The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-08-16
NOTES ON POLITICS.

"Once admit" says Mr.. Bryan, "that some
people are capable Of sclf.government, and that
others are not and that the capable people have
a right to seize upon and govern the incapable,
and you make force-brute force-the only foun-
dation Of government and invite the reign Of
the dcspot." To which the Rochester Democrat
and Chronicle replies "Mr Bryan probably
knows something about the history OF this coun.
try. He must, therefore, know that the terri
tory constituting the United States was once
inhabited by wild red men; that 1t was seized by
white men; that the original owners were killed
or driven from their homes, and that the new
owners, being more capable than the old ones,
assumed and exercised all the powers and duties
Of government lie must also know that the
United States has for moro than 100 years fol.
lowed this same policy. II has claimed that the
capable people have the right to feize upon
and govern the incapable II has denied TO
the incapable Indians the right of self-govern.
mcnt, has told them how and where they shall
live, and has enforced its DEGREES by many a
bloody battle, 1t must follow, therefore, ac.
cordinG to Mr. Bryan's logic, that the United
States eSemplihes brute force as the only found
alton Of government and is a living illustration
Of the reign OF the despot.' Hence it will be
Mr.. Bryan's plain duty, in case of his election
and Inauguration, to call special session OF con-
gress having in view the withdrawal Of the
white people from the United States, the restor.
alton to the aborgncs Of the territory taken
from them. and the granting to them Of the
riGh TO establish an independent nation to be
governed as they think 1t ought to be gov
erncd."
Four years ago Mr.. Bryan said that II the
Republican position on the money question was
sustained "prices would fail as a stone when it
il thrown into the air; the debts Of the people
would be increased and their ability to pay them
be lcsScned; times would be harder and harder;
everybody would starye except the money chang
ers and the money owners; the opportunity to
work would be dcStroyed the volume of stand.
ard money would he decreased; industry would
he paralyzed; depositors in savings banks would
be compelled TO collect their assets; money
would be dearer, property cheaper, times harder,
more people out Of work, and desperate; there
would be more crime; 1t would he necessary 10
advocate the closing OF the public schools; the
standard Of civilization would he lowered and
to pay on the mortgages an their homes" May
he the Democratic nominee for congress in Lack.
awsnna county will kindly explain why these
dire predictions have rot been FULFILLED.
"To win." observes thePhiadelpha Press, "a
party must have issues which appeal to the
great mass Of men and arouse the interest OF the
undecided voter. Is any one Democratic issue
Of the three leading ones, free silver, anti
expansion and trusts doing that todayl Look
around you. Note the talk and current discus
sion and controversy you hear, Four years ago,
particularly early in the campaign, free silver
was making a powerful appeal II won votes.
Men were discussing IT, In the end il was ar
gued down. hut one was certain Of this
when Mr.. Mckinley gave the burden Of his let