davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-09-18

holder is at the mercy Of the specula,
tor. while the travelling salesman con-
| tributes his salary to the overgrown
profits OF the trust. Since but a small
proportion Of the people can share in
the advantages secured by private
monopoly, it follows that the remain
der Of the people are not only ex-
! cluded from the benefits, but are the
helpless victims of every monopoly or
ganized. 1t is difficult to oyer-estimate
the immediate injustice that may be
done, or to calculate the ultimate eff
feet of this injustice upon the social
and political welfare of the people.
Our platform, after suggesting certain
specific remedies. pledges the party to
an unceasing warfare against private
monopoly in nation, state and city. l
heartily approve of this promise: IL
elected, ii shall be my earnest and con-
slant endeavor to fulfill the promise in
letter and spirit. ] shall select an at
torney general who will, without fear
or favor, enforce existing laws; | shall
recommend such additional legislation
as may be necessary to dissolve every
private monopoly which does business
II contrary TO my belief and hope, a
constitutional amendment is found to
be necessary, shall recommend such
an amendment as will. without impair
ing any Of the existing rights OF the
states, empower congress to protect
the people of all the states from injury
al the hands of individuals or corpora
tons engaged in interstate commerce.
The platform accurately describes
the Dingley tariff law, while it con-
demns it as trust breeding measure.
skillfully devised to give to the few
fayOrs which they do not deserve, and
to place upon the many burdens which
they should not bear" Under its OPP
Grafton trusts can plumber the people
OF the United States. while they sue
cessfully compete in foreign markets
with manufacturers of other countries.
Even those who Justify the general
policy of protection will find it diff
cult to defend a tariff which enables
a trust to exact an exorbitant toll
from the citizen.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-09-18
THE FINANCIAL PLANK.
Demand Contained in the Chicago Plat
form Reiterated

form Reiterated
The platform reiterates the demand
contained in the Chicago platform for
an American financial system made
by the American people for them
selves. The purpose of such a system
is to restore and maintain a bimetallic
level of prices. and in order that there
may be no uncertainty as TO the meth
cd of restoring bimetallism, the specif-
H. declaration in favor of free and un-
limited coinage at the existing ratio
of 16 to /. independent of the action
of other nations, is repeated. In 1896
the Republican party recognized the
necessity for bimetallism by pledging
the party to an earnest effort TO Sc
cure an international agreement for
the free coinage of silver, and the
president Immediately after his in
auCuration, by authority of congress,
APPOINTED a commission composed OF
distinguished citizens to visit Europe
and solicit foreign aid. Secretary Hay,
in a letter written TO Lord Alderman
in November. 1895. and afterwards
published in England. declared that at
that time the president and a majority
OF his cabinet still believed in the great
desirability OF an international agree
meut for the restoration OF the double
standard. but that ii did not seem
opportune 70 reopen the negotiations
lust then. The financial law enacted
less than a year ago contains a con-
Guiding section declaring that the
measure was not intended to stand in
the way of the restoration Of bimejaI-
usm. whenever it could be done by
co-operation with other nations. The
platform submitted TO the last Repub-
lican convention with the Endorsement
of the administration again suggested
the possibility OF securing foreign aid
in restoring silver
Now the Republican party. for the
first time, openly abandons its ad-
vocacy OF the double standard, and in
dorses the monetary system which IL
has so often and so emphaticaily con-
demned. The Democratic party, on the
contrary. remains the steadfast adyo-
cate of the gold and silver coinage OF
the constitution. and is not willing
that other nations shall determine for
US the time and manner of restoring
silver TO its ancient place as stand
ard money. The ratio Of IS to I Is
nat coly TIE ratio loT erist-g b.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-09-18

