The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1896-07-29
90 &c 70 Wabash Az, CHICAGO Ill.

the kilograms that passed between
BLUR or an attempt to coerce the con-
vention and that the declination Of Mr..
Bryan in the face of to small vote which
Sewall received In the convention will
make it impossible for Mr.. Bryan to be
nominated, even II he should decide to
reconsider his declination. It Is also
stated that a reconsideration would place
him In q little better light, for he could
not now command the strength he once
had, among the delegates to the Popu-
list convention.
Following is the platform adopted:
The Peoples Party, assembled in ma
tional convention, reafhrms its alle-
glance to the principles declared by the
founders Of the republic and also to the
fundamental principles of just govern
ment as enunciated in the platform Of
the party in 1892. We recognize that
through the connivance Of the present
and preceding administrations, to coun-
try has reached a crisis in its national
life as predicted in our declaration four
years ago, and that prompt and patriotic
action Is the supreme duty Of the hour.
We realize that while we have political
independence our financial and indus
trial independence is yet to be attained
by restoring to our country the consti-
tutiOnal control and exercise Of the func-
tons necessary to peoples govern
ment, which functions have been basely
surrendered by our public. servants to
corporate monopOlies. The influence OF
European money changers has been
more potent in shaping legislation than
even the American people. Executive
power and patronage have been used to
| mi orlc 1o<, M <hn
will Of the people and plutocracy has
therby been enthroned on the ruins Of
Democracy. To restore the government
intended by the fathers and for the well
fare and prosperity Of this and future
generations, we demand the establish
ment of an economical financial system
which shall make us masters of our own
affairs and Independent Of European
control by the adoption OF the follow
ing declaration of principles:
First. We demand national money
safe and sound, issued by te general gov
eminent only, without the Intervention
of banks of issue, to be full legal ten
der for all debts, public and private, and
just and equable and Efficient means of
disbursements of the government.
Second. We demand the free and un-
restricted coinage of silver and gold at
the present legal ratio of Is to /, without
waiting for the consent of foreign ma
TONS
Third. We demand that the volume of
the circulating medium be speedily in
creased to an amount sufficient to meet
the demands Of the business and popula-
ton of our country and restore the Just
level of price Of labor and production.
Fourth. We denounce the sale Of
bonds, and the increase of the public in
terest bearing debt made by the present
administration as unnecessary and with
| out authority of law, and that no more
bonds be issued except by specific act of
congress.
Fifth. We demand such legislations
| as will prevent the demonstration of the
lawful money of the United States by
| private contract.
Sixth. We demand that the government
in payment OF its obligations shall use it's
option as to the kind of lawful money in
which they are to be paid, and we denounce
the present and preceding administrations
for surrendering this option to the holders
| OF government obligations
Seventh. We demand graduated in
| come tax to the end that aggregated
| wealth shall bear its just proportion OF
| taxation, and we regard the recent decision
| tax law misinterpretat.0n of the consti-
tuition and invasion OF the rightful powers
of congress over the subject of taxation.
Eighth. We demand that postal savings
banks be established by the government for
safe deposit of the savings Of the people
and to facilitate exchange.
Transportation being means Of ex-
change and public necessity the govern
ment should own and operate the railroads
| in the interest of the people and on nom
| partisan basis, to the end that all NAV be
| accorded the same treatment in transporta-
| ton and that the chicanery and political
power now exercised by the great railway
| corporations, which result in impairment IL
not destruction of the political rights and
personal liberties Of the citizen, may be de-
stroyed. Such ownership is to be accom-
| plished gradually in a manner consistent
with sound public policy.
2--fhe interest Of the United States in
| the public highways built with public
moneys and the proceeds Of extensive
grants Of land to the Pacific railroads.
should never be alienated, mortRaged or
sold, but guarded and protected for the
| general welfare as provided by the laws
organizing such railroads. The foreclosure
| Of existing liens Of the United States On
| these roads should at once follow default
in the payment Of the debt Of the COM
| panies and at the foreclosure sales of said
roads the government shall purchase the
same II it becomes q necessity to protect
its interests therein or if they can Be pur-
chased at a reasonable price; and the gov
eminent shall operate said railroads a.
public highways for the benefit Of the
whole people and not In the interest 81 he
few, under suitable provis.ons for the 3ro-
lection Of life and property, giving to all
transportation interests equal privileges
and equal rates for fares and freight
9We denounce the present infamous
naand that the laws now applicable there b