Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-05-15

atives in the legislature. We have
placed the initiative and referendum
upon our statutes and in our consti-
tuition, and we can now say what the
law shall be. We can run our repre-
sentatives instead of being run by
them. We are masters; they are serv-
ants. We have more nearly approach
ed the Jeffersonian ideals than any
other state in the union, and our peo-
pie realize their power. We are proud
of this monument to the party's fl
deity to the cause of human liberty,
proud of its discernment and ag-
gressive adherence to the tenets
of political freedom at time when
this great law was in the balance.
division and disunion in the face
of the powerfully corrupting imperial
elements which would seize the dem
ocratic party if they could, and, failing
in that, would buy another victory for
the republicans, as was done i'll 1896,
with the contributions of the trusts
aud monopolists, would be folly little
short of criminal.
IF the democratic party shall prove
unfaithful to the trusts imposed upon
it. the peoples party, or its offspring,
will become dominant in the affairs of
the country. And, after all, principles
are more precious to populists than
party pride, and while we are proud of
our name, proud of our great work,
proud of our hardships and triumphs,
we regard more highly still the prin-
ciples for which we have fought, and
we shall not nearly cavil with any or
ganization which seeks honestly to
assist us in the defence of our eco
nomic rights and political liberties.
I'VE may protect posterity from des-
potism if posterity is left in posses
sion of the ballot and the guarantees of
the constitution, but with capital in
complete control of the government
and full blown Imperialism glaring at
us from the White House and in con-
gress, our immediate duty is to bring
the country back to its old ideals, to
| install in the administration of the re-
public men who believe in the princi-
pies of the Declaration of Independ-
ence, who regard the flag for what it
represents and who will protect our
| political rights at the risk of their
lives, even tho they may disagree with
us on questions of economic science
Four years more of McKinleyism may
forever bury democratic government
in America. Four years more of Ham
naism will tablish the army as our
governing force. We cannot afford
such a calamity, and populists, of all
men, should be the last to imperil lib
erty by facetious contention over eco
nomic differences or party names, Pop
ulists have for years practicsd that a
growing plutocracy would find it nee
essary. to its plans to substitute a mon
archy for representative government.
Popnlists have foreseen clearly the
4 present situation, and, knowing the ma
ture OF imperialism, they will not be
slow in performing u sacred duty to
the country. American liberty gains
new life or perishes this year. The
struggle which commences here today
will be momentous. Let us hope that
its outcome will be of vast benefit to
the American people.
| Let us pray that concealed in its
body is new and better republic than
the world has ever known. and that
the doctrines of Jefferson and Lincoln
may be re-established aud made eter-
nal. In the face of all the dangers to
which the country is exposed. it is the
patriotic duty of all lovers of home
and country, all who cherish Justice
and freedom, to unite in one heroic eff
fort to preserve our institutions from
death. There is no room for quarrel
ing over minor issues or party names;
the solemn duty of the hour is united,
harmonious and patriotic action; and
while | do not seek to anticipate the
results of this convention, 1 feel safe
in saying that in Mr.. Bryan we shall
find Standard bearer who will remain
firm in support of our principles and
whose fidelity can be trusted in any
trial that may arise.''