gent and Industrious citizens, and
these would furnish valuable market
for all the products OF the factories. 4
small percentage of the money spent
in war Of conquest would provide &C.
cupation and habitation for more peo-
pie than would ever seek 4 residence
in colonies within the tropics.
The reasons given by Washington.
Jefferson and the other statesmen of
the early days in support of the doct-
rine that we should maintain friendly
relations with all nations, but enter
into entangling alliances with none,
are even stronger today than they
were hundred years ago. Our COM
merce is rapidly increasing, and we
are brought into constant communica-
ton with all parts of the world. Even
If we desired to do so, we could not
afford to ALLEVIATE many nations by cul-
tivatinG unnecessary intimacy with 4
few. Our strength and standing are
such that 1t is less necessary than ever
before to lean for aid upon the friend
illness of foreign power.
We cannot connect ourselves with
European nations, and share in their
jealousies and ambitions without los
ing the peculiar advantage. which our
location, our character and our insti-
tutionS give US in the worlds affairs.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-09-18
BRYAN ON THE ISSUES
Text OF His letter Accepting the
Democratic Nomination
for President.
APPRECIATES THEGREAT HONOR
Gives His Views Upon the Question Of
Trusts, the Labor Problem and
Other Subjects.

William Jennings Bryan's letter &C
CeptinZ the Democratic nomination for
president of the United States is as
follows:
Hon. James ID. Richardson, Chairman,
and Others Of the Notification Com
mittee of the Democratic National
Convention:
Gentlemen:--In accepting the nomi-
nation rendered by you OH behalf OF
the Democratic party. beg to assure
you Of my appreciation Of the great
honor conferred on me by the dele
gates in convention assembled. and
by the voters who gave instruction to
the delegates. ..r.
] am sensible OF the responsibilities
which rest upon the chief magistrate
of so great a nation. and realize the
far-reaching effect of the questions in
VOlved in the present contest.
In my letter of acceptance of 1896
] made the following pledge:
so deeply AIN ! impressed with the
magnitude Of the power vested by the
Constitution in the chief executive of
The nation and with the enormous In
nuence which he can yield for the ben
eft or injury OF the people, that l
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-09-18
Got 1t Done.

An intelligent-looking boy walked
into n grocer's shop the other day, and
reading from a paper. said:
II want six pounds of sugar at 2K d
a pound"
Yes said the English shopman
that will be one and three halfpence.'
Eleven pounds of rice at 112d a
pound"
"One and fourpence halfpenny.'
commented the grocer.
-Four pounds of tea at Is Sd 4
pound"
six and eight"
And so he continued: Five pounds
of coffee at Is 10d, seven tins of milk
at sgd, four tins of tomatoes mt 613d.
eight tins of sardines at Is 119d."
The shOpman made out the bill and
handed it to the lad, saying: Did
your mother send the money or does
she want them entered?'
MY mother didn't send me at all"
said the boy Selling hold of the bill.
IT'S my arithmetic lesson, and l had
to get Ii done somehow"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-09-18
THE PENSION LAWS.
They Should BE Construed According to
Spirit That Prompted Passage.

They Should BE Construed According to
Spirit That Prompted Passage.
The party expresses Its pride in the
soldiers and sailors of all our wars,
and declares its purpose to deal gen.
erously with them and their depend
ents. \ liberal policy Is natural and
necessary in a government which de-
ponds upon a citizen soldiery, instead
of n large standing army. Self-inter-
est, as. well as gratitude. compels the
government to make bountiful pro-
vision for those who, in the hour Of
danger, and at great sacrifice of bust
ness, health and life, tender their
services to their country.
The pension laws should be con-
strued according to-the generous spirit
which prompted their passage. The
platform very properly reiterates the
position taken in 1896 that the fact OF
enlistment shall be deemed conclusive
evidence that the soldier was sound
when the government accepted him.
y certificate given now TO the health of
a person 40 years ago. even if easily
obtainable, should not have as mulch
weight as the certificate of the medical
officer who examined the volunteer
with a view of ascertaining his fitness
for army service.
The Democratic party is in favor OF
the immediate construction. ownership
and control Of the Nicaragua canal by
the United States. The failure of the
Republican party to make any prog
ress in carrying out a pledge contained
In its platform four years ago. together
with the substitution in its latest plat
form of a plank favoring an isthmian
canal for a specific declaration in ia
vor of the Nicaraguan canal, would in
dictate that the Republican leaders
either do notappreciate the Importance
OF this great waterway to the mari
time strength and commercial inter
ests of the country, or that they give
too much consideration to the interest
ed opposition of transcontinental lines.
The Hays-P auncefote treaty, now be-
fore the senate. would, if ratified,
greatly lessen the value of the canal,
if ii would not indeed convert it into
a positive menace in time of war The
paramount interests OF the United
States in the western hemisphere, to-
gether with the obligations to defend
the republics to the south of us, makes
il necessary that our government shall
be able to close the canal against any
hostile power.
Arizona. New Mexico and Oklahoma
have long been ready to assume the
responsibilities and enjoy the privi-
leges of statehood, and it will be a
pleasure, as well as duty, to carry
out the platform pledge concerning
them.
There will be popular acquiescence
in the demand for home rule. and n
territorial form of government in
Alaska and Porto Rico. Both are en-
titled to local selfgovernment and
in congress.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-09-18
Kruger, ProphetIc Pipe.

