Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1900-08-24
NOTIFIED BY POPULISTS
MIR. Bryan Becomes Formally
Their Candidate.
HIS SPEECH OF ACCEPTANCE.
1t Deals Largely with the Money
Question, Trusts and His Colonial
Poifcy-MilitarIsm and Imperialism
AntagOnistic to farmers Interest,

AntagOnistic to farmers Interest.
Topeka, Aug. 24.-William J. Bryan
yesterday received the official notifica-
ton of his nomination for the presidency
by the Populist party. Thomas NJ. Pat
terson of Colorado acted as mouthpiece
of the party in making it. Mr.. Bryan
| was ut the same time informed of the
Endorsement of his candidacy by the
United States Monetary league, this
notification being given by A. w. Rucker.
The ceremonies occurred in the spacious
and beautiful grounds of the state capi-
tol and were witnessed by large num-
Der of people.
In his reply to the addresses of Messrs.
Patterson and Rucker Mr.. Bryan held
the close attention of his audience.
He said in part:
In accepting the presidential nomination which
5ou tender behalf of the Populist party l de-
ire to give emphatic recognition to the education
ii work done by your party. The Populist party
is an organization and the Farmer alliances and
he labor Organizations from which they sprang
iave done much to the people to study
II economic and industrial questions.
! desire also to express my deep appreciation Of
The liberality Of opinion and devotion to principle
which have led the members of your party to
.er the ranks Of another party in the selection OF
4 candidate.
In 1896 the money question of paramount
Importance. and the allies in that campaign unit
ed In the demand for the immediate restoration OF
silver by the independent action Of this country
At 10 to l, the ratio which had existed since 1884.
They defeated but that did not end the dis
eussion The Democrats defeated in 1883, but
that did not put end to tariff reform. The Re-
publcans were defeated in 1892 but that did not
permanently overthrow the protective tariff. De-
feat at the polls does not necessarily decide
great problem. Experience and experience alone,
settles questions. II an increase in the volume of
the currency since 1896 although unpromiscd by
the Republicans and unexpected, has brought i'm
prcvcment in industrial conditions, this improve
ment instead Of answering the arguments put
forth in favor OF bmetalism only confirms the
contention of those who insisted that more money
would make better times.
The vital Money Question.
II is true that the Populists believe in an ire
deemable greenback while the Democrats believe
in greenback redeemable in coin, but the vital
question at this time, far paper money is
concerned, is whether the government or banks
shall issue it. There will be time enough to dis
cuss the redeemability Of the greenback when the
greenback itself is saved from the annihilation
which now threatens it. The Republican party is
now committed to currency system which neces-
isiates a perpetual debt, while the Popuist finds
himself in agreement with the Democrats, who be-
possible.
In 1896 the Popusts united with the Demo-
Gratis in opposing the trusts although the question
at that time appeared like cloud scarcely larger
than mans hand. Today that cloud well nigh
overspreads the industrial sky. The farmer does
not participate in the profits of any trust but he
sorely feels the burden of them all. IIe is de-
pendent upon the seasons for his income. When
he plants his crop he knows not whether it will
be blessed with rain or blightcd with drought; he
t.st 4
destroy il insects deyour it, and the price OF
his crop Is uncertain as the quantity II pri-
yate monopoly can suspend production and fix the
price Of raw material we'll as the price Of the
finished product the farmer, powerless to protect
himself when he SELLS is plundered when he pur-
chases. Can any farmer hesitate to throw the in
fuence of his ballot upon the side Of those who
desire to protect the public at large from monop-
olies2
The fact that the trusts support the Republican
party ought to be sufficient proof that they expect
protection from it. The Republican party cannot
be relied upon to extinguish the trusts so long
it draws its campaign contributions from their
overiowing vaults.
The prosperity argument which the Republicans
bring forward to all complaints against the
administration will not deceive the farmer. lie
knows that two factors enter into his income
first, the size of his crop. and, second the price
which he receives for the same He does not re-
turn thanks TO the party in power for favorable
weather and a bountiful harvest, and he knows
that the Republican party has no policy which in
sures permanent increase In agricultural prices.
Imperialism.
It is not strange that the Populsts should op-
pose militarism and Imperialism, for both are an
tagonistc TO the principles which Popuists apply
to other questions. Looking at questions from
the standpoint OF the producer of wealth rather
than from the standpoint of the speculator the
Populist recognizes in mlitarism constant and
increasing burden. The army which occa-
sionally DESTROYS a field OF wheat is not nearly
dangerous an enemy to the farmer a large
standing army, which invades every field OF in
dustry and exacts toll from every crop.
At the present rate will spend annually upon
the army approximately half much as spend
for education in the United States, and this i'm
mense sum is wrung from the taxpayers by sys-
tens OF taxation which overburden the poor man
and undertaS the rich In the presence Of
such an issue militarsm 1t is impossible that
any populist should hesitate as TO his party. But
even the menace of militarism is but part OF the
question of imperialism. The policy contemplated
by the Republican party nullifes every principle
| set forth in the Declaration of Independence,
strikes blow at popular government and robs
| the nation of its moral prestige. Already the
more advanced supporters of the colonial idea
| point to the economy of a system OF government
which intrusts all power to an executive and does
away with the necessity Of legislation.
| There is no middle ground between the Ameri-
can policy and the European policy. II this ma
ton remains true to its principles its traditions
and its history it cannot hold colonies. II it
ters upon colonial career, ii must repudiate the
| doctrine that governments derive their Just pow.
ers from the consent Of the governed.
The G. A. II. Encnmpment.
Chicago, Aug. 24.-Reports at the G. A..