davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-10-20

strange that the balance of trade with
these neighboring republics is so strong
" against US and that they send so vast
an amount of money to markets more
distant than our own.
A remedy must exist and ought to be
found. Relations with Cuba and Porto
Rico are about 70 change and the Mis-
sissippi valley is deeply interested in the
future commerce Of these rich islands.
Before the last instruction nearly all of
Cuba's exports came to the United
States The annual Cuban imports were
SIS, 100000, of which this country sup
piled only S12000,000 worth. Porto Ri
cos annual exports and imports are ST.
100000 each. The United States imports
from Proto Rico products worth SOFIA
600 and sends there 81, 500. 900 worth.
Hitherto the imports of the two islands
have been controlled by Spain through a
tariff wholly favorable to itself. Now the
trade currents will seek natural channels.
Before many years this country should
send to Cuba and Porto Rico merchandise
worth S10O, 100000 year instead of the
former figure of S14, 900, 600. This will
give an impetus to our dealings with the
rest of the West Indies, Central America
and several South American countries.
Many of the products needed can be most
favorably provided by the Mississippi val
lev with ST. Louis as the HEADQUARTERS.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-10-20
National Interests Paramount.

National issues are paramount this
year. 1t is not more possible to conduct
a state election now without regard to
national issues than it was possible so
to conduct one in 1861 or 1868. As it
then was, so it now is the interest of
the nation as whole which is of vital
and absorbing interest TO each citizen.
Then. as now, the Republican party was
forced to find new issues, to confront new
problems. Then, as now, it was forced
not to follow, but to make presidents.
In 1861 we had to preserve the republic
for its great destiny: in 1898 we have to
take a long stride towards the accom-
plishment of that destiny. The Repub-
hcan party, therefore, III its state plat
form, does well to reiterate the prom
a Republican President, pledges which
made it possible to restore prosperity to
our country and to put the nation where
it is possible to work out the glorious
future which is now before a reunited
nation.
''The issue for honest money, for pro-
lection to American industry, for the up
building of a merchant marine. adequate
to carry the commerce of the world and
TO form 4 naval militia in times of war.
are as vital this year as they were in
the great contest which was 50 success
fully fought in 1885, We must further
strengthen our navy and build I'D our
army, SO that they may be equal to any
demand made upon them. as re work
out our destiny. Hawaii and Porto Rico
are ours, and in the East and West In
dies the interests of the nation shall be
safeguarded. From Col Rooseyelt's
Speech Of Acceptance.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-10-20
What a Democrat Saws.

The La Crosse Chronicle, real Demo
cratic paper, and, of course, having no
sympathy with free silver and other Pop
ocratic vagaries, admits the coming de-
feat Of the Bryan wing of the Demo
cratic party in this state this fall. 1t
says:
I'm 1896 the Democrats who voted
against Mr. Bryan did not pretend to
deny his personal integrity and good
character. They denied that his plat
form was, Democratic platform, and
refused to- endorse the principles he
represented. IF those principles have
made friends among Democrats since
1896, there Will be some changes in Wis
consin this year. If not, the result will
again follow the results in 1894 and 1896,
and Democrats viii continue to drub the
party that bears their name because
they think it misrepresents Democracy
Nor will they turn aside to split hairs
as between Gov Scofeid and the candi-
dates for the Legisla ture and for Con-
gress. One cross at the top Of the ticket
will be made oftener this year, if any
thing; than it was two years ago.
''Tbere will be some prodgals who
will go back to- the regular fold. There
will also be straight Republican votes
this year that We're not cast two years
ago. I'm the round up the general situa-
ton WEI be little changed. Another Re
publican victory has been made certain,
as things now stand"
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-10-20
A FREE SILVER CONVERSION.
Montana Republicans Pronounce for
the Gold Standard.