A curious story is told of President
Kruger. for which Natal newspaper
is responsible. Many years ago the
president bought from an old half
breed woman peddlar merschaum pipe,
to (Which she ascribed the power of fore
telling the future. The old woman
predicted that three important changes
in his life would be foretold by acct
dents Detailing the pipe. Early in the
year 1881, before the Independence OF
the Transvaale was modified, the stem
came to pieces. little before the
jameson raid he Clipped piece OF the
bowl and just before his departure for
the Bloemfontein conference last year
the pipe fell to the ground and was
smashed to fragments.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-09-18

| form as read and adopted. The sub
feet, however, is covered by the re-
| affirmation of the Chicago platform,
and / take this occasion to reasSert
my belief in the principle which under
lies the income tax. Congress should
have authority to levy and collect an
income tax whenever necessary. and
an amendment to the federal consti-
tuition specifically comforting such au-
thority ought to be supported by even
those who may think the tax unneceS-
sary ut this time. In the hour of
danger the government can draft the
citizen: it ought TO be able to draft
the pocketbooH as well. Unless money
is more precious than blood, we can
not afford to give greater protection to
the incomes of the rich than to the
lives of the poor.
The subjects, however, treated In
this letter. important as each may
seem in itself. do not press so impeTa-
lively for solution as the question
which the platform declares to be the
paramount issue in this campaign.
Whether We shall adhere to. or aban-
don those ideas OF government which
have distinguished this nation from
other nations and given TO its history
its peculiar charm and value, is ques-
ton the settlement OF which cannot
be delayed. No other ques, on can ap-
proach ii in Importance; no other
question demands such immediate CEN
sideration. 1t is easier TO lose a repu-
tation than to establish one, and this
nation would find it a long and labori-
Gus task to regain its proud position
among the nations, if. under the stress
of temptation, it should repudiate the
self-eyident truths proclaimed by our
heroic ancestors and sacredly treas
ured during a career unparalleled IN
the annals of time. When the doctrine
that the people are the only source oc
power is made secure from further at
lack we can safely proceed to the set
Element of the numerous questions
which involve the domestic and eco
Lomic welfare of our citizens.
Very truly yours,
w. j. BRYAN.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-09-18
Another Prodigy.

well, sir" said a smallish man
with big blue veins on his temples, Il
don't know what to do with my boy.
I'm awfully worried about him. 1t
seems to me that he's too precocious.
We can't keep him from studying.
He's only 10 years old, but in school
they have to put him in classes with
children who range all the way from
IL TO Il. I'm afraid he'll overtax HIM
SELF
"Oh, pshaw"' said a proud-appearing
young fellow who was clinging to n
strap a little nearer the door, don't
be alarmed. My boy beats that. Hes
only six weeks old and knows all the
college wells, right now"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-09-18

