The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-10-07

vanced III per cent. on an average. and wages
only 43 per cent.-and this although vast
army OF men had been withdrawn from the
competition of work to enter upon the de-
struction OF war. This Is the record OF all eX-
periments with deprecated currency. Do
you reject? Do you quarrel with statistics?
Do you deny facts of common knoWledge
among men somewhat older than yourself?
Finally, can you imagine why any work.
ingman in the possession Of his senses should
Vote destroy by the same stroke one-hali his
savings and onehalf the purchasing power OF
his wages? Why? we repeat you nave ap'
pealed TO the prejudices OF the worklngman.
You have stated and sympathiZed with some
of the very real wrongs under when ne sui
fers. But the remedy you nave suggested Is
far worse than the complaint.
1I1.-rIIE QUESTION or FEDERAL AUTHOR
rrY TO ENFORCE FEDERAL LAWS.
On this highly important matter The World
SAID in It's former letter:
Federal authorities IN local affairs" This is
generally believed 10 mean "free riot with
Tree silver as well as sympathy With law,
Cleveland's action at the time Of the Chicago
strike. Ietall who believe IN law and order
as the very life and root-basis OF civilized
government regard this az one Of the most
highly creditable acts of his Administration.
What is your view of 1t?
Pardon the trankness. Mr.. Bryan, but you
have not told US your view of 1t. You have
delivered some glittering promising TO en-
poor. This is right. Equality il Inc very
essence OF a just administration OF the law.
But the resolution in the Chicago PLATFORM
denouncing "arbitrary intertei ence by Fed
eral authorities in local affairs" had speclnc
meaning and definite purpose. IL was VIII
ten or inspired by Gov. Altgeld, ana was III
tended to rebuke President Cleveland for MS
action In sending Federal troops To enforce
the Interstate Commerce law. This meaning
and object have never been denied. WIZ you
give to the people, In some oi your luIure
Sneeches YOUR view OF this specific instan ce
nj "Federal in reference and OF the resOlu-
tion which rebukes II:
TO come straight to the point, will you, Mr..
Bryan II elected. en- force The Interstate Com
Inerce law? Will you enforce the law which
forpids interference with the transportation OF
the mails? II rioters like those inspired by
Debs shall attempt again 10 stop the COM
rnerce of the country by violence, to inter
rupt the transmission OF the mails and TO
prevent other men from earning their living
by work, will you use your powers as Presi-
dent to repress the lawlessness? Or will you
excuse yourself on the ground that some
Altgeldian Governor has not asked you to
interfere with Federal lawbreaking within
his State9
These questions are both important and
ignored them. And yet you know that this
resolution in the Chicago platform was
adopted as distinct bid for the votes OF those
who claim the right to enforce their deman ds
by disorder, violence and the destruction OF
property. 1t is a plain invitation TO mob
rule. IL tempts rioters with the suggestion ol
immunity from interference by the strong
arm Of the supreme authority. 1t Is sug'
gestion fraught with gravest danger both 10
the Government and to the workingmen. II
Is trihing with public order and public peace
And IT revives the odious claim OF superior
State sovereignty, even where national laws
and national rights are Involved, which was
bloodily and forever settled by the final arol'
trament OF war.
What is your view, Mr. Bryan? Do you, or
do you not. hold that the Federal Govern
ment is and must be free to employ force on
its own Initiative to protect It's citizens and
mai d tain its authority?
viii you speak to the point on this vita
matter?