The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1900-11-02
Let Us Reason Together.

Have we forgotten the conditions
that existed with us during the past
decade? In the prosperous present
has the disagreeable memory OF past
trials escaped us? What were these
memories?
In 1890 and 1891 everybody in this
country was enjoying what was then
termed the most prosperous era in
our history. Washington state was
in the midst of boom, hundreds of
people were coming out to the new
West to make their fortunes, and mil
lions OF dollars, as well, from the
hands of the prosperous people OF the
East. Much of this money can. c from
Savings Banks, where 1t had heen
placed by middle and working classes.
What the people of this country did
with the money is another story, but
good many of us wasted it, or put it
into wildcat schemes and lost it. The
fact remains that the people OF the
whole United States were enjoying this
great prosperity. else they would not
have had the great surplus of money
that was everywhere available. This
was under protective tariff and Re-
publican administration.
In 1892 feeling of distrust spread
over the country, followed by the cleo
ton of Cleveland, and the passage OF
the Wilson free trade measure. Pan
les, failures, closing down OF manu-
features of every kind and description,
the balance of trade going against us
by the purchase of the bulk Of our
goods abroad, strikes, Coxey's armies
and soup houses everywhere.
Have we forgotten the army OF
hungry working men, that started to
walk to Washington from the city OF
Tacoma, which contained several men
from Mason County? Have we for
cotton the fact that municipalities
were "busted" and could not provide
public work for the relief of these
people, and there was nothing to do
or rather work to be done, but no
money to pay wages? Have we for
gotten the fact that number of log
gers from the camps of Mason County
were forced to 60 TO British Columbia
to obtain work, and wages were down
to nothing, and ten men for every job
even at that scale.
In 1896 nine-tenths of the men in
the state of Washington were desper-
ate, and tho other tenth wondered if
they would ever see the daylight
again. Have you forgotten it? If-so,
you are hardly to be blamed for forget
ting SO disagreeable memory, yet ex-
perience is dear teacher.
Yet the light came with the election
of Mckinley and surely we will not
have to remind you of what is now
before you. condition that began the
day Mckinley was inaugurated.
What is the matter with wages or
work to day? What can account for
the wonderful growth, especially in
this state, and the wonderful prosper
ity with every one, and who would
have prophesied it in 1896?
By the way, it was prophesied in
1S96-it was promised by the Repub-
llcaE party. 1t said tree trade was
wrong in 1892, and it is proven. 1t
said "16 to l" was wrong in 1896, and
we are forced to believe the evidence
and it says it is right on the issues
OF this day, and it has earned the
right to our respect and confidence
To those of us who must work for 3
living, politics is cold bus mess prop.
osition. How will this affect me. nv
family and my neighr.ors? Can ]
afford to cast my vote to disturb the
conditions that am now ENJOYING
DO | want another dos,e of 1895? We
leave the matter to your good sense
and best judgment.