Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-10-31
EXPIRES. HARRISON
Urges Sound Money Indiani-
ans to Stand Firm.
Endorsement Of Free Silver Coinage
Would Be Blow TO Country.
War Successfully Over and the Administrstie n
Should Be supportet.

indianapolis, Ind, Oct. 30.-Chairman
Hernley of the Republican State COM
mittee recently invited ex-President
Harrison to take part in the state cam
paign The ex-President has sent a
letter in which, OTTER saying that i'm
portant legal business will occupy his
time for several weeks, he discusses
national questions as follows:
I'm New York, where l was recently,
the Democratic party has pushed aside
the free silver question and is making
a campaign upon the theory that ma
tional issues and especially the free
silver question are not involved
In Indiana the case is quite differ
ent. The Democratic party here has
affirmed with emphasis the Chicago
platform of 1896, and in our own dis
trict l understand the Democratic can
didate for Congress is strongly urging
upon the people the issue of free silver
coinage at the ratio of 16 to 1.
Now, whatever may be the case in
New York, here a Democratic success
would distinctly set forward and
strengthen the propaganda for free sill
Yer coinage. In New York many gold
Democrats who affiliated with the Re-
publican party in 1886, are saying that
the silver issue is not involved, but
men of that faith certainly cannot say
so in Indiana. 1t seems to me that it
would be distinct set back for the
cause of honest money and a distinct
injury to the state of Indiana if in a
year so prosperous as this, a majority
of our people should vote for the free
coinage of silver.
Honest money Democrats who have
hoped that that issue might not meet
them again in a Democratic national
convention will help to make it's APP
pearance there certain if they aid in
securing Democratic victory in Indiana
this year. The apparent settlement of
that issue in 1895, contributed immense
~ to bring the prosperity which we en-
joy to give confidence to capital, and
to secure work and wages in good mon
ey to the workingman. These classes
were awake then to the vital import
ance of this issue and responded with
an overwhelming negative.
1t would be an unpleasant thing to
contemplate if. while in the enjoyment
| Of the fruits of that victory any of
| those who supported the cause of sound
| money in 1886 should now, either from
| lethargy or pique or through the in
| hUence of minor questions, be led,
| either actively or passiyely to give
| their aid to the revival of perpetuation
of this disturbing influence.
L cannot understand why any Re-
| publican in the state should withhold
either his influence or his vote from the
Republican ticket. Small differences
as to the details of administration and
smaller differences growing out of per-
sonal disappointments. should be put
utterly aside.
| Another consideration, I think
should strongly influence the voters of
the state. The nation went into d war
with Spain, supported by the moral
sentiment of the great majority of our
people of all parties. 1t was felt that
as to Cuba there was distinct cali on
the United States to interpose for the
ending of Spanish cruelty and misgov-
| eminent there.
'.The firing lines have been with
drawn and our ships are largely in our
own harbors, after achievements on
| land and sea that have given increased
fame to American arms, but our for
eign relations are still acute and I'M
settled and the appeal to which the re-
Spouse was SO generous and nonparti-
san at the beginning of the war, TO
| stand by our own country and it's
executive and administrative officers
| should still be felt and responded to.
Our election results should not give,
or even seem to give, encouragement
| TO those who would find in our discords
| and divided counsels their advantage
Our British cousins have the good
habit of standing by when their nation
is conducting delicate and irritating
| foreign questions.
Very truly yours,
BENJAMIN HARRISON"