wish to enter the office, If elected, free
FROM any personal desire, except the
desire to prove worthy of the conf
dence of my cOuntrymen. Human
judgment is fallible enough when I'M
biased by selfish considerations, and,
IN order that l may not be tempted to
use the patronage Of the office to ad-
vance any personal ambition. / hereby
announce. with all the emphasis which
words can express. my fixed determi-
nation not. under any circumstances,
10 be n candidate for reelection. in
case this campaign results in my cleo
ton"
Further reflection and observation
constrIin ME TO renew this pledge.
The platform adopted at Kansas City
commands my cordial and unqualified
approval. 1t cOurag eously meets the
issues now before the country, and
states clearly and without ambiguity
the party's position on every question
considered. Adopted by convention
which assembled on the anniversary of
the signing of the Declaration OF In
dependence. IL breathes the spirit of
candor. independence and patriotism
which chaTacterizes those who. at Phil
adelphia in 1TI6. promulgated the creed
Of the Republic.
Having in my notification speech,
discussed somewhat AT length the par
amount issue. imperialism. and added
some observations on militarism and
the Boer war. II Is sufficient at this
time 10 review the remaining planks
OF the platform.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-09-18
ISLAND OF CUBA.
Can Its weITare Be Intrusted to the Re
pubIican Party?

The recognition contained in both
the Democratic and Republican plat
forms OF the right OF the Cubans to in
dependence, removes the general prin-
ciple involved from the domain of par
tisan politics. 1t is proper, however,
to consider whether the accomplish
ment of this purpose can be safely en-
trusted to the Republican party after
it has yielded TO the allurements OF the
colonial idea, and abandoned its ear
lier faith in the natural and inalien-
able rights of man.
The time is ripe for a systematic and
extended effort to reclaim the arid
lands and fit them for actual settlers.
The last agricultural report estimates
that homes can thus be provided for
many millions of people. The i'm
pounding and use OF the waters which
are wasted in the sprlng would people
tie zsstern states Tith thrifty. tntell,,
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-09-18
UNFAIR TAXATION.
Mater Which Is Made the Pretext for
Spending Public Money.

Mater Which Is Made the Pretext for
Spending Public Money.
The Republican party, drawing as 1t
those who enjoy special privileges at
the hands of the government, is power
less to protect the tax payers from the
attack of those who profit by large ap-
preparations. A surplus in the treas
ury offers constant temptation to ex-
travagance, and extravaganza. in turn,
compels resort to new means of taxa
ton. which is being kept in the back
ground until the campaign is over. is
a fair illustration of the imposition
which will be attempted when there is
a considerable amount Of money idle
in the treasury. The rehabilitation of
the merchant marine. laudabIe in it.
self. is made the pretext for expen-
diture of public money for the benefit
of large ship owners, and In the in
terests of a transportation monopoly.
The government being only the agent
Of the people, has no right to collect
from the people taxes beyond the le-
Ultimate needs of n government hon
estIy and effectively administered, and
public servants should exercise the
same degree of care in the use of the
peoples money that private indiyid-
uaIs do in the use of their own money.
With a restoration of a foreign policy
consistent with American ideas there
can be an immediate and large reduc-
ton in the burdens now borne by the
OeoDlp
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-09-18
PERSONALS,

The salary of Count Waldersee in
China will not exceed 1000 marks
$500 a month, but he will have TO-
600 marks besides for expenses.
Or all the line and staff generals in
the United States army at present only
two. Ludlow and J. ". Wilson, are
graduates of West Point.
The women of Pietermariztburg are
getting up a memorial to the late
Lieutenant Roberts, son of the Brit
isb commander. 1t will be in the form
OF stained glass window in the gar
rison church. 1t is also intedned as a
marx of sympathy with Lord and
Lady Roberts.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-09-18
CORPORATIONS IN POLITICS.
Democratic Party Makes No War on Hon
estIy Acquired Wealth.

