The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-12-15
Excuses That Fail to Excuse.

NJ Siveiy demonstrate the weakness
\ Of the position occupied by those
alleged silver republicans who are now
so enthusiastic for Mckinley than the
manner in which they attempt to avoid
non-essentials The great question is
before the country whether a political
party which formerly professed bimet-
allism, but is now solid for the gold
standard, shall be sustained and kept
in power, or some other party which
is opposed to the gold standard and in
favor Of restoring bimetallism should
be entrusted with the reins of govern
ment. That Is the issue as it presents
itself, and 1t is within the grasp of the
commonest understanding.
Mr. Mckinley stands for the gold
! unfolded, Mr.. Bryan represents the
party or combination of parties oppos-
ing the gold standard. If, therefore,
those who profess to believe in bimet-
allism and to regard its restoration as
of the highest Importance to the coun-
there is just one way for them to prove
itit. That is by opposing the republic
can party and supporting any other
which may be more favorable to silver.
This Is as plain as 1t is that two and
two make four. The logic is so mex
orable that no person Of mental integ-
rity will deny it. -. &.
But how Is the issue met here in
Montana? Why, we are treated to col
umn after column Of abuse of ex-Con-
gresham Hartman for his alleged be-
trayal Of the silver republican party of
| Montana. Well, suppose for the sake
of argument that Mr.. Hartman did
treat the silver organization badly.
What has that to do with the main Is
| sue? How do the personal shortcom-
ings OF Mr.. Hartman, If he has any,
| justify on honest bimetallist in giving
his support to a president and a party
| that at the present time are forcing
with whip and spur through the house
of representatives the most extreme and
obnoxious gold measure ever favored
by any party in the United States.
That is the question.
Again, we have had other columns
extending almost into square yards, de
of the Standard about veal
ago, to the effect that tbs
statement of the ratio might not be es
sential, and that the value of silver il
| governed by the worlds exchanges. 1
is obvious from the reading of the en-
merely suggesting that in order to Sc
cure bimetallism some small concession
might be made upon the ratio Whd
was said concerning the worlds ex
changes was purely abstract ant
arguendo. But, suppose again, in al
argumentative way, that the STANDARD
was all wrong in its suggestion. How
could that possibly justify an earnes
and sincere bimetallist in going owe
to the gold party.
The answer is that no earnest an
honest bimetallist will do anything c
the kind It is impossible to get tC
gether half dozen men on either sid
| OF the money question:, even anon
scholars, who will agree all the wa
through in the line of reasoning b
which they reach their conclusions
Many persons favoring bimetallisr
have made unsound arguments on ii
behalf. but that never yet sent an hon
est bimetallist over to the gold stand
ard side. and 1t never will.
Grasping at such points as those re
ferred to furnishes the most conclusiv
evidence of insincerity
So far as Mr.. Hartman is concerned
the animus of the attacks upon hill
is so manifest, and the selfish cause {
1t so we'll known, that they can do hir
no possible harm. All over the countr
he is looked upon as one of the stauncf
est and truest champions Of the silve
!, cause. If any Mckinley shouter ul
takes to write him down he will hav
to travel outside of the silver issue
do it.