Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1900-11-01

IN 1896 the money question was fhS ques.
ton OF paramount Importance, but the re-
publican party, by it's disregard OF the
principles Of our republic. and by its adj
vocacy OF policies to the doc
trine of self-government, has left US no
choice but to summon all lovers of the
declaration of independence to the defense
of that sacred document and the constitu-
ton framed in accordance with it.
In your letter you quote several appro-
pirate extracts from Lincoln's speeches. I
find in a speech by Lincoln in 1858 a defense
of the declaration of independence. accom-
panied by a fervent and patriotic ppeal to
his countrymen not to abandon the princi-
pies therein enunciated. It is so applicable
to the present time and so in harmony with
the references you have made to Lincoin's
words that I quote the following extract:
Now, my countrymen. if you have been
taught doctrines conflicting with the great
landmarks of the declaration of independ-
ence; if you nave listened to suggestions
which would take away from its grandeur
and mutilate the fair symmetry of its pro-
portions; if you have been inclined to be-
IleVe that all men are not created equal In
those inalienable rights enumerated by our
chart of liberty; let me entreat you to CONT
back. Return to the fountain whose wa
tiers spring close by the blood of the revolu-
ton. Think nothing of me; take no thought
for the political fate of any man whom
soever, but come back to the truths that
are in the declaration of independence.
You may do anything with me you choose.
if you will but heed these sacred principles.
You may not only defeat me for the SEN
ate, but you may take me and put me to
death While pretending no indifference
to earthly honors, 1 do claim to be actuated
in this contest by something higher than
an anxiety for office. 1 charge you to drop
every pa1try and insignificant thought for
any mans success. 1t is nothing; I am
nothing; Judge Douglas is nothing. But
do not destroy that immortal emblem of
humanity-the declaration of American in
Dependence
How harsh the contrast between the
lofty sentiments expressed by Lincoln and
the sordid, mercenary appeal now made
to the people by the republican party! How
great the chasm between the statesman
ship which would sacrifice life itself in de-
tense of that immortal document which has
been the model of republics ever since it
was promulgated, and the commercialism
which would sacrifice every noble and holy
purpose in pursuit of new markets, and
would indorse the doctrine that trade can
be purchased with human blood-a doc
trine advanced by those who want to give
syndicates a chance to exploit distant col
trtne advanced by those who want to give
oniesi
"In response to the hope which you ex-
press, permit me to assure you that my
political obligations are due entirely to
the plain people, who ask no special priv
ileges at the hands of the government, but
demand only equality of rights and an OPP
portunity to enjoy life, liberty and the pur-
suit of happiness under the flag of a re-
public. These people, the nations wealth
producers in time of peace and the nations
warriors in time of war, have already
done for me more than I can ever repay
Whether I am elected or not, 1t shall be
my ambition to protect their rights and
advance their interests by every means
within my power.
sEW. 7.