Little Falls weekly transcript. (Little Falls, Morrison Co., Minn.) 1894-19??, 1896-09-18
ISSUES Of THE CAMPAIGN.

In view Of this, and as you refer to the
fact that I have not heretofore been ami.
lated with your party, deem 1t not out OF
place to briefly state my own convictions
on the issues in this campaign. The pres.
snt contest is not one Of platform, but OF
ISSUES. Hence, shall not devote any time
to platform discussion, except 10 say that
In the new alignment Of political forces
which has taken place, and Is IN daily
progress, there is sufficient unanimity on
the vital and imminent questions, as
formally expressed In the several plat
forms OF the reform forces, to enable us to
,heerfully co operate and work together
Tor the common good Of our state and
nation.
That this isnot an ordinary campaign lie
slear!y evidenced, not only by tho action
Of your convention, but by the action OF
the other great party to which have re-
ferred. No mere temporary condition OF
our politics would bring together such
great divisions Of our people, who have
heretofore been opposing and contending
elements in our politics, nor would 80
many members Of the Republican party
ignore the ties Of party association and
friendships and ally themselves with those
to whom they have been opposed in the
past for trivial causes. Nothing but ques-
tions Of vital importance-a sense Of COM
mon danger and an aroused patriotism
would make this great body Of our people
forget oil past diffyences, ignore consid-
erations of creed, nationality, party pre-
JUDGES and party pride, and unite in
harmonious action, both nationally and
In this state. .', r..
The underlying cause of this great
movement it may be difficult to express In
apt words, but, in my own mind, I am
clear that however it may be formulated
by different individuals, or in different
platforms, the conviction has forced itself
upon the great mass Of our people that in
the appropriation Of the great natural
wealth of our country, and in the distri-
button Of the increased products of human
industry, caused by the employment. of
modern inventions and labor saving ma
chinery, the few, and the owners Of cap
ital, have obtained more than their fair
share. The farmer feels that, though his
power of producing riches for others has
been increased beyond comparison, his
hours of toll have not shortened and the
net reward for his labor is growing less
from year to year. In the field Of organ
lied labor, though wages have been fairly
we'll maintained by reason of organiza-
ton, the specter of want of employment
is constantly before the workman's mind.
If he has children, his solicitude for their
future weighs heavier upon him than his
own toll The farm laborer has not only
suffered by material reduction in
wages, but he has largely ceased to
look forward with either the hope or ex-
pectation of becoming the owner ola farm
himself as has been the rule in the past
The demand for his service Is declining,
as the farmers grow less able to employ
help, and he, with others unemployed.
drifts to the cities and makes the condi-
lions Of obtaining employment and main.
tanning wages more difficult there. Such
are the conditions which no candid OBJ
server can deny. The patriotic citizen,
while hopeful for the speedy and peace
able solution Of this problem and conf
dent of the the American people to devise
means, In accordance with the constitu-
ton and spirit of our institutions, for
correcting the errors of the past and for
more equitable distribution Of
the enormous wealth which our country
produces, cannot but fear theconsequences
If this work is long delayed, and it Is this
fear and solioitude which has united the
people. ~ tA. Nw