Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-08-03

party winch nav < DIOuSHi great llNiAOA
and prosperity TO our common coun-
try. and which, if continued. will bring
us like blessings in the future.
Policies are Vital.
The monetary and economic policies
which have been so forcibly re-
announced lie at the very foundation
of our industrial life, and are essential
TO the fullest development of our ma
tional strength. They give vitality to
our manufactures and commerce, and
if impaired or overthrow, there would
inevitably ensue a period of industrial
depression. to the serious injury of
the vast interests of both labor and
capital.
The republican party, since it pre-
served the integrity of the republic
and gave freedom to the oppressed,
never rendered a more important
service to the country than when it
established the gold standard. Under
it we have increased our currency sup
ply sufficiently to meet the normal re-
quirements of business. II is crafty
ing that the convention made frank
and explicit declaration of the infleXi-
bic purpose of the party TO maintain
the gold standard. 1t is essential not
only that the standard should be as
good as the best in the world, but that
the people should have the assurance
that it will be so maintained.
The enemies of sound money were
powerful enough to suppress mention
of the gold standard in the platform
lately adopted by the democratic ma
tfonal convention. The leader of
democracy in two great national cam
paigns has declared since the adjourn
ment OF the convention that as soon as
the election is over he will undertake
to organize the forces within the dem
Ocratic party for the next national con-
test, for the purpose of advancing the
radical policies for which his element
of the parry stands. He frankly says
that the money question is for the
present in allegiance In view of these
palpable facts. it is not the part of
wisdom 10 abandon our vigilance in
safeguarding the integrity of our mon
ey system. We must have not. only
president who is unalterably commit
ted to the gold standard, but both
houses o. congress in entire accord
with him upon the subject.
Power Rests in Congress.
In congress and not with the presi-
dent rests the supreme power to de
termine the standard of money.
Though the chief executive should OPP
pose the congress. acting within its
Independent constitutional authority,
could at any time overthrow or change
the monetary standard.
The wisdom of our protective policy
finds complete justification in the in
dustrial development of the country.
This policy has become a most vital
part Of our industrial system. and
must be maintained unimpaired When
altered conditions make changes in
schedules desirable. their modification
can be safely entrusted to the repub
lican party. If they are to be changed
by the enemies o. the system along
free trade lines. uncertainty would
take the place of certainty, and a re
action would surely follow TO the in
jury of the wage earners and all who
are now protitably employed. Uncer-
tainty undermines confidence and loss
of confidence breeds confusion and
distress in commercial affairs.
The convention was wise not only
in its cnUnCiation of party policies,
but in its nomination of candidate
for the presidency During the last
three years President Roosevelt has
been confronted with large and seri-
Gus questions. These he has met and
solved with high wisdom and courage.
Tho charges made against him in the
democratic platform find an iTrefuta-
BILE answer in his splendid administTa-
ton. never surpassed in all the his
tory of the republic and never equaled
by the party which seeks to discredit
it.
The election of the president is i'm
peratively demanded by those whose
success depends upon the continuance
of a safe. conservative and efficient
administration OF public affairs.
Record of Deeds.
We have ample record of deeds done.
of bonefcent things accomplished in
the public interest. The vast business
of the government has been well ad-
ministcred. The laws have been en-
forced feaflessly and impartially
The treasury has been adequately sup
piled with revenue, and the financial
credit of the government was never
better. Our foreign trade balance con
rinUes 10 increase our national wealth
We have adopted an irrigation policy
which will build homes N the arid re
gions Of the west. The Panama canal
the hope Of centuries. is in course Of
construction under the sole protection
OF the american flag.
We have peace and great prosperity
at home and are upon terms of good
neighbOrhOod TO the entire world.
Those Conditions con sfitrrfa the