The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-10-08

Tacoma. Oct 7.-Speciai-The lumber
men OF Washington have spoken on the
issues involved in this campaign. In a
csrcu4a- letter which will be sent out
within a few days. signed by eighteen of
the largest lumber mills in the state. the
falnoermen appeal 10 their fellows and 10
the voters who gain livelihood through
the industry. 70 consider well the effect
o. me threatened coinage CT silver as in
corporatsd in the platform OF the Demo-
cEatic party. The unsoundEess OF the
proposition 10 coin silver at Is TO !. re-
gardiess OF the market value OF the metal.
Is pointed out. and the interests Of the mill
men ana their employees are declared TO
De identical IN this campaign. Should the
silver forces carry the day. the circular
foTetells the doom that will come TO ev-
cry industry IN the state dependent upon
capital for its progress and development.
TIE leate- is splendid appeal 10 en-
HgAtened American citizenship. II is
printed in full as follows:
To the Loggers and T.umbermen CT tho
State OF Washington.
The grave questions OF finance and tar
III confronting The voters OF our country
ar the coming election demand the earnest
and serious consideration of every citi-
zen
are absolutely Identical in this matter.
Therefore mutual interest compels US 10
give You our honest and candid opinion
upon this vital subject. This is not a ques-
ton or politics, but rather a question OF
economics That which is poor money
for any class OF our citizens is poor money
for All. Therefore. let every voter face
party lines.
The. issue as far as protection is con-
ceEnel, AFFECTS us greatly. While the in
dustries OF the East have grown and de-
yeloped under the fostering care OF pro-
lection. we In our young state demand
and require like protection for our forests
OF timber and mines OF coal. We pay
taxes that our government may improve
haroors and rivers and our citizens may
build towns and cities. thereby giving us
market for the product Of our labor. We
should not be called upon TO furnish free
markets 10 peoples owing allegiance and
paying taxes 10 support goyernme Mt s
which We have no direct interest in MAIN
tanning
We believe tina. the free coinage OF sill
yer at the Is to l ratio regardless OF the
market value OF silver as compared with
the market value of gold. Is an unbusi-
nesS-like. and unsound proposition. Should
the measure be accepted and carried by
the people. ii cannot but result in dis
astrous calamity. and our business be
forced into the greatest financial convul-
sion this country or the world has ever
known.
Recall 20 your mind what the fear OF
silye' l.slslatio caused in 1898. how capt.
tal was Withdrawn. payments demanded
pressed, in fact. business throughout our
entire country paralyzed. Can any man
desire repetition of this state Of affairs !,
Althourh business has been duh the past
year. il mas been slowly but surely get
ting into a firm and healthy condition.
The numbering interests gained some lit
tie strength rhe past year. which should
indicate a return, under wise legislati
70 prosperity. Other lines will pick up in
their turn IL our people Will stand firm
for the integrity OF our government. No
government on earth which legisiates
against financial truths. can hope TO sue
coed. maintain its standing, protect its
domains and people.
We do not need to try this experiment
to find If il be beneficial or disastrous.
The history of the world bears testimony
against all such suicidal experiments in
france For success they must be based
upon integrity ifd positive no a-fiuctra l.
ing value OF the medium of exchange
Otherwise. there can be but one
result namely, utter ruin for the
individual as well as the welfare
and even the life OF the govern
ment under which he lives. It is necessary
that every man of US should take his
stand for sound and honest money I'm
questioned in value either 10 receive or