The Forrest City times., 1897-03-26
WHAT MIR. BRYAN THINKS.
The Democratic Leader AnaIyxes Me. kinIey's Inaugural Speech.

Ine Democratic Leader Analyses MO-i
 kfnIey's Inaugural Speech.
 In special communication to the St. Louis Republic regarding President Mo Kinley's inaugural speech William J. Bryan says:
 ''I have read with much interest those portions of President McKinley's s inaugural address which treat of the money question: and the trusts. His declaration against trusts and other combinations of capital Is encouraging to those who believe that 1t Is the duty Of the government to protect the weaker members of society from those who are pecuniarily powerful. His words justify us in expecting an aggressive policy, for he promises to recommend new legis- lation, If new Legislation Is necessary, as well as to enforce the laws already in ex- istence.
 ''The official duties of president are SO great and exacting that he must necessari- ly depend largely upon his appolntees in the department of justice, both for the enforcement of the laws now upon the statute books and for suggestions as to additional legislation.
 If the appointees are thoroughly in earnest, they will find immediate work to do and can soon determine whether the trusts are fourishing because of executive clemency or because of legislative indiffer- ence. If. on the other hand. the presidents subordinates are friendly to the combina- tion, 1t will be difficult for him to carry out his promise. no matter how good his inten- tions may be.
 ''The sympathies of a public officer con- trol his conduct. and it is to be hoped that the executive will surround himself with men whose sympathies are with the people rather than with the trusts. The promise of the president should make even his po- litical opponents withhold criticism until he has chance to redeem the pledge given.
 I was especially pleased to note the emphasis which he placed upon the de- mand for equal rights. It is not equality of possessions but equality of rights that the people demand; equality before the law, or. to quote the democratic maxim. equal rights to all and special privileges to none
 ''The president recognizes that prevailing conditions are unsatisfactory He refers to the fact that willing lahorers are idle. and that loss Is entailed upon useful en- terprises.
 "He admits that the country is suffering from industrial disturbances and needs speedy relief. By following this admission with the financial question, he seems to suggest that the money question is para mount Issue.
 His promise to endeavor constantly to secure international bimetallism Is a re- buke to those who think that the gold standard should be maintained because of It's own merits. The system which is % bad as to Justify an early and earnest att tempt to get rid of It cannot be defended. but his declaration that. bad as 1t is. it must be endured until help comes from abroad will be discouraging to those who have ceased to expect international CO., operation can be secured through persua- sion.
 Tt is humiliating to think that after more than a century of national existence we must depend upon the right of petition in- stead of relying upon the right to legislate. If any part of our industrial depression is due to the gold standard, then 1t is certain that to that extent the depression will con- tinue. unless the other great commercial powers of the world join us In restoring bimetallism
 Tt Is to be regretted that the executive did not define his position more clearly upon the question of paper money. If he had openly advised the retirement of the green backs the people could be considering the question. but instead of doing that directly he obscures his purpose by using the phrase ology commonly employed in bankers con- ventions.
 His reference to 'arrangements.' which are temporary in their nature. and his anxiety to relieve the government from the necessity of maintaining so large . gold reserve, are familiar to those who have watched the effort which the national bankers have made to secure the right to issue all the paper currency of the country. The commission is favorite scheme of the financiers. but a commission cannot settle so important question as that now before the people.
 If a commission is appointed. each mem Der will have fixed opinion before he enters upon the work. and each senator and member of congress will vote his own opinion without regard to the report of the commission.
 Shall we have bank paper or government paper? That is the question suggested. but not directly asked.
 "The question must be settled by the peo- pie through their elected representatives and commissions will have but little effect.
 WILLIAM J. BRYAN"