The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-08-24

lot resolution submitting such a
amendment but his efforts were futil,
In 1889. the resolution recommends
by President Johnson and urged b
Congressman Weaver finally passe,
the house OF representatives. but II ha
not yet reached 4 vote in the senate
and now. after eight years more o
public discussion. the proposition 10
the first time received the endorsement
Of the national convention Of one O
the great parties If the fusion force,
win victory this fall. we shall Sc,
this reform accomplished before tn,
next presidential election. and, with II:
accomplishment, the people will find Il
easier to secure any remedial legisla-
tion they may desire But how halt,
ing has been the progress.
Holland has said:
Heaven is not gained BY single
bound.
We build the ladder by which We rise.
From the lowly earth 10 the vaultsd
skies,
And We mount to its summit round by
round
And so 1t is with great social ana
political movements. Great problems
are solved slowly. hut struggling hu-
manity marches on. step by step. con-
tent II, at each nightfall. it can pitch
its tent on a little ground.
I have called attention to the issues
which brought the Democrats and Pop
ulists together and justify their Coop
GRAFTON during the last four years.
Let me now invite your attention TO
new questions which would justify CO.
operation at this time. although we
differed on all economic questions. 1t
IS not our fault that these new ques-
tons have been thrust into the arena
Of politics, it is not our fault that the
people have been called upon to con-
slider questions OF ever-increasing mag
nitude.
In 1890 the tariff question was the
principal subject Of discussion. and the
Democratic party contended that the
masses were carrying a burden Of un-
ust and unnecessary taxes. In
Ss2 the tariff question was still the
principal issue between the Democratic
md Republican parties. although in
he West and in the South the money
question was assuming greater and
-reater proportions. and the Popullsts
we're contending that our monetary
ystem was more responsible than the
arin laws for the depression in agrl-
ulture and the distress among the
wage earnsrs. In 1896 the whole ques,
Ion Of taxation became OF secondary
Importance because Of the increased
'oldness Of those who opposed the gold
nd silver coinage Of the constitution. |
When the Republicans declared at st. !
.ouis that the restoration Of bilneta- /
sra In this country. although desir- |
bic. was impossible without the aid OF |
hs leading commercial nations Of the |
ID world, the Populists and silver Re-
ublicans Joined with the Democrats
asserting he right and duty Of the
merican people to shape their finan-
ial system. regardless Of the action Of
ther nations. The failure Of the Re-
nbllcan narty to secure international
and its open espousal CT the
old standard still kept the money
lestion in politics. but no economic
lestion can compare in Importance
18th a question which concerns the
rinciple and structure Of government.
Of taxation can be changed
ith less difficulty than financial sys-
ms. and finaneial systems can be
tered with less danger and less dis
irbsnee than the vital doctrines upon
hich free government rests.
In the early sos. when we were en-
lged in a contest which was TO deter
Inc whether we should have one re-
lblic or two. questions Of finance were
ST sight Of. Silver was at a premium
'er gold, and both gold and silver
ere at a premium over greenbacks
ID bank notes, but the people could .
i afford to divide over the money
'estion in the presence Of a greater
sue. And. 80 today. we are engaged
a controversy which will determine
neither we are to have a republic in
nich the government derives its lust :,
'wers from the consent Of the gov
rned. or an empire in which brute
rec Is the only recognized power. :
In a government where the people !,
le. every wrong can be righted. and ii
cry evil remsdisd, but when once the
ctrine Of self-government is I'M r,
ired and might is substituted for (,
mt. there Is no certainty that any 81
estion will be settled rightly. b
"A colonial policy would so occupv a
people with the consideration OF II
: nations foreign poncy that domes- m
questions would be neglected. Who d
i haul down the fag?. or Stand =
the president would be the prompt o,
iponse to every criticism Of the ad- o.
nlstrationF and corruption and spec-tu
privilege would thrive under the 1,
yer of patriotism. =,
It is not strange that the Populists
'uld oppose militarism and i'm n,