Red Lodge picket. [volume] (Red Lodge, Mont.) 1889-1907, 1896-08-22

personally interested in the free coinage
of silver. There has never been any ce-
NAL out west that Bryan was employed
at a fixed compensation to preach TIE
cospel Of free coinage, and that the funds
from which his compensation was in a
large degree derived came from the mine
owners
"These are a few Of the direct and posi-
tive charges of a similar kind which have
appeared from time to time in the most
reputable and responsible newspapers OF
the United States l would be the last
man in the world to assail the character
Of Bryan. / have not done SO in any iE-
stance or by any word of mine. Bryan
is candidate Of a great party. 1t IS not
just to the American people that charges
Of 'hte KIND should so unanswered.
He is the man, and the only man, who
can make definite and conclusive answer.
"NoW, my dear senator, having thus
isabused your mind Of any possible idea
that I am the author of any charges
made against Mr.. Bryan, l suggest that
you turn your batteries upon those re-
putable editors and newspapers making
the charges. / can not refrain from eX-
pressing in this connection my surprise
at the long-continued and impenetrable
silence Of yourself and fellow silver mine
owners with respect to the charges so
publicly and distinctly made in the edi-
torial columns of the Chicago Chronicle,
which I have copied above, and my stlll
greater surprise at the immediate fut-
ter in the flock by my simple discharge
of the same article with appropriate quo
tation marks, some weeks after its Hrst
publication.
Il am especially interested in that
statement in your letter, as follows:
GAS 10 contributions for the crcula-
ton of silver literature, they have been
small, and they have all been paid by
the American Bimetallic League, up to
within the last few months, since when
time contributions have been made TO
the Bimetallc League. The contributions
have come from all sections of the coun-
try alike. These organizations can ac-
count for all the money received and me
use made of it,
THE American people, however, can
best judge as to whether or not con-
tributions for the circulation Of silver
literature have been small if you will
that these organiza tions-for which you
appear to stand sponsor-can account tor
all the moneys received and the use made
of 1t, l hope you will not longer delay
in publishing your itemjzed balance sheet.
l have no doubt it would be very inter
esting reading, and be greatly appreciat-
ed by a waiting public.
Now, my dear senator, l must take
issue with you-much as l deprecate the
necessity-when you say, ou may mock
at the poverty Of the silver men. l as
sure you ] have never done any sucn
thing. On the contrary, l have always
been profoundly impressed with the CO.
lossal fortunes of yourself and other bon
anza mine owners. But the American
people Go not intend that you shall dol-
bic them at their expense. at least not
this year.
I'm conclusion, permit me to suggest
that 1 know of no possible reason why
the American Bimetallic Union and its
contributors should not employ orators
or distribute literature. l concede that
employment by your union is honorable,
providing it is open and avoWed, so that
the people whose interests are SO Vltaly
al stake may know in whose behalf they
are appealed to.
Il hope, now, my dear sir, that you
will frankly acknowledge the undue haste
and stupidity with which you have mis-
represented me in this matter, and ! sin
cerely trust that you will Immediately
transfer to that great democratic Jour
nal, the Chicago Chronicle, the honor Of
an opportunity to substantiate its edito-
rial Yours very truly,
JOHN NJ THURSTON.'