The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-10-01
Matters Pertaining to ihe Political Cam.
paign Given Clear and Fair Discussion.
All OLD UNION SOLDIER FOR BRYAN.
Though He Has Always Rcrn Rcpub-
Iicnn te Cannot Vote Tor MeKin-
ley ANA Gold Recommendations His
Stirring Letter TcIIin. Why IIe
Will Vote for Brsam.
ATLANTA Constitu,ion.)

! Mr.. Wallace ~. Bartlett, of Washing
ton, D. G., Union veteran who has
heretofore been Il consistent Republican,
writes letter to one OF his old war com
fadeS In which he states that Ii. can
not vote for Major Mckinley in the ap-
pioaching election.
The position which the old soldier
takes is a strong one He contends that
the single gold standard. instead of b.
Ing blessing to the country, as those
who differ with him on che money Ques-
dion insist, is in reality the greatest
curse That mas ever b, en- inflicted upon
the american people. lie ascribes the
dominating influence of the money
power in this country. together with
the +, cling OF discomfort wh.ch prevails
among the masses. largely to the dis
terminating eflect OF the present iinau-
c!al policy of the government
Touching upon ;he spurious argument
brought forward by the advocates of the
singl gold standard. viz: that The ola
soldiers of the country should not be
PAID In the debased currency, Nj. Bart
lett retaiiates by saying tina; any CON is
deceased v...!ch is wruns from the peck
cts OF the suffering masses.
IN this light continues hC, "the pen
s!ohers OF tao government should he on
the side of the people. From what
source is the money which they ge, de-
rived except from the peop!e? Had the
old soldiers depended upon The MILLION
aires they would long since have died OF
starvation"
Perhaps the most eignincam feature
OF Mr.. Baraetts letter is tn tribute
which he pays 10 Southern heroism. In
ta!S connection he says:
is II SAFE 10 join hands wtth our !ate
opponents at the South and believe Thea.
as loyal 10 this government ds W are?
we never found the Southern soldiers
cowa DIS. You and l can certainly les
tiiy to their courage. Brave men are
seldom trcachcrous, ldom untruthlul.
If | must choose between the men who
once fought against us ana ;hose who ac-
knowledge the paternity of the single
gold standard, j VIII turn to the man IN
gray and say, "Joanny. count m with
you But are these men who Uphold
h.metail.sm anarchists ana nlhlists?
You and | stood shoulder to snoulie.
with more than a milton farmer boys
who thought no sucr!fice too great for
the flag they loved. Taese are the men
VINO want b.meta.l.sm. AS they loved
IN II country then, they love it now.
4, The farmers have always been the b ,ue
and s!new of our land. The fa.mers
know that on our present gold bass
there is nothing but want and suffering.
They ask SIMPLY a return 10 tina; S?s-
M; nothing more They are honest;
they are earnest; they are loyal: we can
trust them. Comrade. | am with tn.
liberty; and against the m0neyed ars-
tocra.s who would bind US in the train
OF Europ an ar.s;Ocrais.
These are stirring words. ana should
forcbly appeal 10 every old solder in
the county, and they brea the the spin,
! of patriotism ana national honor and
! form striking contiaS: 10 the self Is
mcrCenary arguments which hav END
mated from the money power during
the campaign. In the person OF william
j. Bryan, well as in the time honored
principles ci the Democratic party. III
old soldiers o! the country have j zeal-
Gus and devoted championship.