The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1900-02-08
ray, | have left forever such associates.

1t can no longer breast the political
gale let the old guard nail its colors to
the mast and go down with that glo-
rious flag floating above them.
The question which presents itself u.s.
how can our party win? Only by edu-
cation is the answer. Civil government
must be studied by our people, and
every home be enlightened by the truths
of political economy. AS long as they
follow blindly after party leaders, so
long shall they be claimed by the inor-
dinate greed of wealth. All we ask is
a fair and impartial hearing before the
tribunal Of justice, with the American
people as the jury. If, after considera-
tons of our principles and arguments,
you cannot consistently accept them,
then vote for the two old parties. We
challenge any Republican paper in Min
neapolis to print the Peoples party
platform, with comments thereon, and
give their readers an opportunity of
once seeing that much maligned docu-
ment. Let our churches raise their
voices in condemnation Of oppression
and political wrongs, or forever come
out from beneath the cloak of the lowly
NaZarene. Let us be careful as to our
party leadership, eschewing the men
who have formerly betrayed us to the
enemy. Let us put in power as leaders
only men who are known as tried and
true
Men whom the lust of Office cannot kill,
Men whom the spells of Office cannot
buy;
Men who have opinions and ready
will:
Men who have honor, men who will not
lie;
Men who can stand before a demagogue
And damn his treacherous flattery with
out winking;
Tall men, sun crowned, who live above
the fog,
In private life and public thinking.
Dear brethren, let us always be true
to the principles we profess. Let us say
with the poet, Thou must be true. thy
self ere thou the truth canst teach. The
heart must overflow to give the lips full
speech"
Remember the interests at stake; the
liberty of the people and the millions
yet unborn. Shall the closing year of
the Ninteenth century witness the de-
feat and overthrow of free institutions,
or shall the Twentieth century be usher
ed in with promise of better things;
with the hope that God and right, so
long trampled beneath the feet of man.
mon shall yet triumph and manhood be
seated upon the throne of justice.
Then shall the music of earth cord
with the harmony of heaven.
Brethren, we often meet with insults,
abuse, SANDER and rebuffs, but do not
let this deter us from our duty. Re-
member what men have suffered in
former times as martyrs to holy cause,
and with your eyes steadily fixed upon
the purpose in view, press onward to
the goal. Do not let our pet theories OF
government hinder us in the discharge
of our duties, but let us accept the Peo-
pies party platform as the Magma
Charta Of American freedom. With
that as our slogan let us press onward
to victory or defeat.
What reforms do the Democrats pro.
fess? None of any vital import. Free
silver was at one time leading issue
Today it is of secondary Importance
other issues have crowded to the front
and taken it's place. II the people be-
lieve the issue Of expansion Of vital i'm
portance, let them adopt and put into
practice the initiative and referendum
and submit it to the people for thei1
adjudication.
If the Republicans believe the nation
al banks should control and issue thu
money volume, let them submit it tt
the people and depend upon their deci
sion. If they decide in the, affirmative
l am content, but I do not acknowledge
right of the Republican party fastening
the clutches Of this monster upon tn
American people. When the pure voic
of the people speaks, l will bow to it
mandates, but no longer shall l accep
as imperative the laws of corrupt an,
venal politicians.
Brother Populists, long whiskere
cranks as you may be, to you the PEG
pie are looking to strike the gyve
from their limbs do not be recreant t
your duty, but arise, grid on the armo
and press forward with greater zeal
let defeat only spur you on to create
effort, the battle field is before you
God behind pressing you onward to
faithful performance of your duty. Fai
not in this supreme moment, but sa
with Victor Hugo: THE time has com
for hosting the all for ALL" God alon
can foresee the future; He alone is tn
arbiter of our destines but let us hop
that He will use us as the humble in
struments for the uplifting of humanit.
We cannot hope for success unless W
carry the gospel to the benighted. LIZ
lis each carry that gospel into the home
and lives of those outside the folt
teach them the way and they will TO
low Have courage hrethren S,lcces