The Taney County republican. (Forsyth, Mo.) 1895-1992, 1913-03-13
SIXTEEN GOLDEN YEARS.

Sixteen years ago Mckinley sue
ceeded Cleveland as president Of the
United States after having defeated
William J. Bryan, the nominee Of the
democrats, in a campaign in which the
tariff and the currency were the chief
issues. The democrats had demoral-
ICED the protective tariff system, and
the currency system had been so weak
ened by democratic legislation and
democratic contentious that money
was in hiding, credits were limited and
financial depression prevailed. Indus
trial pursuits were Improbable and un-
promising. Wages were low, employ
ment limited and mechanics, artisans
and laborers were everywhere idle and
impoverished. A period Of hard
times" had made the people solicitous
about the future, had bankrupted
many good business men, ruined
banks, discouraged the farmers and
disheartened wage earners.
Bryan proposed an unlimited silver
currency system and a tariff lorrevenue
only as the permanent policy Of the
government. Mckinley had proposed
the gold standard for our currency
and high tariff protection for our in
dustries. The people approved the
propositions Of Mckinley in November,
1896, and before he was inaugurated
in March, 1897, the country, relieved
OF the dread and fear OF four more years
Of government by the democratic party,
had become more prosperous and bus
mess had resumed normal conditions.
From that day to the day when a dem
ocrat was elected president in Novem
Der, 1912, the country enjoyed pros
porous business, industrial and agri-
cultural conditions never before ex'
perienced by any nation on earth.
During that period Of sixteen years
towns sprang up as il by magic, cities
grew in population, in commerce and
in wealth wonderfully; farm lands dou-
bled and uebled in value; banks
aourished, great fortunes were created;
great industries we're established and
extended; railroads were built, extended
and splendidly equipped, and other
transportation facilities were organized
and successfully operated. Territories
became states; waste lands became
productive farms; idle lands we're put
to the plow; no men or women capable
Of earning wages were left unemployed,
Prosperity abounded!
During that period the republican
government established a sound cur
rency, practical and effective protect.
i've tariff system; fought great wal
for human rights and liberty Of peoples
long oppressedi built a canal between
the oceans; established a postal saving;
system; established a parcel post sys
TEN, and accomplished many othei
things the people desired. 1t is ;
glorious record. One can hardly real
ize how the country has advanced
since March 4, 1897. No such ad
vancement was ever made by any ma
ton in like period.
But the iconoclastic hand has beer
extended to touch with destructiv,
effect the powerful and potent politica
organization that made all these thing
possible. A frenzy Of political doub
and passion at last destroyed the co
hesive force that defeated the democ
racy four times in succession and nos
the party Of free trade, free silver, lre
iollies and freedom from the restraint
Of wise craftsmanship is again in con
troll OF the government. In behalf {
. the millions who otherwise must suffe
we hope for better things from den
] ocratic leaders than the country ha
D heretofore received at their hands; br
S in the light Of the past that hope
D weak and the fear Of disaster is irr,
1 pressible.
President Wilson's Task.