Mexico weekly ledger., 1897-04-22


which, under the auspices of the Ma
tionalAssociation of Democratic Clubs,
celebrated the birthday of Thomas
Jefferson.
At the close of the dinner, "Yankee
Doodle" was rendered, the orchestra
retired and Toastmaster Benton Nc
MILAN took the floor. The responses,
like the decorations wreathed in flags
a portrait behind the toastmaster's
chair, suggested one principal idea,
Thomas Jefferson"
MR.. BRYAN's SPEECH.
Mr.. Bryan said, in part:
"The Democratic party is strong
just in proportion as it proves true to
the teachings of its founder. 1t is the
mission of the Democratic party to
crystalize into legislation the princi-
pies which he taught.
"The party applies Democratic
principles to the issues which arise
from time to time. For many years
the tariff question was the paramount
issue, and the party took a more ad-
vanced position each year, until 1895,
when it declared itself in favor of a
policy which meant substantially a
tariff for revenue only. But the Pres
ident elected at that time, instead of
proceeding to carry out that portion
of the platform, forced upon public
attention an issue which had up to
that time been considered Sec
ondary. Mr.. Cleveland, more than
any other one person in this nation, is
responsible for the prominent position
whictrthe money question now occu-
pies. 1t was his determination to
complete the demonetization of silver
and make the gold standard perpetual
that aroused the masses of the United
States to active resistance. The strug-
gle for supremacy between the gold
standard and bimetallism was recog-
nized as contest between the money
power and the common people.
"The explicit declaration in favor
of free and unlimited coinage at 16 to |
1 without waiting for the aid or con-
sent of any other nation was made |
necessary by the attempt of certain
public men to evade preceding plat
forms. The party struggle which cul-
minated in the Chicago Convention of
necessity alienated portion of the
party. The party was placed in the
position where it was compelled to in
dorse the financial policy of the Pres
ident or adhere to the doctrines and
traditions of the party.
1.-THE position taken by the Demo-
cratic party in 1896 will not be sur
If you doubt the perma-
nency of the Chicago platform as a
party creed, go among the rank and
file of the party and measure the zeal
and enthusiasm which that platform
has aroused and you will realize the
of taking q backward
step.
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR DEMOCRATS.
"True, the present administration is
seeking to turn public attention to the
tariff question, but IL our reasoning is
well founded an increase of taxes can
not restore prosperity to the pro-
ducers of wealth. If the Dingley bill
brings general and permanent pros
perity, the Democratic party will not
be in position to win contest by
opposing it. If, on the other hand,
the Dingley bill proves disappoint-
ment to those who advocate it, our
position of 1896 will be strengthened
and public attention will be riveted
upon the fact that the cause of finan-
cial depression is to be found in our
monetary system.
"There is much in recent events to
encourage the followers of Thomas
jefferson. The spring elections indi-
cate a growing sentiment along the
lines of the Chicago platform. In fact,
the elections which have taken place
show SO great a gain that the Repub-
lican party may now be considered a
minority party. 1t has but one hope
of escape from the wrath to come ,and
that is to secure bimetallism by inter-
national agreement before the people
of the nation have another opportun-
ity to speak at the polls. While We
who believe in independent bimetal-
lism generally regard an international
agreement as neither necessary nor
possible, we may we'll hope for sue
cess to any who make the attempt to
secure foreign assistance. II our op-
ponents succeed in opening the mints
of other nations as well as their own
mints, we shall rejoice because the
condition of the people will be i'm
proved and they will be able to pro-
ceed with other remedial legislation.
If, however, the Republican party,
after pledging itself to secure inter-
national bimetallism, finds 1t impossi-
BILE to fulfll that pledge, Its expressed
preference for a double standard will
rise up to condemn 1t If 1t attempts to
continue longer the evils Of the gold
standard"