People's Pilot, Volume 5, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 March 1896 — Page 2
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and again in the extra session of Congress, 1893, sets forth these same facts, and by taking the amount of wheat and cotton raised in this country each year and the price for which it sold, h 4 shows that the demonetization of silver causes a loss to the American farmer of over one hundred million dollars a year on cotton, and over two hundred million dollars a year on wheat. He figures that the total loss to the American farmer on wheat and cotton alone since 1873 has reached the immense sum of four billions, three hundred and eleven millions of dollars. He also shows clearly that nothing but the free and unlimited coinage of silver in this country at a ratio not lower than 16 to 1 will prevent South America, Mexico, China, Japan and other free-coinage nations from developing their agricultural resources at the expense of the farmers of the United States. Our government by pursuing such a disastrous financial policy is not only each day increasing our debts but is at the same time reducing by one-half our ability to pay. In the light of these facts the demonetization of silver was the greatest crime ever committed against the people of this or any other country. This crime was committed by our own government, by congressmen and senators we voted for, by presidents of the United States who took an oath to see that even-handed justice was meted out between every class of our people and to guard and protect the interests of this country against foreign interference and foreign oppression. The perpetrators of this crime have during the last twenty years destroyed more property, desolated more homes, and caused more hearts to ache and bleed than have all the wars, pestilences and famines of a hundred years. They deserve to be branded with the deepest dye of infamy of all the ages. The above are some of the fruits of a single gold standard. These evils can be remedied by our own government. Let our government furnish a sufficient amount of real money to meet the needs of our increasing population and business, The first great step to accomplish this is to restore silver to the position it held before 1873. The people of the South are studying the science of money. The masses are studying for themselves and will not longer leave it to politicians and so-called financiers. The Soutn knows what it wants and what is best for every honest citizen of our country, and it will never stop the fight until the great producing West and the great majority of wealth-producers, manufacturers, merchants and business men everywhere are joined together in one solid phalanx to rid this country of foreign debt and foreign dictation, and to reestablish prosperity among our own people at home. The South also sees clearly the the only way to secure these results, and that is to elect a president who is an honest man and an American patriot, a man who will be an independent president of the United States, who will guard and promote the interests of our own people and nation instead of one who is a tool and vassal of foreign money syndicates. The South wants free coinage of silver for the same reason that she wanted to throw off the yoke of British oppression in 1776.
All Cuba In Rebellion.
Murat Halstead has returned from an extended visit in Cuba and thus expresses himself on the situation: “I suppose that God knows what will come out of this Cuban revolution and that is the profoundest tribute one can pay to Omniscience, for the wisdom of man cannot see further than the rainy season, which begins in a month or six weeks. I have been in Cuba for a few weeks as a commissioner for a New York journal. I think that I enjoyed the confidence of both parties and got a pretty good idea or the situation. There is no disputing the fact that all Cuba is in rebellion just as much as the population of Virginia was during our civil war, and it is a shameful injustice to assert that the revolutionary sentiment is limited to desperadoes and negroes. I met in Cuba ladies and gentlemen as cultivated and refined as you can find anywhere in the world, who are just as bitter and rebellious toward Spain as the men who are under arms, but they lack the opportunity to make a demonstration. I became satisfied, too, that the population of Cuba is capable of self government, but they now sit hopeless, with an equal fear of what may happen if either side wins in the present struggle. “So far as the military situation is concerned,” continued Mr. Halstead, “I see no prospects for a Spanish victory, and the chances of the revolutionists are very slim. The rebels can carry on the work of destruction indefinitely, but they cannot fight a battle, because they lack arms and are almost out of ammunition. They run to the mountains whenever the Spaniards pursue them, and break up into small bands which are almost impossible to capture. The topograhpical conditions of the country are admirably suited to this sort of guerrilla warfare, and 1,000 men in the mountains can resist 100,000 in pursuit of them. “Spain has a splendid army, and if this were a civilized war it would do some fine fighting. But disciplined troops have no more chance with the guerrilla-like jnethods of the insurgents than
THE PEOPLE’S PILOT, RENSSELAER, IND., THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1896.
