Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1896-01-10
Corre.poDdeDoe.
BEREsFoRp, s. D. Jan, 2, i

BEREsFORD, S. d. jan, 2, 1896.
ED1ToR LEADER: Believing that the
subject Of politics should be treated ac-
cording TO well established business prin-
ciples and that common sense views OF
what is practicable and what ia imp-ac
tlcable in politlcs according to judgement
Of the masses Of our laboring people
should form the basis for action 10 the
councils OF the Reform Party and be-
.lieving that should be it's name, ask,
space, your valuable paper, to give
some of the principal reasons for The
faith that is in me. First the
name OF party should indicate its mis-
sion or object, and if the purpose Of the
Third Party" be to reform the govern
ment and rid it of the abuses that now
affict and enslave the people. l am un-
able to see any reason why it should not
be named the Reform Party" and thus
make the name indicative Of the object
Of the party formation. The name
Peoples Party" having been corrupted
to populist and pop. the sound becomes
unpleasant to the ear, thus retardiDg
party growth. Furthermore will say
without fear OF successful contradiction,
that no party can be successful without
being loyal to itself and earnestly and
logically defending its principles. In
stead of establishing and supporting
great national papers to advocate reform
principles. We see many earnest popu-
lists supporting gold bug plutocratic
papers and popuiist editors clubbing with
the Sioux City Journal and other ram
pant gold bug organs, whose only object
and aim is TO deceive the people by their
lying and sophistry. Have we no gener-
al news populist organs in the West that
can give US the latest reliable market re-
ports and etc? II not it is certainly high
time that we established and maintained
them. for the policy we are now pursu-
iBk is rs suicidal TO the interests OF re-
form as TO feed. arm and equip an enemy
ia time OF war. Let us then be up and
doiag and organize for the fight. for
without effective organization and unity
Of action our most earnest efforts will BE-
in vain. II we would be successful in
drawing to our standard those whose in
ter~sts are identical. we must prepare y
platform Of principles in accordance with
the views Of the laboring classes gener-
ally ard not merely in accordance with
the principles Of those who are already
allied with us. Not wishing to arrogate
to myself superior wisdom as to domin-
ate the councils Of the party in prefer
ence to the many able men within its
ranks, yet, nevertheless, I trust 1t will do
no harm to present to your readers what
believe to be good sound platform and
one upon which the masses Of our people
;ould readily unite.
The free coinage Of silver at the ratio
# IL to I. Allpaper money or treasury
,otes to be issued by the government and
in gold and silver coin; which.
.ver may be the most convenient at the
pleasure OF the Secretary.
Second. such governmental control of |
as will restrict them to ~ fair
md reasonable profit on capital actually
invested therein.
Third. to amend the constitution rs to
make Judges Of the Supreme Court
lec.able by the people for a period not 70
xceed four years, their terms TO COM
nence and end with the presidential
erm.
Without such constitutional amend
merit. all efferts for reform in the interest
{ labor. must fail for n Supreme Court
{ ''Gold Bugs and "Plutocrxls" ap-
ointed by the President for life. would
orth- with declare all the legislation de.
handed by the refOrmers. unconstitution-
and therefore null! and void, MS il did
he income tax.
In conclusion it is suggested that the
'maha Platform be amended in accord.
nee with the views of the conservative
lasses OF laboring people Of all classes.
arties and occupations for herein lies po-
I ical success and here is the road 10 leg
lation in the interests of the prosperity
nd happiness Of the people
Yours as ever for Reform
E..W. Owens.
u SO above in South Dakota-3S be-
w in New York. Come west.