The herald., 1896-11-18
ed experts and specially educated states


men.
THAT the result has been a triumph
for national integrity is cause for
thanksgiving: that the result has been
achieved by partial and temporary dis
solution of party ties and the hearty
concert OF forces irTeooHcila5!y antag-
onistic on other policies, is ground for
quickened patriotism and loftier pride
in American citizenship. To make for
ever safe the fruits of such victory is
now the duty and responsibility of those
to whom the initiative and power have
come with a verdict of the late election.
"It would be as untrue as it would be
irrational to suppose all the millions of
American voters massed behind the
flags of free silver were conscious advo-
Gates of reputation and disaster or were
less patriotic than the mass of their
countrymen.
Strange as 1t may seem, the question
of maintaining the financial integrity OF
the country. of keeping good faith in
public and private dealings was con-
fused in the minds of many citizens with
the policy OF defending a plutocracy.
the interests of class. and to that ex-
tent hostile to the interests of the masses
of the people.
I'm the honest belief of a section of the
voters is becoming fixed the idea that
government is so administered and laws
are so framed as to make an unjust dis
tribution of social benefits, as to make
more difficult the upward path in lie
and to narrow the gateway of opportun-
ity for that vast majority of youth
whose sole dependence is individual
merit and individual effort.
IF this points to weak point in our
political fabric, it is our duty to look
fearlessly and carefully to that point
and to strengthen it as best we may.
IF, on the other hand, it rests on any
real basis in our laws or in the present
working of our industrial organizations,
those laws should be brought into far-
mony with democratic government
IF we are to escape in the future the
cries we have heard in this campaign of
the power of plutocracy, of the classes
and the masses. of the antagonism be-
tween capital and labor and of the gulf
between the rich and poor, all wrongs
or abuses that can breed and foster such
ideas must be patiently and honestly OBJ
liberated.
1T is not that a successful defense
has been made but that power and au-
thority have been gained for such legis-
la ton as will place our monetary sys-
tenn on a safe and impregnable basis.
where experience of its wisdom and
safety will be some protection against
assault and wild, impracticable theory.
We must all admit that the entire body
of our financial legislation for thirty
years has been a makeshift and adhe-
sion to mi:Eaken ideas that from such
concession and dangerous dallying with
erroneous and dangerous ideas and the
perverted education that has resulted,
came the great peril we. have so FORUM
| ately escaped. For these mistakes all
parties and almost ALL if not all, party
| leaders have been responsible"
The next toast Social Discomfort" ,"
was responded to by Gov. John w.
| Griggs of New Jersey.
| Bourke Cochran was the next speak
! er and he was followed in brief talk by
Gen Nelson A. Miles. Each urged pa
triotic support of the president-elect.
Senator Hawley of Connecticut, May
Horace Porter also spoke.
The banquet ended at a late hour by al
rising and singing Aud Lang Syne.