The action of the Republican state con-
vention of Montana, which met at Helena
last week, is a striking indication of the
wea kening of the free-siIver sentiment Iii
its Rocky mountain citadel That con-
vention adopted without dissenting vote
q platform indorsing the st. Louis plat
form, the gold standard money plank in
Guided. That is progress of most graft
flying nature. 1t shows that the people
of the second largest silver-producing
state in the Union are becoming con-
WINGED that $40 to 1" would not help
them. They have believed that the free
coinage of silver would enhance the value
of their bullion. They are becoming con-
WINGED that even if it were to do so they
would lose in other ways infinitely more
than they could hope to gain.
When the Montana Republicans elect
ed delegates to the national convention
in May, 1885, they demanded the free
coinage of silver at the ratio of 16 to /.
When the state convention met after the
adoption of the st. Louis platform the
convention repudiated the money plank
of that platform and then split. Part of
the delegates endorsed Bryan. The re-
mainder endorsed Mckinley. He got only
10000 votes, while Bryan got AZ, 500.
More than half the Republican voters
marked their ballots for the free~silver
candidate.
This year the silver Republicans have
not fused with the Bryanites and Popu-
lists, and have nominated a separate tick
ct. Their candidate for chief justice has
been endorsed by the gold Republicans
because he stands on the st. Louis plat
form. The vote for the other candidates,
month after next, will give a clear idea
of the present strength of the two wings
of the party. The vote will show, un~
doubtedIy, that the Republicans who ha We,
pronounced courageously for the gold
standard are the stronger of the two..
By the time the presidential election
comes nearly all the silver Republicans,
with the exception of those who want
silver-standard money to pay gold-stand-
ard debt with, will have fallen into line.
Free silverism is on it's last legs in those
sections where it once was the strongest.
Chicago Tribune
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-10-20

sire to have the money standard of the
country lowered from gold. to that of sill
yer, so that the future value Of the dollar
shall not exceed the money value of 312
grains of bullion silver. say 40 to Al cents
in gold, and so that this half bogus dollar
shall apply retroactive!y to the payment
of existing debts, including deposits IN
savings banks, which amount to over
$500 100000 in that state.
The outcome OF election day under such
circumstances will be an object lesson in
morality and honesty. The election in
reality will be a census of the dishonest
voters in that state. It will be a valuable
days work if they will go to the polls
and be counted. The voters for the other
two tickets-the sound money Democrats
and the sound money Republieans-will
represent the men who believe in honest
contracts and agreements, and who be-
lieve that this country should stand by
the whole civilized world in maintaining
sound and honest money Standard
Chicago Tribune.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-10-20
THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.
Its Possibilities Under the New Or
der of Things.

The st. Louis Globe Democrat takes
this rosy view of the commercial pros
perity which is opening before the Missis-
sippi valley and st. Louis in particular
under the business revival which has fol-
lowed the return OF the Republican party
to power, and the possibilities of which
have been vastly expanded by the sue
cessful prosecution of the war with Spain
and its early and happy closing:
No part of the country is more deeply
interested in the commercial aspect of
expansion than the great central region
of which st. Louis is the metropolis.
From this city there is ample water
transportation to the West Indies and
South America. while the completion of
the Nicaragua canal will afford a direct
water highway from our wharves to any
part of the Pacific Our citizens should
give more thought to trade with Mexico.
Central America, South America and the
West Indies. and also keep watchful
eye on development on the Pacific side
of the continent Our dealings with the
Spanish American countries are remark
ably backward. We buy from them
S67 100000 year more than we sell
them Of the South American imports
valued at 1915 100000 year, the United
States supplies but $50, 100000. The Cen
trail American states import foreign goods
to an annual value of S23, OOO, 600, our
share of which is 1890, 900. In the
West Indies, outside of Cuba and Porto
Rico. the annual imports are valued at
S45. 0O0,O 900, only One-third of which is
provided by this country. 1t seems
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-10-20
WARNING REPUBLICANS.
More Danger in Over-Confidence Than
in Democratic Strength.

