan, will be found there two years
hence true to the convictions animating
them at this moment; and this cOnvic-
ton emboldens me to renewed effort in
the cause which has had my best and
only political attention ever since the
md hoo ~
Horace Greeley through the mad-house
to his grave; and I want to say to my
Populist friends that my fealty to our
party is stronger than at any antecedent
moment of my life. Remember we are
not defeated, but simply overpowered;
for defeated army is often put hors du
combat; but we are in better fighting
condition than ever. Let no one think
for one moment that the sentiment of
the people has been expressed by this
vote. Money, threats and every vile
means that devilish brain could devise,
has been brought to bear in the defeat
OF Bryan. 1t will be remembered that
after the fall elections in Maine and YER
mont how the subsidized press crOwed
Now, Mr.. Editor, do not wish to draw
invidious comparisons or detract in the
least from the intelligence, patriotism or
honesty of any people; but one thing is
settled. Those people will never change.
They are voting for Lincoln and Jackson
still; that is, they do not yet know that
there has been the least departure from
Lincoln Republicanism and Jacksonian
Democracy. Astronomy teaches us that,
such is the amazing distance of some of
the fixed stars, if one were suddenly blot
ted out, we should continue to see it for
hundreds of years, though light travels
1872, 900 miles per second. 1t will take
those people longer than this; for though
the light of Republication and Democra-
cy under those sterling patriots, went out
in darkness from thirty to sixty years
ago, to these people it shines with all it's
original splendor; and generations after
the inhabitants of earth shall have de-
tected the loss of the remotest star, the
people of Maine and Vermont will be
found voting for Lincoln Republicanism
and Jacksonian Democracy. Living in
an age remarkable for it's mighty strides
in art, science, and in whatever can
adorn and embellish civilized life, these
people seem content to live in the past
with their backs to the future. We nat
urally suppose that the brightest men
are sent to the legislature. AS rule this
is true, Maine being no exception. Well
upon time members of that state were
considering the feasibility of purchasing
thermometer for their convenience
while in session. After little time the
discussion became decidedly warm. At
this stage of the game, member from a
northern district arose and, assuming
grave demeanor, replied in substance as
follows: Il shall oppose appropriating