The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-08-24
Republicans Oppose Reform.


that four years more Of Republican misrule would
aggravate the economic conditions as to make
reforms easier. No one can afford to aid in
making matters worse in the hope of being able
to make them better afterward, for in so doing
he assumes responsibility for evils which he may
rot be able to remedy No PUopulist, however
sanguine, believes it possible to elect a Populist
president al this time, but the Populist party
may be able to determine whether Democrat
or Republican will be elected. Mr. Chairman,
the POpulist convention, which your committee
represents, thought it better to share with the
Democrats in the honor Of securing some Of the
reforms desired by your party than to bear the
odium OF remaining neutral in this great CRISIS,
or of giving open or secret aid to the Republican
party, which opposes all the reforms for which
the Populists contend.
Those who labor to improve the conditions
which surround their fellowmen are apt TO be-
come inpatient but they must remember that II
takes time to work out great reforms. Let me
Illustrate by calling your attention to the slow
growth Of public opinion in support of propo-
siton to which there has been practically no open
opposition. President johnson, in 1865, recon-
mended a constitutional amendment providing
for the election of United States senators by a
direct vote of the people, but his recommendation
met with no response. About twelve years later
General Weaver, then member Of congress, tried
to secure the passage OF a resolution submitting
such an amendment, but his efforts futile
In 1892 the resolution recommended by Pres-
dent johnson and urged by Congressman Weaver
finally passed the house of representatives, but
il has not reached vote in the senate. And
now, after eight years more Of public discussion
the proposition for the first time receives the
Endorsement Of the national committee Of one
of the great parties.
II the fusion forces win a victory this fall, we
shall see this reform accomplished before the
II. .rtsl
plishment, the people will find it easier TO Sc
cure any remedial legislation which they may de-
sire. But how hating has been the progress.
Holland has said:
Heaven is not gained by a single bound
We build the ladder by which we rise,
From the lowly earth TO the yaulted skies,
And we mount to its summit round by round,
Great Problems Solved Slowly.
And so it is with great social and political
movements. Great problems are solved slowly,
but struggling humanity marches on, step by
step, content IL at each nightiall il can pitch
its tent on a little higher ground ! have
called attention to the issues which brought the
Democrats and Popusts together and which
justified their cooperation during the last four
years. Let me now invite your attention to new
questions which would justify cooperation at
this time, even though we differed upon all
economic questions, IL is not our fault that
these new questions have been thrust into the
arena of politics; il is not our fault that the
people have been called upon to consider ques'
tions of ever.incressing magnitude. In 1890 the
tariff question was the principal subject OF dis.
cussion, and the Democratic party contended
that the masses were carrying a burden of unjust
and unnecessary taxes In 1892 the tariff question
was still the principal issue between the Demo,
cratic and Republican parties, although in the
west and south the money question was assum-
| ing greater and greater proportions, and the
| Populsts were contending that our monetary
| system was more responsible than the tarn laws
for the depression in agriculture and the distress
| existing among the wage-earners. In 1896 the
| whole question OF taxation became OF secondary
| Importance because Of the increased boldness Of
those who increased the gold and silver coinage
Of the constitution. When the Republicans de.
clared at St. Louis that the restoration Of hi
| metallism in this country, although desirable,