Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1896-08-16
SOME PERTINENT QUESTIONS
Asked by Citizen Relative to the
 Two Presidential Nominees.
To Editor of the Gaaphic


 PINE BLUFF, Aug. II, 1896.
 Dear Sir:-There are thousands, and perhaps hundreds of thousands, for aught I know, of voters yet un- determined as to which of the two Presidential candidates now before the public, which posses the better qualifications to fill the highest of ficeEin the gift of the Republic;which will eventuate the disastrous condi- tions which have already enveloped us; as well as others which may ulti- mately result in irretrievable ruin. In view of seventy millions of peo- p1e, has not this government, for years past, resembled an oligarchy more than one of the people, by the people and for the people? Have not the masses been deluded by the sophistries of rings, combines and trusts into electing men who proved true to said olirgarchistic trusts? Did not the American people wit ness the humiliating spectacle of one man, aided by his lieutenants, pur- chasing the delegates of many States? Was there, to all intents and purposes, any need of the St. Louis Republican convention mak- ing any nomination for President? Did not the press of America pro- claim often and loudly that Hanna had his mans nomination assured in his brooches pocket?
 I simply ask the thousands or hundreds of thousands of hesitating voters if they also intend being bought with such price? Do they intend placing as President of this Republic man notoriously selfish enough to consider the rings, trusts and combines os tue 4eople2 Is not said nominees mouth guarded by paddock, the keg of which is still in said owners (Hanna's) hands? It has always struck me that secrets kept in regard to public welfare, must be dangerous; if not, why such secrecy? Genuine patriotism oozes and efferyesses. Thieves do not divulge secrets, but, on the other hand, 9keep closed mouths. ?
 The question is often asked, why don't the St. Louis nominee get down off the fence? While the position is conspicuous, still it is not one that gives satisfaction to honest men. Does not the action of silence give grounds for grave apprehension as to just what to expect will happen (rom past preceden0?
 The Chicago nominee had no strings to his kite. It seems to have been made without single consultation of any States delegates with another. It, in other words, seems to have sprung directly from the loins of patriotic delegates, ur- mindful of any selfish motive or pecuniary aggrandizement. Said nominee was of the people, by the people, and, judging from his open course in free speech, recognizes no man as holding a pre-emption or mortgage on fourth-class post office position, much less @ pull on the treasury reserve for pleasant pastime, and, incidentally, profit. Still, having other vital questions undiscussed, these two positions, alone, seem enough to point the direction of the wind, for in reality the wind just now blows about as strong as patriotic men can stem. Therefore, get into the storm pit first, then devise ways or means to meet the ever recurring emerqen- cies afterwards, seems about the best course to take if you have wise, unselfsh helmsman; if but tool, what matter is it to him just as long as he and his friends flourish?
 NJ D rsv,v, ,,