Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1897-03-03
VOL. XVI
NOW IS THEIR CHANCE.
REPUBLICAN, OPPORTUNITY TO
MAKE A RECORD.

They are in Position TO EIterm rminate the
Popullsts by doing away with tho Con-
ditions Which Brought them into Ex-
istence. Will they dOIt?
The Republican patty will soon be
In power, controlling every branch of
the national government-execut
legislative and judicial. 1t already is
IN control of a ma ajority of the state
governments. 1t will have the ability
and the opportunity during the next
four years to bring prosperity and
happiness, or increased sorrow and
misery, to seventy millions of the most
progressive people OF this progressive
age.
1t also has the opportunity to ac-
complish what is doubly dear to the
heart of every Republican politician
and officcholder- the complete de-
struction of the Populist party This
vast army of ''long haired fanatics"
this horde of visionary schcmers" that
cast two million votes, is represented
by two thousand papers and came near
electing Bryan, can be literally wiped
out of existence, so far as their party
organization and platform of princip-
les are concerned.
And the Republican party can do this
If it will only go about it in the right
way.
The Populists are too numerous to
be ignored, too intelligent to be paci-
fled with promises, too sclf-respecting
70 quietly submit to either private or
public wrongs.
Ridicule and abuse but more thor
oughly arouse item: combating their
political views will not dispose of them:
only one method will in any way affect
them-and that is:
Pursue public policy opposite to
that which brought the Populist party
into existence.
There were no Populists, or Green
hackers, or third party men during
Grants first term-from 1868 to 1872.
There were very few tramps, then
or business failures, or mortgage fore
closures, of honest thousands vainly
seeking employment, or suicides from
''despondency' as there are today.
There were no Populists in those days.
Farmers had plenty to sell then at
good prices; laborcrs had plenty of
work then at good wages; there was
plenty of money then, and it circu-
lated; gold was not king then and
silver dollar was quoted at 3 per cent
premium.
If the Republican party will give us
back the prosperity we enjoyed twenty
five years ago, the Populist party as
political organization and it's platform
of principles will be thrown aside
just as a discharged soldier casts aside
his sword and uniform.
Let the Republican party do this
great work in its own way and through
its approved agencies, if it will, so it
is doue thoroughly and speedily.
If they can promote the general
welfare and make all classes prosper
Gus by going into partnership with the
cffete monarchies of Europe, the Popu-
lists will soon learn to hurrah for the
gold standard and Prince of Wales as
loudly as any Hanna Republican ever
did or ever will.
But if the Republican party fail to
give the country the relief now so much
demanded, if they fail to improve the
golden opportunity of meriting contin-
nance in power, nothing can save
them from utter defeat and demoral-
ization at the polls, in 10Oo-aye, two
year hence.
The Populists, aided by the new
Democracy, will then take the reins of
government and bring prosperity TO
the people. They viii find a way or
make it.-Joliet News.