Kootenai County Republican. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1899-1903, 1900-11-02
GERMAN AMERICAN
FOR GOLD STANDARD.
Is the Paramount Issue OF the
Present Campaign.
Rryan's Bogies, Imperialism and Mill.
tarism Cut No Figure with the
0erman.BOrn Voters.
IAN Interview with August Blum,

Mr.. August Blum, cashier Of the First
Nationa, Bank OF Chicago, intends to
vote for the reelection of President Nc
kinlev
Mr.. Blum is one OF the best representa-
tives in Chicago Of the type OF Germans
who have gained in this country, the re-
spect Of fellow American citizens, for in
tegrty, industry and ability. He was
cashier Of the Union National Bank but
after the recent absorption OF that insti-
tuition by the First National. he was
made cashier OF the First National. lie
is generally recognized throughout the
West as a leading banking authority, one
whose Judgment in connection with the
various complex questions that come be-
fore every banker is almost infallibly cor
rect.
In politics he Is Democrat, and was
always a prominent supporter OF Grover
Cleveland
The following are questions put to Mr..
Blum. and the replies he gave:
Q. Would the election of Bryan benefit
the business interests OF Chicago, of the
whole United States. and the German
American citizens particularly
A. The election of Mr.. Bryan would,
in my opinion. be a great misfortune to
this country, and therefore to Chicago,
and therefore to German A mercans and
to every other Kind Of Americans. Amer
lean citizens Of German birth are not
class by themselves.
q. What. in your opinion. is the para
| mount issue of this campaign
A. The paramount issue is that which
is in the peoples minds, not in the party
platform nor in the speeches Of leaders
| necessarily. There is one thing In which
we are all yitally concerned. and that is
the inviolahiliiy Of the country's standard
OF value. For n quarter OF a century we
have battled for II. At the last moment
to surrender TO the enemy would be the
height OF folly. l know OF no other is
sue comparable 10 this one in Importance
Talk OF Imperialism is disingenuous.
Much as we may differ about the desira-
blity OF the Philippines as a colony, we
occupy them now and largely through the
help Of Mr. Bryan. The thing is done.
Q. Wha, do you think OF Bryans
statement about the recent German loan
A. II is very difficult to follow the tor.
tuous road Of Mr.. Bryans utteranacs.
Four years ago tried persisten'ly 10 UNI
derstand his utterances about the stand.
despair To constrne our ability to nb-
sorb a foreign loan, as evidence Of bad
times. Is decidedly Bryanesqne. We
could not loan money to foreign govern
ments il we were not In a prosperous con
dition When Mr.. Bryan undertakes to
prove the contrary Il may give hin pleas-
ure. but Il will not convince any une
O. DO you think that this country has
prospered during the last four years as
result OF Republican policies!
A. Yes; the country has prospered dur
ing the last four years. The best. In my
opinion, that can be legitimately said OF
the policy Of any party is that II does
not stand in the way OF normal business
development which would mean prosper
ity. That can be said Of the Republican
party. During the last four years free
play has been given 10 industry. frugality
and to the natural productiveness OF the
country. There has been no attempt AZ
interference by tampering with the stand
ard Of value which would have meant
destruction Of prosperity"
O. Do You think Bryan is safe. solid.
wise enough man 20 be President?
A. answer this with a most emphatic
No.
O. How do ron think German-Ameri-
cans. as a class, will vote In the prcsi-
Dental election this fall?
A They will vote according TO the dir-
tates OF their conscience ! have too much
confidence in the good sense OF my conn
trymen 70 Dc doubtful as to the outcome.
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