The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-07-21
THE GOLD STANDARD.

THE GOLD STANDARD.
If there is any meaning 10 Inc
term "gold standard at all, II means
a monetary system in which gold is
fhe only legal tender. Ii there are
other things used to do the duty OF
money. they must be convertible INTO
gold on demand. There is not such
country on the face OF the earth ana
unless the present enormous OUTPUT
of gold. which this year will be $40O,-
900 900. continues for some years 10
come there never will be one. En-
gland comes the nearest TO being such
"a country, but even it is not surety
"a gold standard country. The words
'.gold standard as used by Parker and
his followers at St. Louis, is phrase
TO designate a financial interest II
would be impossible to establish the
gold standard in this country for many
years to come, and il the attempt were
made, the destruction OF the hrst lew
hundred millions of greenbacks ana
silver dollars would produce a pollti-
cal revolution. The phrase gold
standard as used in the dailles and
among the financiers is the exact
equivalent of the phrase wall street.
The latter has long been used by the
best writer's and speakers, not TO des-
ignate the men, or the financial trans
actions in a short little street in New
York city, but that great and over
Whelming influence in politics and bus
mess known as "the money power"
That potent influence, whether we
call it money power. or gold stand
ard has hitherto been irresistible In
politics. in government, and in ousi-
ness. Through the banks it holds in
thrall all men who borrow or carry
on any part of their business on bank
credits. No railroad can be built, no
great financial scheme OF any sort can
be carried on, or even promoted,
without it's consent and authority. No
man from the highest to the lowest can
tree himself from it's thralldom. Even
the beggar must pay 1t tribute.
There is now contest on. On one
side are the interests OF those enjoy
ing monopolies and special privileges
and on the other are those OF the mid
die class and wage-earnerS. In poll
the side of the money power are
formed in solid phalanx the republi-
can party under Roosevelt and the
democratic party under Parker, both
aided by the millions of Wall street
and the great daily press. Any man
who alligns himself with them is an
enemy to the interests of the farmer,
the small business man and the wage
Garner, no matter what his excuse may
be. There are but two sides, and cv-
cry man must ally himself with one
Aor the other or become neutral.
The peoples party comes into the
night as opposed to both great parties
and the daily press. 1t can make no
compromises. 1t stands as the advo-
cate and the leader of the great mid
die class and wage-workers interest.
Its enrolled army at present is a lit
tie over million. What 1t will be
four months from now, no man can
tell. IL goes courageously into the
battle, for ii remembers that three
times since this government was
founded the great common people won
against as great odds while fighting
against the same plutocratic moneyed
interests. namely, once under Jeifer-
son, once under Jackson, and once I'M
der Lincoln. Each time the victory
was gained by the organization of
new party, Jefferson organized and
won with a party called republican.
Jackson won with q new party called
democrat Lincoln won with new
party which was again called republic
can Never yet In this country or any
other have the people been able 10
throw on the tyrants who would ride
upon their backs. through the agency
OF an old party. Party Regularity"
has never yet, and never viii be
force TO bring relief The odds aealnot
NJ may look 10 be too great 10 over
con ., But We should remember taat
three times In this country, aud ID IN