Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1896-01-16
Chairman State
Peoples Party.
Milwaukee, Wis.

I'm asking me to cite three leading
causes of the recent period of hard
times in this country, you have given
me a very difficult task to perform.
With added information, experience
and reflection come broader views OF
things, with less disposition to haste in
the formation of opinions, and more
care in the expression of thought.
Most of the things which, in our
ignorance and short-sighedness we de-
signate as causes, are themselves but
effects of influences operating from
forces behind them, with others and
still others beyond indefinitely, till we
reach the great first cause, out of which
has come all things. There is but one
primal cause All else is effect.
But the old passes away and the new
appears. Life strikes its roots into
the dead and alive upon decay said
Beecher in the Star papers. These
new creations seem to have immediate
causes, while in truth their origin dates
far back in the past. Instead of there
being three leading causes Of the re-
cent period of hard times, there is but
one leading cause, and that-avarice-
is only coarse, unsympathetic mani
festation Of selfishness an inherent at
tribute of human nature.
However, as in our weak way we are
accustomed to speak of things, l will
mention three great facts out of which,
or through the operation of which,
though they are effects, have come the
hard times
First-Private monopoly Of the great
and essential means and agencies OF
subsistence and comfort, as of land,
fuel, food commerce, transportation,
money, etc.
Second-Displacement of labor by the
use of machinery.
Third-Unequal competition, result
ing from combinations of men and
means-the strong crowding out the
weak. w. Il. PETER.
In reply to your questions l would
say that, in my judgment the para
mount cause of the recent financial
period of hard times is found in the in
iuuitous monetary system, by which the
wealth acquirers have been able to ac-
:umulate millions, while the wealth
producers have in many instances lost
their homes after years of patient toll
and industry.
Ever since the retirement OF the
greenbacks and the decentralization Of
silver times have been growing harder.
Great fortunes have been rapidly ac-
cumulated; the gamblers of Wall street,
and those who have benefited through
monopoly in money, have gained i'm
mense wealth, while the wealth pro-
iucers of the nation, including in many
Instances the manufacturers and those
engaged in what l term legislation
businesses, have constantly lost ground
n the contest, no less than the wage
farmer and the agriculturist.
OF course there are many factors
hat enter into the problem under con-
liberation; the drink curse has been
fruitful cause; monopoly in trans
Iortation, gambling in the necessities
" life, and speculation in land-all
lave exerted their baleful influence.
Sut our adoption of the monetary sys-
I'm as advocated by the Bank Of Eng
ind and the money-lending class, l
egard as the most immediate cause of
he widespread suffering among the
wealth producers, especially among the
grarian population of this country.
We hear much about drink being the
hief cause of poverty. Now while
sould in no way minify the gigantic
wills which attach to the saloon-cause,
ind the saloon-power in politics,
sould point out the fact that the
igrarian population are not liquor
lrinking class. They are as a rule
cher and Woodworking citizens. They
lave struggled bravely and manfully,
,ut have lost year by year, until today
more than twenty million acres Of the
United States are held by land holders
81 the British Isles, to say nothing Of
large possessions held by capitalists in
continental Europe.
do not believe, however, that the
adoption Of just and scientific none