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

anu not the exact letLeT Ok IL. IL
shows in almost every line the ex-
preston of wealth-producers, as dis
tinguished from either wealth-absorb-
ers or those Intermediates who assist
in the distribution of wealth
The Omaha platform is strong In
defensive measures, but is not aggres-
siye; and that is the characteristic of
farmers and others who take part in
the primary processes of production.
All they ask is to be let alone-to be
protected from the aggressions of pre-
datory wealth The money demands,
vague though they may be in places,
show a desire for immunity from the
exactlons of usurerS. The public
ownership demands show desire for
immunity from extortionate freight
rates.
But nowhere is exhibited the spirit
of unfairness and aggressiveness,
which shows out between the lines Of
a republican platform dictated by the
beneficiaries of special privileges.
The Independent would amend Mr..
Ogle's first plank by striking ont the
last three words measure Of value"
and inserting the words level of
prices Mr.. Ogle cannot possibly be
a greater admirer of Alexander Del
Mar than is The independent; yet it
considers the use of the words meas
ure OF value as unsound and unfor-
tunate-perhaps rather more unfor-
tunate than unsound. Measure" to
the lay mind always calls up the idea
of physical appliance by means of
which extension in space, duration in
time, or the pull of gravity may be
measured" and when the word is
used in connection with money and
value, analogy causes the lay mind to
think of a coin as the physical appli-
ance whereby value is measured"
Whether our concept of value" is
analogous to space, time, or force, it
is impossible to continue the analogy
up to the point of measuring" that
which we call "value"-because, by
reason of the total absence of a ply
steal appliance to assist, the entire
process of ascertaining value is pure
ly mental. Estimate is the word
most nearly correct, although, per-
AoPo, IhClC 10 liz Wolu WHlCA CAdItIy
expresses it; doubtless because exact
ness in arriving at value is impos-
sible.
Mr.. Ogles second plank covers the
ground to nicely His graduated land
tax is debatable The Independent is
not SO sure that longer terms OF Office
might not be preferable, with the inn
perative mandate as safeguard.
AS to the tariff. until some other
form of raising federal revenues is
devised, the present system is a con-
ditiOn and not a theory" But out
side of the doctrinaries, populiscs re-
gard protective tariff as an aggres-
sion upon them for the benefit of
some one else. Great as is the drain
Of the tariff it is insignificant when
compared with the tribute levied by
the banking fraternity upon. every
dollar issued; and to the tribute
exacted by railroads, telegraphS, ETC.,
and the interests receiving second
hand special privileges from these
natural monOpolies.
The Independent appreciates Mr..
Ogles kind-but overdrawn-praise.
When we recollect Buckles descrip-
ton of those old Scotch Presbyterians
those interminable sermons they list
ened to, and their infinite patience and
perseverance-w perhaps. The In
dependent readers are just as patient
and perseverance, Associate Editor)