The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1896-12-26
BILL ARP'S LETTER.
MONEY AND NERVE ARE IDEN-
TICAL IN THEIR EFFECTA
Plenty Of I" Filthy Lucre," But It IL
Not Circulating Freely.

Plenty Of "Filthy Lucre," But 1t IL
Not Circulating Freely.
ne doctors tell us that para. il
the loss of the function of motion from
an interruption of nervous influence.
Trade, commerce and industrial pur-
suits have nerves, too, but they seem
to be paralyzed. The spinal marrow
is diseased and muscular power has be-
come stagnant. What has caused this
unnatural condition we know not with
any certainty. for the political doctors
disagree, but it is believed by many
that it is owing to the lack of circula-
ton of the blood-that is OF money,
and that the demonstration OF silver
is at the bottom of it. Whatever it is,
the patient is in bad fix. The other
day I rode out with lady friend in
the suburbs of Atlanta to look at some
of the cottage homes. She wanted to
buy home for herself, and we spent
parts of three days in examining and
pricing properties. There were hun
dreds Of them and they were cheap
enough, but what struck me was that
building and loan company had more
for sale than anybody. This company
had loaned money four and five years
ago to improve suburban lots. They
loaned not exceeding one-half the
value of the vacant lot and have had
to foreclose their mortgages because
the borrower could no longer pay
the interest, and so they bid in
the property and have held it,
hoping to get their money back,
but they can't and are now seeking
buyers at less than the property cost
them, and in some cases less than the
original loan. A lot that four or five
years ago was worth $1,000 and has
on it house that cost $500 or $500 is
offered for 81, 200, and perhaps 81, 900
would buy it. The company can stand
it, but what has become of the poor fell
low and his family, know not. They
had hopes and were looking forward
to the time when their humble home
would be paid for, but this paralisys
overlook them and swept their home
and their hopes away. The Merchants
bank has long been regarded as one OF
the solid, conservative institutions OF
Atlanta, but it advanced money on
real estate and could not realize. This
ia tho condition all over the country.
Trade is para.yzed, especially in real
estate. Financiers tell Us that there
is as much money in the, country as
there ever was but it does not move.
The stagnatlon not only continues, but
it gets worse. Three years ago man
offered 81, 500 for an eligible town lot
in Gainesville. A year later he bought
it for $500, and now he could not get
$500 for it if he wished to sell. Is it
any wonder that the people have lost
confidence and are willing to make
any change that is offered? The patient
is awful sick and will even take strych-
nine if it is prescribed.
But the long agony is nearly over
and we shall see what we shall see.
The people are ready for the ballot
and the ballot will settle the nations
will. It is the masses against the
classes-the same old story, "And
David fed from Saul to the cause OF
Adnllum and all who were discomfort
ed or in debt or distress joined him
there" That was sorry lot to fight
king, but in course of time they were
victorious.
But don't believe that capital is az
much alarmed as it was o month ago.
The banks have hedged and are pre-
pared for the change if any comes.
Certain it is there will be no collapse
if Bryan is elected and there will be
no reliefif Mckinley is. This govern
ment can't be ruined by change of
rulers. The civil war cleaned up
the south pretty well, but in
ten years it had rallied and in
fifteen years hardly trace Of the
war could be found. Then let us not
be alarmed at the situation. IF Nc
Kinley is elected and Republican
congress, and something is not done to
relieve the people they will be igno-
miniously hurled from power four
years hence. Distress and discomfort
are growing things. While capital is
ell the time concentrating to
the few, debt and discomfort
is spreading to the many. Capital
will not turn q wheel as long rs it can
be loaned on mortgages at good per
cent. A few months ago rome Of our
public spirited citizens determined to
build cotton mill that would give EN-.
rloyment to the children of the poor.
The stock was all subscribed, but be-
fore any contracts we're made the times
got harder and money more valuable,
and go one by one the stockholders
dropped out and the mill died IL child
birth.
But why worry about these thingsa
There is no good sense in brooding
over trouble. I had rather read good
book or plant out strawberries or play
with grandchiId than to talk politics.
I was in Atlanta yesterday and was in.
troduced by q mutual friend to mem
Der Of the legislature. He got the idea
that was an Office seeker and asked
me what was running for. Nothing"
said I nothing at ALL" He seemed
relieved and said I was curiosity and
asked me for my picture.