So busy is the American voter, and so
apt to take it for granted that the cleo
tons will take care of themselves. that
even in presidential years extraordinary
measures must be taken by political man
ayers for getting out the party vote"
This condition is so seriously aggravated
in non-presidential elections, when ora
tors are recuperating, when issues are
more obscure and personalities are less
engr0ssing, when election funds are not
abundant, and when brass bands and
mass meetings are less in evidence as
breeders of enthusiasm, that the success
of the really dominant party in many To-
calities is actually imperiled.
The year of 1898 is one of these latter
periods, Notwithstanding that the add
mitted facts of the triumph of sound
money, the increasing prosperity, and the
successful prosecution of a popular war,
ali point seemingly to an easily Repub-
lican year. This very confidence, which
lulls the Republican voter into a feeling
of optimistic security, is one of the fatal
seeds from which springs disaster. 1t
has already been apparent in the Septem-
Der elections. Vermont and Maine are
both stalwart Republican states-though
not equally so-and in both the election
returns, although showing practically
complete Republican victories, yet indi
cate falling off in Republican majori-
ties, which in states where the normal
majority is less would have been turned
into defeat. We do not propose here to
inquire why the American voter does not
realize and seriously accept his tremen-
dOus individual responsibility to his coun-
try. The fact is undeniable and deplor-
able. 1t is plain that the majority senti-
ment of the whole country is satisfied
with the prevailing policies of the Repub-
lican party as they relate to financial and
economic questions. to the conduct of for
eign affairs, to the prosecution of the
war, and to the movement toward terrific
rial expansion. But of what value will
be the forward steps already taken if tine
heedlessness of voters in this off year
brings about the election of Democratic
Legislatures, reduced or obliterated Re-
publican majority in the national House
of Representatives, and Democratic con-
troll of the next Senate?
UnquestiOned control of the Fifty-sixth
Congress is the vital issue this fall which
cOnfronts every Republican voter, and
which should stir him out Of the apathy
to which he shows signs of succumbing.-
San Francisco Argonaut.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-10-20
A CENSUS OF DISHONOR.
The Threat to Nominate Free Silver
Ticket in New York.

The Threat to Nominate a Free Silver
Ticket in New York.
The New York Democrats have held
their convention and constructed their
platform The platform is more notice
able for what it does not say than for
what it says. 1t ignores the silver ques-
ton in such a comprehensive and con-
temptuous way that the 16 to l Bryan
j ites,. who were treated III the most caya-
lier fashion, propose to bolt the regular
? and nominate an out and out 16 to L
ticket and support it.
1t is to be hoped that they will do SO
for one important reason if for no other.
The outcome will determine just how
many voters there are in New York who
are in favor of free and unlimited silver
coinage at the ratio of Is parts silver to
.part of gold by weight. said ratio to go
into effect as soon as Congress can be in
tduced to enact free silver coinage 16 to
, 4 ratio law, to apply to existing contracts.
debts and other obligations made on the
gold basis of money worth 100 cents on
the dollar.
If those Bryanites who are preparing
: to bolt do so and run another ticket the
country will find cut just how many vot-
GERS there are in the Empire state who de-
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-10-20
EASTERN DEMOCRATS.
Many Still Favor Free Silver, but Are
Afraid to Say So,

