The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1896-02-27

SPEECH BY HON. |
HARRY SKINNER
Elegant and FOrcible Facts on
The Free Coinage of Silver.
"Our Doors Arc Open"
he ississ That PsblIc Servasts Shssl Receive The
RensseraIss lscIleat Upss cssItiess They MAKE
His Bill to ReIuee PsSlie Salaries tc-prsud 10 8.
q Pssslist.
Hon. Harry Skinner made an elo-
quent, ringing speech in the House
on the free coinage bill. Following
are some extracts:
1--WE can all agree upon this piv-
otal point and fact, that fatal mis-
take and blunder was made when
this government, with all its re-
sources and commercial influence,
consented to the demonetization of
silver in 1873, as all now realize and
admit that the effect of this legisla-
ton was to halve the price of all
farm products and farming lands
and double the burden of debt, gov
ernment expenses and taxes.
In asking recognition of the Chair
and attention from members to com
ment upon these conditions, l am
not ashamed to be classified as a
Populist and to emphasize the fact
that l support the Senate substitute
as a distinct Populistic mea sure,
one that the country would not have
had presented in this shape except
for the presence of the Populist bal
ance of power in the Senate. 1t can
not otherwise be intelligently and
consistently considered, since both
the Democratic and tho Republican
parties are committed by practice
and policy in the single gold stand
ard, and the Populists alone of the
political organizations extant stand
openly, boldly, and declaratively for
the free coinage of silver at the ratio
of 16 to l. Their national platform
so declares, their every State plat
form so declares; their every vote in
both branches Of Congress have been
given as they have declared, and l
now avow that it is the policy of the
Populist to stand by this principle
and to present the issue to the peo-
pie from time to time until the truth
of their course shall be ratified and
sanctioned by majority of the
votes of the country, and thereby
vouchsafe prosperity and happiness
not only to the American people, but
to the entire human race.
But 1t is as clear as crystal, Al
clear as a mathematical proposition
can be demonstrated, that both th'
Democratic and the Republican par
ty will name a gold-standard candi
date for the Presidency upon a de
clarative gold platform. After you
parties take this action what is tt
become of your silver professions
Will you surrender these upon tn
advice of your party and witness tn
continued ruin and depression o
your country, or will you act tn
part Of patriots and place countr,
above party and remain steadfas
and true to the cause of silver, svel
if you have to serve in the livery o
. Populismi Our doors stand ajar
they will remain so for the reception
of all men of all parties that have
. desire of promoting the best inter
ests of our common country and it
depressed and suffering population
, We need your leadership; We nee
: your influence; we need your vote!
We are Indifferent as to your forme
| political associations so your rest
: lutte purpose is to serve silver an
0 country in the most practical ma,
q ner. So, after your respective cor
e ventions have repudiated you an
', your silver convictions, as they al
+ certain to do, then we invite you
St. Louis, that we may by confe
ence adjust our differences and in
practical way devise such action $
!: will be certain to secure a silv'
. President and a silver Congress
d 1896.
: l desire to call attention to Il
= fact that have introduced a mea
j. ure q. R. 414D for the reduction
y all official salaries 33t per cent; tn
e. will in a practical manner meet Il
deficiency. At present it seems Il
expenses exceed the revenues. T.
practical way to meet this is to I
duce expenses. My bill meets til
- exigency. In round figures there
expended for government salari
three hundred millions. A redu
r. ton of 33b per cent. is q net savil
o. of $lOO, 600, 900 per annum, and "
Id bring our expenses within incon
at This is decidedly more effective a
e- practical than the sale of bon,
n which only increases our debt a
Is burden.
W. By the introduction of this me,
of ure l do not desire to pose as q de
ad agogue or very economical N.
ry The fact is, l do not believe in /
I'm or short prices for anything. 1,
IN. rather q high-price man, believi
ef- in reasonable salaries, in high pri
ed for labor and products. Out of
nd condition, in my opinion, flows m
Try general prosperity, contentme
ad and happiness. But do wish
Ifc serve notice on the official elias
ed that if the single standard is to c
of tinue and remain the policy of
tai government, bringing low prices
aa- land, products, and labor, then tn
at is no practical reason why the (