Year: 1876

dence to me that success is bound to crown
their efforts II has been a weakness il
the movement in many places, and nota-
bly, in this State last year, the policy of
the Independents 70 wait aud see what
the old parties were going to do. This
perhaps was excusable in some cases when
the principles Of the new psrty had not
been sufficiently discussed to be under
stood. But withal it has been a hindrance
to their extension, and on this account
feel much pleased over the action of your
State and Indiana


Could Ohio and Pennsylvania now be
induced to follow your lead il this matter.
it seems to me it would have great inAu-
ence with the other States that are stand
ing waiting and watching what others will
do, that they may take their cue to act
This State and Pennsylvania both have
been well educated on the leading points
Of difference between the old parties and
the Independents The working men and
many Of the farmers are greenback men in
principle, and have full faith ia the good
results, the putting it into practice would
yield. They differ as Democrats or as Re-
publicans, and will not leave one party for
the other 50 long as the question is be-
tween the two. But let independent ac-
tion be taken with boldness and determi-
nation in the manner Of the two States
above mentioned, and that party will be
made up Of men, firm. earnest, practical
men from both parties. We can see this
same difference existing to very promi-
nent extent IN the present Congress.
There the members are divided on the
subject, and cannot be controlled by the
party thereon. See Judge Kelley, one Of
the most prominent Republicans IN the
country, yet the champion of a purely
greenback currency. See, on the other
hand, the number ~ prominent Democrats
who are greenbacG men from conviction,
but they cannot control the party On
this account legislation on the currency
question is actually arrested Neither
party can move because Of the divisions
IL tnelr own ranks. would TINS De the
case if a few more States added their voice
to yours, and j)ined hands with you III
your march up to the scratch Of action on
that one question think it would not.
Ii seems to me if this were done promptly
and with the proper spirit, this Congress
before 1t would dJJurn would come 70 the
point where the people want them, and
and when the eXigencles Of the trades Of
the country demand il should come IL
is meanness for us to hold of with the
view Of seeing what Congress will 40,
or what the different caucuses or conven-
tions will do What We al outside aud
give evidence Of doing, will not only help
that body to do, but We will also be doing
duty to ourselves that the present con
dition Of affairs imperatively urges we
should do. 1t were high time the people
Of the West took action. and | glory in
what they have done If the States named
and few others could be induced t. ful
low you in the good work, we would have
a chance Of reaplng the full benefit of
yours. On these grounds | would suggest
that the Independents Of Ohio get to work
and hold State Convention also, there
build their platform, place their standard
bearers thereon, and say to all others,
This is what We intend doing, regardless
Of what others will do" Can it be done


Respectfully yours,


JOHN JAMES.