Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1896-02-21

!. 7. Mott, chairman Of the Nationa
committee Of the Silver party, has issued
the following address to the people:
AS chairman o. the National commit
tee appointed by the silver conference
lately assembled in Washington City to
organize the silver forces in the United
States in the battle which is to take
place for the possession of the Govern
ment this year, it is thought proper that
/ should make some statement to the
people in reference to it.
As the necessity of money as a me-
dunn of exchange became revealed to
the minds of men, the two metals finally
accepted as the most suitable for money
were silver and gold. This was natural
because they were the two most precious
metals adapted to the purpose and we
were sufficiently limited in quantity.
AS mining has developed the fact that
these two metals existed in the earth in
almost certain proportions, a natural
ratio of value was assumed. This ratio
has continued as arranged by man under
the natural order as he found it. 1t was
accepted by mankind as part of the
grand plan npon whick the world was to
move, and approved by the philosophy
and common-sense of all ages.
From this condition of regular order
and contentment, contributing to the
gradual elevation of all classes of soci-
ETY., the extension of civilization and the
general betteruent of the human race
this country and the whole world has
deem ruthlessly torn.
Ithas been done by the rejection of
one of the precious metals in the inter
ests of greed, and by this act the money
changers have been enthronedi and the
narrowing of the scope of monetization
begun. AS monetization has been
narrowed money has become scarcer
in proportion, and as money became
scarcer prices fell in proportion, and |
falling prices have been the bane of this |
world. 1t was predicted after the de-
monetization of silver that great suffer !
jug would follow. This suffering is al |
ready here. From contraction of the |
currency we are now in the throes of |
one of these desperate stages of human
experience-a period of ear-ache, canker
and sleeplessness, as the foundation of
prices has crumbled. Obligations rest
ing upon the supposed firm foundation
ot price in ready money have crum bled
into dirt as the foundation of the pric
has crumbl9d. The country is confront
ed by grave emergency. Further the
,rizing is futile The agitation on the
money question must be settled by
, eaceful methods that will give prac-
,ical results
Long patience and dispassionate re-
Election has convinced me that an indie
pendent American nancial system is .
absolutely necessary to the restoration of =
national prosperity and the establish ;;
W. of commercial conditions in this
" that will give the common peo- +
ple.-the agricultural and laboring class
ss-an equal show with capital and con-
cen rated wealth How can it be effect
ed? Can it be done through either the p
republican or democratic party as now :,
,onstituteds q
No. Both organizations are under the
influence of the eastern money
power. The record of every national >
of both parties for years is ;,
,lain proof of the assertion. The legis-
alton of both parties in Congress is :.
roof that it is impossible as a party ,,
question. W
What then, is to be done' AS patri- T
It's, as Americans who are for America n,
sainst the world, what Is our first and tn
ontrolling duty in this crisis? Shall we in
onger heed the false promises of party eC
latform declarations' Shall we longer W
ubnit to the academic discussion of al
that bimetalism means' Shall it be an as
Their campaign of struggling and equiv ST
cations Or shall the issue be squarely va
a the free coinage of gold and silver
Id president elected who represents NJ
lie people on that question: tn
The first step,the essential preliminary sill
the correction of political abuses, the wi
establishment of national prosperity an
Id the maintenance of our national gu
edit, is the election of a president otl
hose Andrew Jackson courage and III
,xible integrity will defy the iniu- sill
~. !