The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1896-07-25
AN ADDRESS

AEN GUINNESS
10 the Republicans Of IdahO-The Situa-
tiOn Carefully Considered.
Realizing that the integrity of the
Republican party in this State is en-.
dangered by conflict of views upon
the subject of bimetallism, a principle
long cherished and advocated by ma.
jority of the Republican party, but res
pecting the best method of accomplish
ing which there has always been diver
sity of opinion, it is deemed wise and
patriotic, at this time, to set forth a
few facts which may serve to direct
the conduct of unwavering Republic
ans and inspire in the hearts of the
faltering a renewed loyalty to the
grandest political organization known
to the history of this government. No
political party has ever yet succeeded in
formulating a creed which in all par
ticulars met the unqualified approval of
every member of the organization; and
no party is likely to arise within the
lifetime of this generation that can
hope to attain that degree of perfec-
tion. Therefore, each individual citi-
zen, sensible of the imperfection of all
human contrivances, should associate
himself with the political party which,
in its aims, professions and achieve.
ments, reflects most nearly his own
ideas Of correct and successful govern
ment.
The question which confronts the
Republicans of Idaho today is this:
Ought we to sever our connection with
the national organization because it is
not in strict accord with many of us
as to the best method of establish
ing bimetallism? This is the sole sub.
ject of difference between the national
party and the Republicans of Idaho.
Is this difference sufficient cause for
alienation? believe not; and more
over l am firmly convinced that within
the Republican party rests the best
promise for the cause of bimetallism.
On the other hand, what assurance
have we shat abandonment of the Re-
publican party will contribute anything
towards the desired result? Only this:
A naked Democratic promise, made in
face of the. fact that but recently,
though Democracy was in full control
of every branch of government, it made
M effort in fbok 1irooESon SLo1I
repudlate the wisdom and integrity of
the Republican party because Democ-
racy, sinking under the weight of its
own mistakes, grasped wildly at silver
while still clinging to its oft exploded
free trade policy2 Ought we, for one
moment, contemplate remuneration of
party, every page of whose history is
the record of splendid achievement
and uneQualled success, to enlist under
the banner of an organization which
has proved itself singularly incompet-
ent in every respect, save only as q
breeder of disaster2
1t is my profound conviction that |
when the intelligent Republicans of |
this State have carefully and calmly |
considered the situation. they will con- |
eIade that they cannot afford to make |
the sacrifice required--cannot afford to |
incur the risks which abandonment of |
the Republican party at such time as |
this involves-but will continue to
their unfaltering allegiance to the |
party which has given the country
substantially all the sound and bsne-
ficent legislation it has enjoyed during
the past thirty years. In this cOnecf.
ion am impelled to the declaration
that an independent financial system
must be COUPLED with the enactment
of law protecting all our industrial
and commercial interests. which can
only be accomplished through the Re-
publican party. Believing this, 1
earnestly urge all Republicans to coon
crate in placing before the people of
Idaho straight Republican ticket,
from presidential electors to precinct
officers, in order that every voter NAV
have an opportunity to cast ballot
for the party which stands pre-. emin.
emily for good government and pros
perity, American homes and American
Industries.
The election of Mckinley and the
complete success OF the Republican
party in the Nation, in my judgment,
IS positively assured. The best inter.
ests of all classes demand it. and
rust that great majority of Idaho
will be for it.
Forty years ago the Republican party
irst raised its standard. Under its
folds were ranged all that was purest
n American citizenship and best in
American craftsmanship. To its
Tiumphs on many fields. not only our !
country, but the civilized world. owes
debt of gratitude for its achieve {
nent in the cause of progress and !
That standard has not vet
'een lowered, and win not be until The !,
>enefeent mission of the Republican,
'arty, identical with the Republic itself.
las been accomplished. |
Respectfully, !
GEO. L. SHOUP,
dember of the Republican National :