The silver blade. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1895-1903, 1899-11-25
MART PATRIE's AP0sTACY.

M. Patrie. secretary of state, has
sent letters to prominent silver re-
publicans throughout the state
asking for opinions, as to the fu-
ture course of the silver republic
can party in the state of Idaho.
In his letter he states that the
time has come when they must
ally themselves with one of the
old parties, and incidently men
tons that as to himself, it would
be impossible for him identify him
self with democracy and become a
democrat. He says further that
he desires to continue his work
with his silver republican associ-
ates, but decl ares that in his judg
ment they should return to the old
fold. In other words he desires to
60 back to the gold republican par
ty and have his associates 60 with
him. Several prominent silver re-
publicans in this county received
these letters but replies have not
afforded Mr.. Patrie much encour-
agement Some accuse him OF
entering into. an agreement with
the gold republicans to bring back
the silver republicans to the old
fold in consideration that he be
made the nominee for governor by
them-a position to which he has
long aspired. Others say that he
never was true silver man.
His action, coming at this time,
before national issues for 1900 are
definitly outlined, makes the whole
proceeding look suspicious. Mr..
Patrie has found nothing in the
silver movement of which any of
his associates have been ignorant.
Ifsone argument existed for a un-
ion of silver forces in 1898, ten ex
ist today; for it is generally con-
coded that if a gold standard presi
dent is elected in 1900, bi-metal
lism will have received its death
blow.
In 1893 Mr.. Patrie was elected
to the office he now holds largely
by democratic votes. If he accept
ed these votes then against his
conscience and judgment, what re-
lance is to be placed in him now
That he advises his political
associates to join the republican
party now, when beyond question
it has become the plant tool of
organized capital and monopoly,
and stands for class privileges and
against equal opportunities as no
American party has ever done be-
fore, is conclusive proof that Mr..
Patrie never was a true bimetallist
in instinct or principle, and that
he identified himself with the sill
yer forces solely for spoils of Office.
He would have his associates ally
themselves with party which
within the next twenty days will
attempt to fasten the gold standard
permanently upon this govern
ment; that will make all govern
ment obligations payable in gold,
to the great gain Of the bondhold-
ers; that will retire the greenback,
the peoples money. In short will
turn the financial affairs of the
government over to the banks. He
never could identify himself with
a party that favors an income tax,
election OF senators by the people,
the restoration of bimetallism, the
driving of banks out of the govern
ing business, and the trusts out OF
existence.
Mr. Patrie obviously imagines
that Secretary Gageis allying him
self more closely to the people
when he pays interest in advance
to ward off financial panic; that
he is paving the way for McKin-
ley's second term when he calls in
government bonds in advance,
that the holders might invest the
proceeds in more remunerative
securities. He must imagine that