Free coinage is being given the cold
shoulder in the Democratic state conven-
tons east Of the Ohio line this year. The
Democrats of Pennsylvania, Connecticut,
New Jersey and New York have been
able to construct elaborate platforms.
pointing with pride to and viewing with
alarm a great many things, some impor-
tant and others insignificant, without
even mentioning free coinage, the crime
of 1873 or the ratio of Is to 1. In ether
words, the knockout given free coinage
in the election of 1896 seems to have con-
vinced the Democratic leaders in the
Eastern states that Democratic success
cannot be won this year or in the future
upon the repudiated Chicago platform.
That there are Democratic voters III all
of the states in which Democratic conven-
tions have ignored the Chicago platform
who are still enamored of Bryan and
cheap dollars is altogether probable but
they will be unable to express their IN
clinations in the approaching elections IN
less they set up independent tickets, and
if this shall be done in New York for in
stance it's only effect will be to increase
the majorities given the Republican can
didates.
In ignoring the free coinage issue the
Democratic leaders in the Eastern states
have paved the way for return to the
original Democratic faith, and awaited
themselves OF the only possible cnance TO
regain power in states that have slipped
from the Democratic grasp through the
adoption of the free coinage heresy. New
Jersey has been safely Democratic, with
one or two conspicuous exceptions, for
nearly half a century, and Connecticut
and New York have been in the Demo-
cratic column more than half of the time
since the close of the war, but they will
never be Democratic again while the
party inscribes dishonest dollar upon its
banners. Whatever the feelings and opin-
ions of individual members of the party
may be, the Democrats of New York,
New Jersey and Connecticut have taken
the only possible course to swing those
states back into the Democratic column,
either this year or any year III the future
Philadelphia Times.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-10-20
Coy. SCOfieId at the Fair.

From the Evening Wisconsin, Sept. 81.
Early in the afternoon Gov. Scofeld,
accompanied by President John NJ. True
and other officials, was driven on the
grounds and was received with great en-
thusiasm. He was driven to the grand
stand, where, shortly after O'Clock, ne
addressed the large crowd. During the
address of the governor the grand stand,
which seats 5000 people, was well filed,
while many were in carriages about the
stand.
The governors address follows:
My Friends: There is one thing that
abounds in Wisconsin this year, and that
is prosperity. One need not go further
than this great state fair to know that
nous crops of all kinds. Every nook and
corner of this state reports large crops,
good markets for products and better times.
This means continued improvement OF
the condition of the farmer, and as his
industry and success lies at the founda-
ton of all material success in our country
it gives promise of good times for all. If
the happiness of the people depended solely
upon material conditions, then we might
well claim today to be the happiest people
in the world. Important, however, as ma
it for the truest happiness. we are a
thinking people. We cannot forget that
this state and our whole country has just
emerged from the depths of industrial de-
u
through a period of war, which necessarily
has brought grief and distress to thousands
of people in this land. Our own state has
suffered. Hardly a county in Wisconsin
but contains families to which the war
has brought distress.
It Is well for our own future that we
cannot lose sight of these things and that
we do not depend entirely for our happiness
and Well-beinS upon enormous crops and
good markets. We shall have failed to
learn what the state fair, with it's pleasant
associa tons, has to teach us if we neglect
to do our share toward lessening the grief
and burden of those who have suffered
In a year like this, more than In ordinary
times, the state fair comes to be a COM
bination Of annual festival and educational
institution where the people come laying
aside all questions of political or religious
differences, and meet to enjoy themselves
socially and to learn those things which
will enable them to improve their con-
ditions.
In noting the success of the state fair
this year under its new auspices, one can
not forget the praise due to the people
of Milwaukee for their generous support
of the fair If anything were needed TO
prove that Milwaukee is the place in which
to hold the state fair, the enormous ar
tendance each day of city people would
furnish it.
l congratulate the board of agriculture
and the people of the state generally upon
the success Of the fair this year and unon
the evidence of prosperity which this great
exhibition presents.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-10-20
AMERICAN SILK IN EUROPE.
Consu1s in Europe Report Large Inn
portations from the United States.

