The record-union., 1896-08-21
uch unprecedented development.

such unprecedented development
In 1873 not one brick of the now beau
tiful city Of Spokane had been laid.
Where your Courthouse stands to-day
the yelping of the coyote might be
heard almost any night in the year.
Yet, in less than twenty years, which
interviewed between the demonetization
Of silver and Cleveland's election, your
city attained it's magnificent proper
tions, although fire, with it's besom of
destruction, had once swept it into
nothingness.
In the fall of 1892, at the time to
which refer, not only the property in
your city, but all over your State was
held at high values; the farmer who de-
sired TO change his place of residence
could find a ready buyer at reasonable
prices; the resident of your city who
wished 10 remove could dispose of his
property. But November, 1892, arrived.
The news was flashed from one part of
the continent to the other that the
Democratic party had triumphed; that
Grover Cleveland was elected. With
bated breath thoughtful men and
women in every State of the Union be-
gan to talk of the probable conse-
quences. Values of all classes of prop
erty at once began to decline, until now,
after little over three years Of Demo-
cratic administration, real estate in
your city, and everywhere in your State,
will not average over one-half the price
1t was when Cleveland was elected. Is
1t because the silver mines or the mines
in the vicinity of your State, especially
contrary is the case, as you we'll know.
Have we less silver in circulation, or
have we had during Cleveland's admin
lstration, than before, or have we less
money of any kind? The monthly re-
ports of the treasury show the reverse
to be the case.
Then please explain to me why, as a
friend of the free coinage of silver, 1
should cast my vote for the representa-
tive of party whose touch is as fatal
to the business interests of this nation
as is the simeon of the African desert
to human life. Explain to me how the
demonetization of silver in 1873 brought
the panic Of 1893 Explain to me how
it happened that the progress and de-
velopment of this nation during the
years between 1873 and the election of
Grover Cleveland were greater than
ever before in its history.
In answering my questions please do
not deal in vagaries or idle assertions.
what say to you concerning the prog
ress of your State and the nation can
not be challenged. History is said to
repeat itself, and there are those of US
still living who remember time when
ambitious men, men desirous of holding
positions in the United States Senate
and House of Representatives men de-
sirous of controlling the public patron
age of this nation, arrayed one section
against another, by the use of such op-
probium as vile Yankee" 'black abo-
litionist," and other epithets, succeeded
in securing the secession of thirteen of
the sisterhood of States from the Union.
In their efforts to fix slavery as per-
manent institution, and to establish
themselves as a Southern aristoc-
racy," they deluged this aation with
fraternal blood, sacrificed the lives of
over million of the noblest and brav-
est fathers, sons and brothers of the
land. 1t matters not under which flag
they fell, the responsibility Of their lost
lives rests with those whose ambitions
brought on that fearful struggle.
We are confronted with a similar ef-
fort to-day. A certain class of politi-
clans are busy arraying one section of
the country against another, the West
and the South against the East. How
much of their clamor is due to their am
bition is subject for thoughtful men
and women to consider. AS has been
shown, the most prosperous and pro-
gressive times this nation has ever
known have occurred since silver was
demonetized. Ask yourself, Did this
clamor for the reconciliation of sill
yer, which is arraying father against
son, neighborhood against neighbor-
hood, section against section, originally
come from the people, or the politician? :?
Did 1T not originate with the ambitious
of the would-be Senators of the State
of Nevada?" Is it not true that when
the Comstock began no longer to yield
its dividends the property of Virginia
City, in consequence, began to deteri-
crate in value; that then, and not till
then, was the first clamor raised for the
remonetization of silver? When there
was a period of depression in Colorado,
the politicians of that State took up the
cry, anu DIS MOHldHa, 1QanO and wash
ington in turn were admitted, each hav-
ing silver mines, they joined with their
neighboring States in the interest Of
free coinage. hoping thereby to at least
benefit their own constituents
Is it not true that when the Demo
Gratis came into power they assailed
every industry of the West? Is it not
true that Mr.. Bryan was 4 member of
the Ways and Means Com mittee of the
House which reported favorably the so
called Wilson bill? Is it not true that
when the bill was reported lead was
placed on the free list and almost every
other product of your State and the
State of Idaho? Is it not true that Mr..
Bryan made forcible speech in favor
of free lead free wool, free everything
which we have? Is it not true that we
owe it to the Republicans in the Sem
ate that we secured the three-fourtbs
of a cent protection which lead now en-
joys?
Then, If these facts be true, please
explain to your readers how we may
hope for a revival of our industries and
an advance in the prices of what we
produce by the election of Mr. Bryan as
President. w. J. MCCONNELL.
Governor of Idaho.