Democratic Party Makes No War on Hon
estIy Acquired Wealth.
TIE Democratic party makes no war
upon honestly acquired wealth; neither
does 1t seek 10 embarrass corporations
engaged in legitimate business, but it
does protest against corporations en-
tering politics, and attempting to as
sumo control of the instTumentalities
of government. A corporation is not
organized for political purposes, and
should be compelled to cOnfine itself
to the business described in its char
ter Honest corporations. engaged in
an honest business. will find it to
their advantage to aid in the enact
ment of such legislation as Will pro-
tect them from the undeserved odium
which will he brought upon them by
those corporations which enter the po-
litical arena. ...-r----.. q.
The Republican party has persist
emily refused to comply with the ur-
gent request of the interstate COM
merce commission. for such an en-
largement of the scope of the inter
state commerce law as Will enable the
commission to realize the hopes
aroused by it's creation. The Demo
cratic party is pledged to legislation
which will empower the commission
10 protect individuals and cOmmuni-
ties from discrimination, and the pub
lie at large from unjust and unfair
f-ap
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-09-18
THE LABOR QUESTION.
Abolition of Government by Injunction
Il Neceaaary.

Is Necessary.
Several blanks of the labor platform
are devoted to questions in which the
laboring classes have an immediate
interest, but which more remotely af-
feet our entire population. While what
is generally known as government by
Injunction is at present directed chief
" against the employees of corpora
tons. when there is a disagreement be-
tween them and their employer, 1t in
wolves a principle which concerns ev-
cry one. The purpose of the injunc-
tiou in such cases is to substitute trial
low Judge for trial by jury, and is
a covert blow at the jury system. The
abolition of government by injunction
is as necessary for the protection OF
the reputation of the court. as 1t Is for
the security OF the citizen. Blackstone
IN defending trial by jury, says:
Tine impartial administration of
Justice. which secures both our per-
sons and our properties is the great
end of civil society. but if that be en-
trusted entirely to the magistracy,
select body of men, and those selected
by the prince such as enjoy the high
est offices of the state. their decisions
N spite OF their natural integrity, will
have frequently an involuntary bias
toward those of their own rank, and
dignity. II is not 10 be expected from
human nature that the few would be
always attentive TO the interests and
good Of the many"
II the criminal laws are not sufficient
for the protection of property. they
can be made more severe, but a citi-
zen charged with crime must have his
case tried before a jury of his peers.
The blacklist as now employed in
some places enables the employer 70
place the employe under practical du-
ress. for the skilled laborer loses his
independence when the employers can
not only discharge him, but prevent his
securing any similar employment. The
blacklist enables employers to secure,
by mutual agreement. that control
over tie wage earners which a private
monopoly exercises without contract.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-09-18
wa.hIn1 Him uay.

The other day an amateur nurse in
South Africa went up to doctor and
asked him what she must do.
You should have learnt that be-
fore you came here" the doctor re-
piled. do anything that wants do
ing"
The nurse went up to a handsome
but wounded Highlander, and said:s
"Will you let me wash your faceP'
The soldier turned and answered.:
Eyes. but hurry up. I've had my
face washed six times since breakfast,
and there's two more ladies I've prom
ised to wash me. But / hope to get a
snooZe before tea"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-09-18
THE TRUST QUESTION.
Republican Party Lacks Either Desire or
Ability to Deal with IL.

The platform very properly gives
prominence To the trust question. The
appalling growth Of combinations in
restraint Of trade durink the present
administration. proves conclusiveIy
that the Republican party lacks either
the desire or the ability to deal with
the question effectively. II as may be
fairly assumed from the speeches and
conduct OF the Republican leaders. that
party does not intend TO take the peo-
pies side against these organizations.
then the weak and qualified coudem-
nation Of trusts 10 Ice found in the Re
publican platform i designed TO dis
tract attention while Industrial deSpot-
ism i completing its work. A private
monopoly has always been an outlaw.
No defense can De made Of an indus
trial system in which one, or a few
men. can control for their own profit
the output or price OF any article OF
merchandise. Under such a system the
consumer suffers eNtorCion. the produ-
Ger OF raw material has but one pur-
chaser, and must sell at the arbitrary
price fixed; the labOrer has bur one
employer, aud is powerlesS 10 protest
against injustice, either in wages or
in conditions OF labor; the small stock