Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1898-10-26
Power Mercantile CO.

the great increase in the business of the coun-
try would swell the revenues from the direct
tax as experience has demonstrated. Mr. Hart
man was most unfair in regard to the revenue
to be derived from the war tax. While it is
conceded that about one hundred and forty
millions would be realized from that source
that was the estimate for a full year of opera
ton of the law, and as the bill was in operation
only about thirty days when the war closed. the
revenue derived from the tax feature of it was
very little; and it is unfair to credit the fu',
one hundred and forty millions against the
expenses of the war. as Mr.. Hartman did.
Another point the speaker attempted to make
was in regard to the poor mine owner who was
also pensioner, and who had received twelve
dollars pension and twelve dollars from a
piece of bullion and got them mixed in his
pocket. No one denies that the two dollars
would have equal value, but the speaker did
not explain what would give them that value
neither did he attempt to explain to his audi
ence how far the government conld go in the
matter of issuing money of that kind without
greatly depreciating the pensioners dollar. as
well as the mine owners dollar. The fact is
that, while under the free coinage of silver the
two silver dollars would be of equal value, the
inordinate initiation of the currency would
carry down the pensioners dollar to less than
haii its piCsCut DOWeT-
The speaker also attempted to get around the
fact that the prosperity of the country, and of
this state. had greatly increased under the pres
ent administration. He admitted that such
was the case, and especially in two industries
of the state, but tried to show that the increase
in the prosperity of our county by reason of
the increased price of wool due to the
fact that great many sheep had died and been
slaughtered. but admitted expressly that a por-
ton of that increase in price was directly due
to the Dingley bill. AS a protectonist in
former years. advocating that policy in every
county of the state, he knew that the Dingley
bill would benefit the wool industry, not to
mention other industries in Montana which
have been benefited by the law, and yet he
deliberately left Washington at the time the
bill was coming up for final vote, and refused
to cast his vote for the measure. However
little he admits that that measure benefited his
constituents, just to that extent is he self
confessed renegade from the interests of his
people.
There was little argument in any part
of the speech; the speaker confining himself
almost exclusively to excuses for himself, and
to denunciation of the senators from this state.
and of President Mckinley. If he thinks he
can gain fame and popularity by denouncing
the president of the United States and thereby
bring our government into disrepute or if he
thinks to add to his laurels by contemplate
filings at Senator Mantle, who has been most
consistent worker for the cause of free silver
we are of the opinion that he is very much mis-
taken. Whatever certain citizens may think of
William Mckinley. as an individual-a private
citizen. there is no self-respecting man who
does not have respect for the dignity of the
position which he occupies, and honor HIM as
president. While Mr.. Hartman is going through
the state attempting to ridicule and belttle the
President. Mr.. Mckinley is attending the
peace jubilees of the country, and receiving
ovations from immense throngs of people made
up of men from all parties. To Mr.. Hartman.
it may seem big as boys say. to speak of Nc
Kinley President by the grace of Mark
Hanna" but such expressions arouse only feel
ings of disgust in the minds of loyal Ameri-
cans. Senator Mantle. too. among sincere silver
men, men who, while no less devoted to the
cause of bimetallism, have not gone to the
point of fanaticism, is held in high esteem and
is greatly respected. While such men as
Towne and Hartman speak slightingly of him.
even slurring him in public utterances, Mr.
Mantle is far greater power forthat cause than
any of his detractors. His opinions are sought
by leaders in that cause, sound and based
upon good judgment.
1t was plain that Mr.. Hartman felt i'll at ease;
that he knew that he had no message of truth
or good will for anybody; that he was talking
to regain the confidence which people once
felt in him; that he was the paid hirelng of the
Democratic state committee; would be leader
without followers: a forlorn. hopeless, deserted
individual, a man without state and without a
country.
MANTLE REPUBLICAN.