The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-10-16

Mr.. Overstreet was introduced by Prof.
w. f. Lands, who in a short speech sue
ceeded in finding a new pseudonym for Mr..
Bryan by referring to him as the man will
the ''catamount issues" Mr.. Overstreet
was given a second ovation when he arose
to speak. He said in part:
There is no instance in American his
tory where a political party has kept more
faithfully it's promises than has the Re-
publican party during the past three years.
Four years ago, after a period of debate
which hasn't its superior in American po-
litical history, the Republican party was
awarded a verdict and given power of ad-
ministration. The labors of the present
administration began under most unfavor-
able circumstances A period of great de-
preston had just passed; business had been
paralyzed for more than three years;
money was scarce and capital was timid;
investments were insecure; labor was I'M
employed; doubt and dismay had spread
over the country like a pail. Taking up the
lines of government under such adverse
circumstances the Republican party made
its first duty an effort to restore the condi-
tons which should re-establish business
confidence, labor and drive away
the fears which had been created by the
effort to change the money system of the
government. 1t was hardly to be expected
that the success which the party has made
in the past three years would have been
achieved In so short a time. The most
hopeful members of the party had never
dreamed of the prosperity with which the
country has been blest under the present
administration. From unparalleled idlenesS
the working people hav entered upon a
period of unparalleled prosperity. From a
period of absolute doubt and dismay bust
ness has increased beyond the expectation
of the most ~Sanguine. From a period when
American securities were hurried home by
foreign investors We have passed 10 a
period where foreign nations have been
knocking at our doors to secure loans. Not
w~ithstanding the grave difficulties brought
by a foreign war, adding increased ex-
penditures at home and abroad, We have
been able to reduce the public debt, and
annual deficits in revenue have been sup
planted by a surplus In all the period of
the Nations history prior to March ], 1897.
the net balance of trade to America was
between three and four hundred million
dollars. From March !, 1897, to March /,
190O-a period of three years-the net bal
ance of trade was over fourteen hundred
million dollars. An administration which
could in so short a time change doubt To
business confidence, idleness to labor,
deficit TO a surplus and in three years
| multiply the net balance Of trade of all the
| period of the Nations history-nearly four
times-is justly entitled TO the plaudits of
the world and to a vote of confidence by
the American people,.
PLEDGES PROMINENT.
1.-TWO pledges were prominent in the cam
paign Of 1896 The Republican party seek
ing control Of government declared its pur-
| pose to re-establish. by a protective tariff.
the business which had been depressed
under Democratic control, and to strength
en- the public credit by establishing by
statute the gold standard of value. Unde,
the beneficial operation of the Dingley
tariff bill, which was the first perform
ance of the present administration. the
! industries of the country were revived; la
Dor was again employed. and the revenue
Increased beyond the point of expenditures
| While the Republican party has Away.
| claimed that I'm practice. If not IN law
the gold standard existed in this country
| nevertheless. true TO it's promise Of 1896. Il
fixed the gold standard by statute. clearly
defined. 1t must be remembered that fui
| power OF legislation was not given to the
Republican party at the election OF 1876
The United States Senate was In the hand.
| of the advocates OF the free coinage o.
silver.
II remember to have addressed an audi
| ence at this place on Oct. 20. 1885. / ther
: explained the effort which had been made