The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1897-03-11
BY William Jennings BRYAN.

much interest those proportions of
president McKinley's inaugural adj
dress which treat OF the money ques-
tion and the trusts. His declaration
against trusts and other combinations
of capital is encouraging to those who
believe that it is the duty Of the govern
ment to protect the weaker members
of society from those who are pecuni-
arily powerful. His words justify us
in expecting an aggressive policy, for
he promises to recommend new legis-
lation if new legislation is necessary,
as we'll as to enforce the laws already
in existence.
The official duties of president a Q
SO great and so exacting that he must
necessarily depend largely upon his
appointees in the department of justice,
both for the enforcement of the laws
now upon the statute books and for
suggestions as to additional legislation.
EARNEST MEN CAN FIND WORK.
If the appointees are thoroughly in
earnest they will find immediate work
to do and can soon determine whether
the trusts are fiourishing because of
executive clemency or because OF legis-
lative indifference. If, on the other
hand the presidents subordinates are
friendly to the combination it will be
difficult for him to carry out his prom
Use no matter how good his intentions
may be.
The sympathies of public officer
control his conduct, and it is to be
hoped that the executive will surround
himself with men whose sympathies
are with the people rather than the
trusts. The promise of the president
should make even his political oppon-
ents Withhold criticism until he has
chance to redeem the pledge given.
was especially pleased to note the
emphasis which he placed upon the de-
mand for equal rights. 1t is not equali-
ty of possessions, but equality of rights
that the people demand, equality be-
fore the law, or, to quote the demo-
cratic maxim, equal rights to all, and
speciel privileges to none"
WHAT M'KIN1EY's ADMISSIONS SUGGEST.
The president realizes that prevail
ing conditions are unsatisfactory. He
refers to the fact that willing laborers
are idle and that loss is entailed upon
useful enterprises.
He admits that the country is suffer
ering from industrial disturbances and
needs speedily rerief. By following
this admission of the financial question
he seems to suggest that the money
question is the paramount issue.
His promise to endeavor constantly
to secure international bimetallism is q
rebuke to those who think that the
gold standard should be maintained be-
cause of its own merits. The system
which is so bad as to justify an early
and earnest attempt to get rid of it
cannot be defended. But his declara-
tion that, had as it is, it must be en-
dured until help comes from abroad,
will be discouraging to those who have
ceased to expect international bimetal-
ism can be secured through persua-
sion.
A HUMILIATING REFLECTION.
1t is humiliating to think that after
more than century of national exis-
tence we must depend upon the right
of petition instead of relying upon the
right to legislate. If any part of our
| industrial depression is due to the gold
standard, then it is certain that to that
extent the depression will continue,
unless 'the other great commercial
powers of the void" Join US in restor-
ing bimetallism.
/ It is to be regretted that the execu-
tive did not define his position more
clearly upon the question of paper
money. If he had openly advised the
retirement of the greenbacksIthe people
could be considering the question, but
instead of doing that directly he OBJ
scures his purpose by using the phrase
ology commonly employed in bankers
conventions.
FAvoRITE SCHEME WITH BANKERS.
His reference to arrangements
which are temporary in their nature"
and his anxiety TO relieve the govern
ment from sthe necessity of maintain
so large gold reserve" are familiar
phrases to those who have watched the
effort which the national bankers have
made to secure the right to issue all the
paper money of the country. The
commission is q favorite scheme of the
financiers, but a commission cannot
settle so important question as that
now before the people.
II commission is appointed each
member will have fixed opinion be-
fore he enters upon the work, and each
senator and member of congress will
quote his own opinion, without regard
TO the report Of the commission.
Shall we have bank paper or govern
ment paperp That is the question sug
! gested, but not directly asked.