Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-10-28
OUT FOR BRYAN.
A Manly Letter from the Assistant
Secretary of War.

Secretary Of War.
! General Joseph b. Doe. Assistant Sec
rotary OF War. a gold advocate. has
written the following letter, coming out
for Bryan:
War Department.
Office Of the Assistant Secretary.
Washington. d. c., october Il. 1896.
Hon. Il. c. Wall. Milwaukee. Wis:
Dear Sir.--Your favor Of the 18th instant
received In reply to your question IN
reference to my political views, permit me
TO say that while ] cannot accept the
Chicago platform as a correct declaration
| Of Democratic principles. do not favor the
free and unlimited coinage OF silver at
the ratio of 10 10 / by our government
alone, and greatly deplore the attitude OF
the convention toward the national ad-
minstration. yet. as you well know. ]
have been a lifelong Democrat and have
never been inclined TO bolt. / am strong
~ attached 10 the Democratic organiza-
ton, and believe our party 10 be the
party OF the people the defender OF per
sonal liberty and true constitutional gov
eminent l can find no comfort in the
ST. Louis platform or its candidates. and
/ detest all that is implied by the term
McKInleyism.
| do not believe an honest or earnest
effort viii be made by the next admins
tration should It be Republican. TO enact
legislation In the Interest," OF the masses
Of the people in reference to matters
wherein those interests may be opposed
TO the interests Of the favored classes.
II is claimed that the Democratic party
has arrayed the masses against the
classes" while the truth is that Repubi-
can legislation long ago arrayed the
classes against the masses.
/ am not i'm favor OF attempting 10 cor
rect mistakes or msbehavior among our
forces by going over 10 the enemy or
firing into our own people from the rear.
The great need OF the country is that
some definite determination should be
arrived at as TO the character of our
measure of value. and l do not believe
the election OF Mr.. Mckinley would per-
manenrly settle the financial questions
now before the people. Republican sue
cess would simply prolong the struggle
and continue our present unsatisfactory
commercial condition.
The election of Mr.. Bryan would def
nitely settle the financial question. and
at least enable investors 10 calculate as
10 the future. Some commercial dis
turbance may follow the adoption of a
silver basis. but l do not believe that
rs is predicted by those who advocate the
election of Mr.. Mckinley.
No man who Will seriously argue or
publicly state, as Mr.. Mckinley has done.
that the foreigner pays the tax and
that protection prevents the formation
Of trusts" is OF the proper mental calibre
to be the Chief Executive of this nation.
and | have, In common with others, strug-
gIed too long and too hard for a tariff for
revenue only to willingly surrender the
administration Of the government to those
who are openly opposed to that principle.
The st. Louis platform calls for protec-
ton that the dignity Of American labor
may be upheld. while it is well known
that the lowest wages are paid I'm pro-
tected industries. Ii claims that protec-
ton causes thrift as though economy
could be compelled ~ law IL advocates
protection I'm order that the standard Of
wages for American wOrkmen may be
maintained. while the truth is that the
tariff, protective or otherwise, has nothing
whatever 10 do with the question of
wages. and the coal and iron barons.
with the other benehcidrles Of protection.
always have hired. and always will hire,
the cheapest men they can ind This
platform promises. specifically, the most
ample protection" to hemp, wool. WOOL
lens. and ''all our products" It promises
aid TO the American merchant marine.
which. after thirty years OF the fostering
care Of Republcanism. had been almost
entirely swept from the seas.
The principal candidate nominated upon
this platform is not dangerous in his own
personality. but the agencies behind him
menace the welfare Of the republic The
milionaires. who rescued him from fnan-
cial difficulties and made his nomination
possible. will demand a proper return for
their services and labOrs. which can only
be made at the expense Of the rest Of our
people. His reluctance. almost refusal, TO
mention, let alone condemn, the trusts,
is corroborative OF these assertions.
Moreover. l am I'm favor OF a govern
ment by the people the only rulers recog-
nized by Democracy. and opposed 10 gov
eminent by trusts. combines and monopo-
lies, which apparently control the policies
II not the legislation Of the Republican
party.
! am. therefore. in favor Of the election
Of, and shall support so far as 1 am able,
the regular Democratic ticket.
Very respectfully yours,