Willmar tribune., 1900-01-24
a FEW CHANGES NEEDED,

The Argus expresses an intense
yearning for the time when the popu-
lists shall come back to the republican
fold. Well, it may be possible that
the time may come, but before that
happens there are several changes
that must be made. in the tenets and
makeup of the republican party.
l. The republican party must re-
store silver to its ancient position as
primary money. In view Of the fact
that it is now busi]y engaged III fast
eniog the gold standard on the coun-
try and reducing silver to tokens of
indebtedness it is probable that this
change can not be made in time TO al.
low the populists to return to the re-
publican fold before the next election.
2. 1t must abolish the national
banks. AS it is now busily engaged
in enlarging their privileges, even
letting them use the U. S. Treasury
as their private property, the Argus
will have a tough job. on it's hands to
turn it against the banks in time to
catch the populist vote this year.
3. 1t will have to declare for gov
ernment ownership Or strict control of
railroads. AS all the railroad kings
are backing Mckinley it is now case
ofrailroad ownership or strict con-
troll Of the government. Not even the
most optimistic person could expect
to see the railroads give up tn At con-
troll in time for this years campaign.
The republican party is responsible
for the present Interstate commerce
law, which gives the commissioners
full and ample powers to draw and
control their salary, but gives them
no power to interfere with the gigan-
tic railroad combinations that are
robbing the people. The party has
made no move to enlarge the powers
of the commission. The popnlists
will note this and refuse to believe
any protestations: of what the repub-
lican party intends to DO. Their rec
ord is against them, and deeds, not
words, are needed to overcome that
record. -.
:, 4. The republican party must de-
stroy trusts and monopolies. AS the
chief trust magnates are the presi-
dents closest advisers it seems rather
doubtful that they will advise him
and his party to destroy them. The
republican party is the weapon of the
trusts, and they will surely not turn it
against themselves and commit sui
eide. The populists and the trust
magnates don't agree we'll enough to
be long to the same party, and till the
republican party kicks out the latter
the populists will refuse to come into
the fold. We hardly expect anv such
revolution in time for the voting next
fall. 5sta .ss:
3. The republican party will have
to declare in favor Of the / nitiatiye
and Referendum, allowing the people
to originate laws and to pass judg-
nlent lllt', On laws before they become ops
eratiVe. At present the trnsre and
combines have the initiative III the
legislati We mill and courts compo
mainly Of corp ration lawye do the
referen dunn act. This little pt.iint Of
Differences M will have % be overcome
3 before The populi ists vi 4 join the re-s
publican party and the latest and
z most improved g Z j. shoros copes show no
sign 81 that any such thing will l,appeln,.
this eptnry
az .tee1 hen these trihing points OF differ
@ence enc have been settle led "a suit the pop
iulists#the replplb y blica1 can aut hnrize
Bro. V harto stos iissne Hid inv vitatioln
again, and bah see the
.popul ists tumb yer each other il II