our regular army with the Apaches in the mountains. Before the Spaniards can ever subdue the insurgents or extinguish this rebellion their soldiers will have to adopt the same methods and the same kind of warfare. “Gen. Weyler is a great soldier, a man of fine ability and courage, and he has the confidence of the people. He is not the monster tnat has been described in some newspapers, but he is a gentleman, and I believe his administration will be as temperate and judicious as the conditions will justify. But he will fall like Campos, only in a more pronounced manner, because he is a greater man and has a greater ambition and greater energy. After his failure will come the deluge. No man knows who will furnish the ark or where Mount Ararat is located. Ido not predict what policy President Cleveland may adopt, but my visit to Cuba has made me a strong annexationist.” “What sort of men are the military leaders of the revolution?” “Gomez is a mercenary. I understand that he can be touched with Spanish gold. But they say Maceo is a true patriot—a mulatto with an ambition,”
Coxey’s Non-Interest Bearing Securities.
“Gen.” J. S. Coxey of commonweal fame spent yesterday in the city and discussed non-interest-bearing bonds, the conditions of the masses and the war in Cuba with every one with whom he came in contact. Mr. Coxey is fresh from Texas where he has spent some time in an effort to enlist the people under the non-interest-bearing banner, and he says he has been successful beyond all N his expectations. It is his desire to have his proposition incorporated in the populist national platform, and for that purpose he will attend the national convention of the party and personally conduct the fight for the plank. Gen. Coxey is not qne of those who believe that times are getting much better, and he says they will not be better until the national banking system has been done away with and money is issued by the government direct to the people. The ex-commonwealer is strong on the subject of the reduction of the hours of labor and the giving of employment to the idle as a means of bettering the general condition ofthecountry. Regarding the action of congress on the Cuban question, Mr. Coxey said he believed the masses of the people were in favor of granting the insurgents the rights of belligerents.—Chicago Record.
McKinley Not A Sliver Man.
A reader of the Chicago Record asks if exGovenor McKinley has expressed himself upon the silver question. The reply is that he has. on several occasions, and in unmistakable language. During the debate in the house of representatives June 25, 1890, upon the bill to purchase silver bullion and issue treasury notes thereon, Maj. McKinley said: “I believe that we should preserve these two moneys (gold and silver) side by side. And it is because I want to preserve these equal standards of value that I have opposed and shall oppose concurrence in the senate amendments. Ido not want gold at a premium; I do not want silver at a discount, or vice versa, but I want both metals side by side, equal in purchasing power and in legal tender quality, equal in power to perform the functions of money with which to do the business and move the commerce of the United States. To tell me the free and unlimited coinage of the silver of the world, in the absence of cooperation on the part of other commercial nations, will not bring gold to a premium, is to deny all history and the weight of all financial experience. The very instant that you have opened up our mints to the silver bullion of the world independently of international action, that very instant, or in a brief time at best you have sent gold to a premium; and when you have sent gold to a premium then you have put it in a great measure into disuse and we are remitted to the single standard—that of silver alone; we have deprived ourselves of the active use of both metals.” The above is the sophistry with which he excused his vote against the free coinage of silver. The only logical conclusion to be reached from the above is that ne wants a gold dollar behind the silver dollar. No one pretends that there is even a possibility of an “International Agreement” to restore silver to its free coinage rights.
For thirty years the most powerful lobby, next to the bankers’ lobby, that has been maintained at Washington to influence legislation, is that of the great express monopoly. They have prevented the reduction of postage oh merchandise and books from 16c and 8c per pound respectively, and by so doing have virtually had all the carrying of these two classes of mailable matter, easily underbidding the government rates. This lobby is now attempting to capture the periodical business by having the postage rates raised high enough to be able to underbid the government on that immense traffic also.
A friend of McKinley repudiates the report that he ever said that the next republican nominee for president would be a free silverite.
The Pilot to June 15th for 10 cents. New subscribers only. Trial subscriptions stop when out.
Mr. Thompson’s Position.
