The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1897-02-20
WHY THIS UNREST?

WHY THIS UNhEST'
Throughout the land are said to be
organizing two societies. the "Iron
brotherhood" and the industrial
Army" the prime object of which ap.
pears to be a civil revolution, an en-
deavor to arouse the masses in bitter
strife against the classes. The prelude
of secret circular issued by one OF
these societies is as follows:
{ Comrades: There comes time in
the affairs of men and nations when
desperation compels the human mind
to pause and bring to it's aid that ele-
ment of reason so long discarded.
We have reached such a crisis in the
destin1es of this American republic.
One hundred years OF national exis-
tence has demonstrated that the fabric
policy of our government contains
within its warp and woof the elements
of its own destruction, with the fact
that the ballot has proven most
lamentable failure as safeguard of
free institutions. In the closing OF
the 10th century we see a, class of des-
potism establishing itself upon the
ruins of the republic. An~oligarchy
is now in power, and already the
hideous phantom of Imperialism over
shadows us, as embodied in the pluto
cratic claims of the federal court and
acts of unbridled military despotism,
characteristic of the federal govern
ment of today.
"What is to be done? We have ap'
pealed in vain to the BALLOT. Every
trial of strength in the political arena
has resulted in victory for the un'
scrupulous money power. History
proves that you cannot be freed
through the ballot"
That societies promulgating sue
revolutionary ideas could exist in this
free, independent and glorious nation,
where every citizen is sovereign,
seems incredible, but that that they do
exist, and that the principles they ad-
vocate meet with response, cannot be
denied. And where such societies can
exist there must be cause for such
unrest, for such dissatisfaction with ex-
isting conditions as are evinced by
this preamble. A people who are con-
tent with their lot, who are comfort
ably fed and clothed, who have an op-
portunity to earn a livelihood do not
accept or even countenance such revo-
lutionary measures as are here shown;
and what is the cause of this unrest?
If those who have been guiding the
destinies of the nation the past few
decades would critically examine their
acts they would find at least semb-
lance of causes to bring about these
The history of tariff legislation in
this country for twenty years past
furnishes some explanation. Encour-
aged by the results of extreme protec-
tive duties levied in times when the
nation was in great need of revenues,
the benefciaries of protection insisted
upon and were granted increased
1uties upon imports until their greed
was finally satisfied in the high tariffs
Of the Mckinley law, which gave them
almost a monopoly of the American
for their wares, resulting in
profits to them and exces-
live burdens to the consumers. When
,he effects of this greed was fully real
zed, the people rose in their might
md revolted against this averice, and
n 1892 voted down the protective
,heory. Emboldened by the success
# the beneficiaries of protection, other
,lasses sought legislation that was
avorable to them and detrimental to
he masses; they insisted upon finan-
4ncial policy that would make the few
masters of many by placing them in a
,osition that enabled them to contract
he currency of the country at their
Till, force bond sales whenever they
lesired, and regulate interest rates to
nit themselves. Then when they dis
overed in the signs of the times the
possibility of their systems being
through the election OF
PRESIDENT and congress inimical to
heir interests, all manner of promises
f good times, return of activity and
Universal prosperity if the national elec-
ion should result in the overthrow OF
vhat they chose to term the represen-
ative of anarchy and reputation.
The election resulted as they chose,
ut the good times did not come; the
,romises of an immediate return of |
were not realized. Is there |
nv wonder that there is unrest among |
be masses? Is it a wonder that they |
re ready to overthrow the govern
lent they aided in establishing? But
a this matter those who seek to Or
anize these revolutionary societies
re too hasty. That they have grounds
,r disappointment cannot be denied,
ut they were unreasonable in expect
lg a return of prosperity so close
pom the heels of the election,
Though it was promised them. The
irty in whom they entrusted the
,ins of government has not yet had
/ opportunity to demonstrate what
i'll be the result of its stewardship.
ct judgement be suspended until
,ngress shall be convened and legis-
tion enacted that is promised to give
lief. If after the party that is soon
90 into power has had chance,
mes shall not improve, there is
,undant time to seek its overthrow;
it not by such means as are proposed
these societies, not by resorting to
cendiary means, but at the polls by
ir, honest ballots.
a JOKE ON IDAHO.
Stocks are dull. There hasn't been