ITO" VIC - hitSu otasSSs
. A recent Washington dispatch has this
evidence of the great revival of our trade
in foreign countries which free-traders
said never could be accomplished under
the protective system. The United States
consul at Vienna, in a report to the state
departTnent on the trade of Austria un-
gary for 1897, ascribcs the general de-
crease in exports to this country to the
fact that the same goods are now manu-
featured in the United States and can be
sold there at the same or lower prices
than the Austrian goods.
The report is that American silk is be-
ing sold in Lyons, the real silk center IN
Europe, and that French manufacturers
are buying it in large quantities, especial
iy that used for lining purposes, to take
the place of that formerly imported from
Austria and Germany. There is 4 fall
ing off in the demand for pearl goods and
for glassware, due to the popularity and
superiority Of the American product. 1t
Is frankly admitted, the consul says, that
the American cut glass is finer and more
elegantly cut than any manufacturer IN
Europe. The American bicycle, according
10 the consul, is finding favor with the
wheelmen, Notwithstanding Its hlgher
price over those. of domestic make.
The consul at Antwerp, Belgium, re-
ports that the exports from that country
to the United States in 1886 were valued
at S9,437, 700, an increase of 5 per cent.
over the preceding year, and the imports
direct from the United States in 1896
were value at S3I ,504, 800, an increase OF
81 per cent. over 1898.
From the Client consular district
a report ON the commerce for 1896
says the cotton mills are employing more
land more American cotton. The demand
for the raw material is annually increas-
ing by reason of the larger number of
.spindles set in motion. The importation
of American hardware on the market
shows considerable increase. The intro
,duction of American bicycles was also
marked during 1896.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-10-20
Maine Little, but Exceedingly Wise

Maine is one of the smaller states not
only in area, but also in the really impor-
tant matter of population. She has only
four representatives in the lower house of
the Congress.
Yet of these four-ail of them just re-
elected-three are men of national fame
and two are known throughout the civil
lied world. Further, these three Maine
men dominate the House of Representa-
tives. Reed is the car, Dingley is at
the head of the committee on ways and
means, which holds the purse strings of
the nation, and BouteIle is not only the
head of the important committee on naval
affairs. but also is man of large per-
sonal equation.
And in the Senate this small state has
Hale and Frye, men of high character
and of national reputation.
The reason is that Maine tries to get
good public servants and when she gets
them tries to keep them.
Clearly the .'state of Maine" is of the
class of things which, as Solomon said,
are ''little but exceeding wise. New
York World.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-10-20
A Notable, Conversion.

The New York Evening Post is a mug
Wump. Democratic newspaper. 1t never
supports Republican for any important
office if It can in any way avoid doing 50.
Its present attitude, therefore, in the
gubernatoriaE canvass of New York is
both interesting and surprising. 1t pre-
fers; Roosevelt as a candidate to Van
Wyck. 1t bases it's preference upon the
fact that Roosevelt is more likely to act
independently Of ''the boys who nomi-
mated him. than Van Wyck. 1t says:
while it is true that the boss was SUI
preme In each convention, it must be said
that Plat treated his subjects with more
consideration than Croker did. The
voice of the people was undoubtedly
heard in the Republican convention"
Hence. as between the two men, it thinks
that the choice of all friends of honest
government must fall upon Col. RoOse-
welt, for with Roosevelt in the governors
chair we could at least prevent either
Croker legislation or Platt-Croker iegis-
latiOn. OF that we would be certain.
1t must be confessed the Post takes
this position with certain reluctance. 1t
is not used to training in the Republican
ranks and it has not been in the ha bit Of
supporting Republican candidates, It's
choice of Roosevelt therefore is a con-
spicuous compliment to the leader Of the
Rough Riders. 1t may also have iEffu-
enced the Post in it's decision. although
it does not say so, that Van Wyck two
years ago voted for the Bryan 70 70 l
money standard and for the retroactive
payment of debts at the rate of 40 cents
on the dollar by solvent debtors, they
keeping the money or property embezzled.
Van Wyck boasts of this dishonest act,
and. as his son has said, has never at
tempted to conceal it. Roosevelt IS not
that kind of man. Being a thorough
Republican from the ground rp-for
Teddy is thorough in whatever he does or
believes-he of course is for sound money
as well as for all the other sound Rapub-
lican principles.-Chicago Tribune.