The news & observer., 1898-05-26
MIR. BRYAN's LETTER.
lNew York Journal.l

tNeW York J0urnal.)
While it is always difficult to secure
harmonious cooperation between dis
tinct and separate political organizations,
there are times when this cooperation
is both wise and necessary. In the cam
paign of 1896 the democrats, populists
and silver republicans united in demand
ing the immediate restoration of inde-
nendent bimetallism at the existing ratio
OF sixteen to one, and they agreed in de-
claring that the money question was of
paramount Importance at that time. The
question now arises, should these pOliti-
cal organizations act together in the
congressional campaign of 1898? l an
swer without hesitation, yes. Those who
answer no must assume the burden of
proving, first, that cooperation was un-
wise in 1896. or second, that conditions
have so changed as to make unwise now
what was wise then. The defeat that
befell the allied forces does not prove
cooperation at that time to have been
unwise, unless it can he shown that
some one party would have been more
successful than the three combined.
Cooperation does not contemplate the
abandonment of party organization or
the surrender of any political principles;
nor is cooperation defended ON the
ground that the platforms of the three
parties are identical. Campaigns gener-
ally turn upon few issues, sometimes
upon one and events do much to deter
mine which issue shall most absorb pub
lis attention.
If the democrats, populists and silver
republicans were agreed upon but one
question, that question might he import
ant enough to justify cooperation, al
though the parties differed on all other
subjects; but those who advocate the
union of the principal reform forces
against the common enemy can point not
to one but to number of reforms which
are demanded with equal emphasis by
democrats, populists and silver repub-
licans.
First-They are unalterably opposed
to gold monometallism.
Second-They demand the Immediate
restoration of bimetallism at the pres
ent ratio by the independent action Of
this country.
Third-They oppose the retirement of
the greenbacks.
Fourth-They oppose the issue of pa
per money DA ndtloIdt UdllkS.
Fifth-They oppose the issue of inter-
est bearing bonds in time of peace.
Sixth-They favor the income tax as
a means of raising part of the revenue
necessary to administer the federal gov
ernment.
Seventh-They favor the abolition of
trusts.
Eighth They are opposed to govern
ment by Injunction
Ninth-They are in favor Of arbitra-
ton as a means of settling disputes
between labor and capital.
Here are nine issues which are not
only important in themselves, but are
now prominently before the people:
Are not these reforms worth securing =?
These questions were submitted to the
people at the last election, but they
were not settled, and viii not be set
tied until they are settled right.
The republican party is trying to COM
NIT the country more thoroughly to the
gold standard. Even now it is endeavor-
ing to secure legislative endorsement
of the policy of paying all coin obliga-
tions in gold. 1t pretends to be much
concerned about the national honor and
the public credit. The leaders of the
party know that the debtor, whether a
public debtor or private debtor, meets
all the requirements of the law, moral
us well as statutory, when he discharges
his obligation according to the terms Of
the contract They know that all
through the war the government and
private debtors, as well, paid coin obli-
cations i'll gold, although gold was worth
three cents on the dollar less than silver.
And yet these leaders will accuse Abra-
ham Lincoln of dishonor rather than in
eur the displeasure of the Wall street
magnates who now control the financial
policy of the republican party. These
leaders know that if the federal govern
nent declares its purpose TO
pay all coin obligations in gold
its example will be used as an
argument to force gold contracts
upon state and municipal governments,
and upon private citizens. These leaders
know that if their scheme is carried
out. the very existence of these gold OBJ
legations will be urged as reason why
bimetallism should not be restored.
IL the republicans obtain control OF
the senate and house in the elections
of 1898, there is no doubt that they will
by law surrender the contract right
which the government now has to pay
coin obligations in silver (of which we
are large producers and bind the ma
| tion to pay in gold tan appreciatine
| metal, the production of which is largely
controlled by England.)
The republican party will, if it ob.
/ tain control Of congress in 1893, aban
don the system which gives the debtor
the option and substitute a new sys
TEN, which, first, permits the money
lenders to choose the coin of payment
and second, allows them to increase
/ the purchasing power OF the dollar,
which they demand, to the impoverisli
ment of the wealth producers of th'
world.
Should those who oppose this fnancia
beresy. this child of greed and avarice
fight each other while the American peo
ple are bound with fetters of gold?
The administration is clearly commit
ted to the policy of opposing Independent
bimetalism. Should friends of bimetl
lism help the administration by fightins
! each other?
The secretary of the treasury is plan
ming the retirement of the greenbacks
Should those who oppose retiring tho