The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-08-28
SHELTON. WASHINGTON FRIDAY AUGUST % 1885,

to human life. Explain to me how
the demonetization of silver in 1878
brought the panic of 1893. Explain
to me how it happened that the pro-
gress and development of this nation
during the years between 1873 and the
election of Grover Cleveland were
greater titan ever before in its history.
In answering my questions, please
do not deal in vagaries or idle asser-
tions. What say to you concerning
the progress of your state and nation
cannot be challenged. History is said
to repeat itself, and there are those OF
us still living who remember a time
! when ambitious men, desirous of hold
ing positions in the United States SEN
ate and house-of representatives, men
desirous OF controlling the public pat
ronage OF this nation, arrayed one Sec
ton against another by the use OF
such opprobrium as "vile Yankee"
"black abolitionist," and other epithets.
and succeeding in securing the seces-
sion of thirteen of the sisterhood OF
states from the union. In their effort
TO Tx slavery as permanent institu-
tlon, and to establish themselves as a
southern aristocracy" they deluged
this nation with fraternal blood, sacri-
feed the lives of over million of the
noblest and bravest fathers, sons and
brothers of the land. 1t matters not
under which flag they fell, the respon-
slblllty of their lost lives rests with
those whose ambitions brought on that
fearful struggle.
We are confronted with similar ef-
fort today. A certain class of politi-
clans are busy arraying one section of
the country against another. the west
and the south against the east. How
much of their clamor is due to their
ambition is subject for thoughtful
men and women to consider. As has
been shown, the most prosperous and
progressive times this nation has ever
known have occurred since silver was
demonetized. Ask yourself, "Did this
clamor for the reconciliation of sill
yer, which is arraying father against
son, neighborhood against neighbor-
hood, section against section, original
ly come from the people, Or the politi-
cian?" Did it not originate with the
ambitions of the would-be senators of
the state of Nevada?" Is it not true
that when the Comstock began no
longer to yield dividends the property
of Virginia City in consequence began
to deteriorate in value; that then, and
not until then, was the first clamor
raised for the reconciliation of silver.
When there was a period of depression
in Colorado, the politicians of that
state took up the cry, and as Montana,
Idaho and Washington in turn were
admitted, each having silver mines,
they joined with their neighboring
states in the interest of free coinag,
hoping thereby to at least benefit their
own constituents.
Is it not the rule that when the
democrats come into power they as
sailed every industry in the west? Is
it not true that Mr.. Bryan was a
member of the ways and means COM
mittee of the house which reported
favorably the so-called Wilson bill? Is
it not true that when the bill was re-
ported, lead was placed upon the free
list, and almost every other product of
your state and the state of Idaho? Is
it not true that Mr.. Bryan made
forcible speech in favor OF free lead,
free wool and free everything which we
have? Is it not true that we owe it to
the republicans in the senate that we
secured the Z of cent protection
which lead now enjoys?
Then, if these facts be true, please
explain to your readers how we may
hope for revival of our industries and
an advance in the prices of what We
produce by the election of Bryan as
president. w. ]. MCCONNELL.
Governor of Idaho.
Boise City, Idaho, August IA, 1896.