The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1899-11-25

other questions left where they
were when the new movement
was inaugurated. So much for
what we have accomplished in
the past, and this brings us to a
consideration of the future.
Shall we continue the organic
alton? If so, shall we continue a
combination with the Democrats,
and if the combination is to be
continued, what shall be the plat
form? The platform adopted by
the Silver Republicans of this
State was radically at variance
with the platform Of the Democ-
racy of this State, except upon
the money question. Since that
platform was written a national
policy has been crystallized as
the result of the war with Spain.
The national administration is
now engaged in a serious contro-
versy over the result of that war:
The position taken by the adj
ministration is exactly in accord
with the utterances of the last
Silver Republican convention Of
this State. 1t is evident that the
time has come when we must Ell
Their abandon the platform adopt
ed year ago and join the De-
mocracy, maintain a separate or
ganization of our own or unite
our strength with the national or
ganization from which we separ-
ated three years ago. We are
confronted with the solution of
this situation, with questions in
volving the welfare of the nation
and State and the harmonizing of
the conflicting views upon the
money question and above all our
duty to ourselves and our coun-
try. The time has come when
we must decide individually what
we are to do, and it requires
and good judgment to act wisely
and in the best interests of the
State and Nation.
This suggests another question:
Whether we can accomplish more
for the general good, as members
of small local organization, or
by identifying ourselves with one
of the great national parties. 1t
seems clear to me that the latter
course is the only one to pursue,
and if you agree with me in this
respect, then, the question to be
decided is which of the great ma
tional parties we shall ally our
selves with as individuals, and
within the lines of which we
should become active factors in
national politics. The attitude of
the Democratic party during the
campaign just closed, toward the
silver cause, was greatly changed
from that assumed III the cam
paignSof 1896, when the leaders
maintained that bimetallism was
paramount to all other questions.
Those same leaders in the recent
campaign, almost wholly ignored
the cause of the white metal.
Mr.. Bryan delivered thirty-seven
set speeches in the State of Ohio
in the interests of the guberna-
torial candidacy of John R. Nc
Lean, and in only two did he re-
fer to the silver question, the
campaign being made on other
lines and other issues, also con-
ceded to be waged on national is
sues solely. Thus the only OBJ
| iect for which we left the Repub-
lican party and allied ourselves
with the Democracy is, by that
party, forced to the rear in ma
tiOnal politics, and in all probabil-
ity will receive like consideration
in the campaign of 1900.
While | say think we should
Join one or the other of the grea
national parties if we expect al
citizens to accomplish much If
any direction yet l desire to con-
tinue my work with my Silver
Republican associates. Blu
while this is true l would not be
writing frankly to you if | dic
not say that it would be impossi.
bic for me to identify myself witt
the Democracy and become
Democrat. But again it doe
seem to me that upon the gres
question of building up of thi
coast generally, of operating GU
mines. cultiyating our valleys, re