The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-01-29

THE FUTURE LINE OF CLEAVAGE.

Two good things for clearing up the
political ;. atmosphere have happened
within twenty-four hours.
Surrounded by the mOneyed men of
New York, with Il solid gold menu
card in his hand, President Mckinley
declared himself in favor of the gold
standard. With his surroundings and
the glitter that wealth brings, he fell
into the spirit of the money bags pres
ent, and declared in favor of gold. This
would not ordinarily be regarded as
significant. but the Presidents two
faced attitude has been such that it is
Il satisfaction to see him leave his hang
ing perch in the air and fall on the
ground. where there is foundation to-
rest upon. Within the last month Sena
tors Wolcott and Chandler, who talk sill
YER have assured the public of Mr..
McKinley's devotion to silver. Equally
positive assurance have come from Mr..
Gage and others that the President was
with the gold men, heart and soul. His
declaration ut New York makes it inn
possible for anybody to count him here's
after as ether than a gold standard
man. no matter how much webbing
he may do in the future.
The second important event, and one
of even more far-reachng Importance,
is the passage of the Teller resolution
in the Senate. by Il decisive ma joFity.
The fact that the Senate, in the face of
the pressure brought to bear, passed that
resolution shows that, instead of any
lists, they are carrying the war into
Africa. That vote marks the future
line of cleavage. The Republicans who
voted with the Democrats and Populists
to pass it must inevitably join forces
in 1900 to carry the Teller resolution
into effect, while there Is no place for
those se-called Democrats who voted
against the Teller resolution except in
the BOSOM of the Republican party. We
speak not now Of such trimmers and
tricksters as pritchard and others who
voted for the Teller resolution, for no
motive except to help destroy the silver
movement Men like Chandler and
pritchard are such partisans that they
permit themselves to be used to convey
the impression that the Republican
party is not solid for gold, and yet in
the critical hour the Hannas and Sher-
mans know they can rely upon them
to protect the gold standard. If Prit-
chard had voted against the Teller
resolution, the Skinner Populists would
not have foot OF earth to stand upon.
In order to give them "A chance to help
win another Republican victory, Prit-
chard voted with the silver men. 1t
fools no intelligent man, but leaves a
loophole for those so-called populists
who talk for silver and popular rights,
and vote with gold men and far cor
poration domination. That explains the
votes of such men as Pritchard.
The day of straddles and makeshifts
and evas;ons is about ended. The voters
sce that the man who has any part or lot
in The Mckinley administration is an
enemy to everything except the gold
standard, trusts, syndicates and gigantic
xselfish corporations. 'Mckinley's New
York speech makes clear what has been
10,
Ing Of the waters.
He that is not for us is against us.
The Teller resolution is the only honest
basis for settlement Of the public debt.
Any change from that is robbery. If
the bondholders are paid in anything
less valuable than gold or silver ''at the
option Of the government" it would be
10 rob them. If they are paid in any
thing more valuable than the contract
calls for it is robbery of the Taxpayers.
The Senate has drawn the line for
honesty clearly and sharply. When Me
Kinlcy pleads TO pay in the best
money, when the country contracted in
gold or silver, he becomes the ally Of
the bondholders who have purposely.
secretly and wickedIy demonetized sill
yer in order to receive twice as much
for the bonds as they paid.
The campaign issue is plain. The
Teller resolution was virtually in the
Chicago platform. 1t was called "fc-
pud:ation." The silver men are the