The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1896-07-16
Ex.Cou-ress,,,u Rrvau

On the 4th of March. 1898. n few Demo-
Gratis. most of them members Of Congress.
issued an address to the Democrats of the
nation. asserting that the money question
was the paramount issue of the hour: assert
ing also the right of Il ma jority of the Demo-
cratic party 10 control the position of the
party on this paramount issue; concluding
with the request that all believers In free
coinage of silver in the Democratic party
should organize and take charge of and con-
troll the policy of the Democratic party.
Three months later, At Memphis, an organi-
cation was perfected. and the silver Demo-
Gratis went forth openly aud boldly and cour-
ageously prOcaiming their belief. and de-
claring that If successful they would crystal
lize In Il platform the declaration which they
had made: and then began the conflict, with
zeal approaching the zeal which inspired
the Crusaders who followed Peter the Her.
nit. Our silver Democrats went forth from
victory unto victory until they are assem-
blcd now, not to discuss, not to debate, but
TO enter up the Judgment rendered by the
plain people of this country. In this contest
brother has been arrayed against brother
and father against son. The warmest ties Of
love and acquaintance and association hace
been disregarded. Old leaders have len
cast aside when they refused to give express
sion to the sentiments Of those whom they
would lead and new leaders have sprung up to
give direction to this cause of truth. Thus has
the contest been waged. and we have asse dl-
bled here under as binding and solemn In
SIIucIlOnS as were ever IaStpHpu upon inc
representatives of people. We do not come
as individuals. Why. as individuals we might
have been glad to compliment the gentleman
from New York, Senator Hill. but we knew
that the people for whom we speak would
never be willing to put him in Il position
where he could thwart the will of the Demo.
cratic party. | say 1t was not d question Of
persons. 1t was question of principle; and
il Is nc5vith gladness, my friends. that we
find ourselves brought into conflict with
hos In fn M u i.,l ~
side. If they ask here why it Is that we say
more on the money question than we say
upon the tariff question. ! reply that If pro.
lection has slain Its thousands the gold
standard has slain Its tens of thousands If
they ask lis why we did not embody all
these things in our platform which we be-
lieve. we reply to them that when we have
restored the money of the Constitution, all
other necessary reforms will be possible. and
that until that is done there is no reform that
can be accomplished. Mr.. Mckinley was NOM
mated at st. Louis on platform that de
clared for the maintenance of the gold
standard until 1t should be changed into bi-
metallism by an international agreement
Mr.. Mckinley was the most popular man
among the Republicans. and everybody three
months ago in the Republican party prophe-
sled his election. How is 1t tO-dayf Why,
that man who used to boast that lie looked
like Nap0leOn-that man shudders to-day
when he thinks that he vas nominated on
the anniversary of the battle Of Waterloo
Not only that, but as he listens he can hear
with evcr-increasing distinctness the sound
of the waves as they beat upon the lonely
shores of st. Helena. Why this change? All!
MY friends. is not the change evident to any
one who will look at the matter? II As no
private character, however pure. no personal
popularity, however great, that can protect
from the avenging wrath OF an indignant
people the man who will either declare that
he is in favor Of fastening the gold stand
ard upon this people. or who is willing to
surrender the right of sclf-government and
place legislative control in the hands of for
eign poteutates and powers We 30 forth
confident that we shall win. Why? Be
cause upon the paramount issue in this CAM
paign there Is not spot of ground upon
which the enemy viii dare to challenge
battle. We care not upon which issue they
force the fight Mr.. Carlisle said in 1878 that
this was a struggle between the Idle holders
of idle capital and the struggling masses
who produce the wealth and pay the taxes
Of the country. and my friends 1t is simply
a question that we shall decide, upon which