Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1900-06-07
AN OPEN LETTER.
Henry w. Palmer Announces His Can
didRcy for Representative In Congress.

=" hunOunCob his CAn-
didscy for Representative In Congress.
To the electors OF Luzerne county:
The time seems to be ripe for new
departure In politics in Luzerne county.
ALI men whose opinions are entitled to
respect agree that the purchase Of pub
lie office is degrading to all concerned,
the buyer and the bought, and that, un
less checked, will in the end ruin the
republic. 1t is custom more honored
in the breach than the observance" 1t
is the chief agency by which the politi-
cal boss clinches his grasp upon the
party machinery and trenches on the
right OF the people to elect their own
rulers. IL nurtures brood OF vampires
who fasten on all candidates and rem
der the attainment Of high public posi-
tions substantially impossible for poor
man. To attempt to get rid of it and to
demonstrate that an election can be
held without it is worth a trial.
propose to offer myself as a candi-
date for congress, with the distinct
declaration that no more than my
share OF the legitimate necessary legal
expenses OF the campaign shall be paid
by me, and that with my consent, no
money shall be paid to influence any
vote or voter. l believe in the intelli-
gence and virtue OF the people, and
that they should be allowed to select,
freely and fairly, for their representa-
tiVes in congress men who will stand
for the principles Of government which
they cherish.
L believe that a safe majority OF the
people OF Luzerne county are in favor
OF that protection to American industry
which secures to our mechanics and
laboring men an opportunity to work
and earn wages and live in comfort; to
our manufacturers a home market for
their goods and a chance to compete in
the markets of the world; and to our
farmers an opportunity to feed, with
the product OF their farms, the teeming
towns and cities where the hum of in
dustry Is perpetual, when free from
competition with the i'll paid labor of
other lands, and where, under these
conditions, the workers have the means
to pay for what they need.
l believe the people are in favor of a
sound and stable currency in which
every dollar shall be as good as every
other dollar, and evory one as good as
any dollar in use on the earth.
l believe they are willing that capital
shall combine its energies to carry our
ioou oueCi piioCo tudb arc GOU CUSUlF IOT
individual effort, but they are not will.
the production or distribution OF the
necessaries OF life, or deny to any man
the privilege Of doing business.
They are willing that labor shall or
ganize for self protection and to better
the condition OF the workers, but they
are not willing that any man shall be
denied the right to pursue his own happi-
ness In his own way, or that any great
essential privilege of free government
shall be sot at defiance.
l believe they favor a governmental
policy which shall maintain the power
and honor Of the nation at home and
abroad, and which shall never desert or
dishonor any man who wears the Union
blue, and stands in defense OF the Stars
and Stripes in any land under the shin
ing stars.
II l am correct in this opinion, and II
the people of the county desire my SER
vices to advocate and enforce these be-
liefs in the halls Of congress, | have
concluded, after great hesitation and at
cost OF considerable personal sacri-
flee, at the urgent request OF many OF
all political faiths, to undertake the
task.
IL elected, l shall appreciate fully the
honor of representing this populous
and important district, being mindful
OF the responsibilities attending it at
this critical time when problems OF vast
import, big with the destiny OF the ma
tion, lie along the untrodden pathway
into which 1t has been unwillingly
forced.
In the last presidential election Presi-
dent Mckinley carried the county by
plurality over Bryan of 5,732. He has
done nothing to weaken his strength
with tho people. His conservative and
patriotic administration has justified
the confidence of his friends and won
the respect OF his political enemies. He
will meet the same adversary and the
issues OF this campaign will not be
essentially different.
Ihere Is no reason TO suppose that the
people will be willing to reverse the
verdict rendered four years ago, or to
accept the man or the measures re-
pudiated by them in the last election.
They will not be willing to throw away
the substantial gain in general pros
perity, or to try experiments with
financial theories that have been proved
to be false and dangerous. They will
not fail again to honor the man whose
good sense and steady courage guided
the country through tho most brilliant
and successful war OF the century, and
secured for our army and navy the re-
spect and admiration OF the world.
But his election will avail nothing un-
less friendly congress shall also be re-
turned to sustain him in his labors.
The opportunity to add one to his sup
port from this county presents itself,
and | have faith to believe that William
Mckinley will pilot the ship another
voyage, and that Luzerne will send him
a hand to help. Henry w. Palmer.
Wilkesbarre, June 9, 1900.
Commenting on the above letter. the
Wilkesbarre Record says:
"In his own forcetul and emphatic
language Mr.. Palmer states to the Re-
~ t.. l. .l~s l..