As my reference to a portion of the law touching the mutual relations of the people of the county, the board of commissioners and the building of a new court house published in the Pilot a fortnight ago has been made the basis of an unfounded rumor that I wanted to see a law suit over the building of the new court house, by your leave I will add a few words concerning what I think is a public question. I am in favor of building a new court house, the very best structure that we can get for the very least cost, within the one per cent limit to be paid for by the sale of bonds of small denomination, maturing one-fifti-eth each year for fifty years. I am now as ever opposed to litigation, and have refused offered employment, in. this behalf.
The presumption of innocence compels me to take it for granted that each member of the board, and all its advisers are trying to do their best to observe both law, and equity with all due economy. The county board is referred to in the constitution as having only such powers as the statute may give. See 160 R. S. 1»81. The statute provides that all business, and especially all orders in respect to county property shall be made in the court house, at public meetings, with open doors, in presence of the sheriff, auditor and all that desire to hear and be heard concerning the matter. Sec. 5745 and 5747 R. S. 1881. The board has power to order a new court house to be built, but there are specific restrictions on the secret exercise of this power without “Public inspection, and advisory conference” with “The people of the county.” Secs. 4243 and 4244, R S. 1881. The words of the Legislature, “Open to inspection of the people of the county,” and “open to public inspection” means at least that such questions should be debated in by open session those who have to pay principal and interest on the bonds sold to procure money to build the new court house. The people (of whom lam one) are entitled to hear, and be heard in this matter before unchangable action is taken by their official servants; and I would like to see the board ap-‘ point at least six public sessions in the old court room while it lasts, or in its subsitute, so that the tax payers of the county may hear the evidence and arguments pro and con forming the basis for the board to determine: Ist. Whether a new court house ought to be built at the present time. On that question I would take the affirmative, for we need a better structure for the safety of our records. This question may be res-judicata.
2nd. What dimensions and conveniences should the structure provide. I think that we ought to have not only a Court room but a room for a library, a museum, a farmers society, offices for each county official, jury rooms, witness and consultation rooms, etc., all heated by steam from without the building. This I presume is still open for suggestions and consideration. 3rd. To determine who should build, and superintend construction. I favor leaving the question of the specific material to be used open until the time for letting the contract. This would prevent combinations and get us a better and cheaper structure. For instance there are many stone quarries each producing good stone, and if the contractors specify different prices for different stone, the board can then decide with more economy. 4th. To determine the denomination, maturity and interest for the bonds to be issued. I would favor small bonds, one fiftieth maturing each year with annual interest at no.- exceeding six per cent. The taxes would thus never exceed .06 of one per cent to pay interest and .02 of one per cent to pay principal. Sections 5753 and 5754 R. S. 1881. sth. To sell the bonds. The purchase of the bonds should be open to all the tax payers who may wish to invest. Sell the one year bonds first, and progress until all are sold. 6th. To determine whether the work contracted for is completed. As the members of the board cannot legally receive! any pay except while in attendance on public meetings in the court
house while we have one, I presume that even from self interest all their steps will be taken without attempting any secret or snap judgment. Sec. 7926 R. j S. 1894. The statute on its face! seems to forbid the employment of any one to perform any duty for the county to be paid by percentage. R. S. 1881, cec. 5766. A contract to pay an architect a per cent of the cost is one step toward getting the poorest edifice at the greatest cost. By bearing all the facts presented in open session, and refusing to consult in private with any architect before he is employed, with any contractor before he bids, with any agent for material before adoption, or with any person in private, no suspicion could arise that would shake the presumption of honesty in any member of the board, their advisers or employees. Our juries are wisely protected from all evidence and argument not presented in open court. No one can tell the motive of private advice, as to facts or law concerning public affairs. In a matter of such public concern / all the people of the county “should be let in on the ground floor” and nothing kept back from them. This matter has been talked of for several months, and I for one would like to know when and where each of the vital steps are to be considered and determined upon the weight of the evidence and argument adduced in open session before the board, I heard one of our oldest citizens put it in this way, “If my neighbor should order an article manufactured for me, for which I was to pay the price asked, I would expect to be consulted as to what it was, and what it was to cost.” Simon P. Thompson.
SURREY.
Correspondence to People’s Pilot. Roads muddy, most muddy. Gravel road from Surrey to connect with same two miles east would be acceptable at present. Some one whisper it around and let us have it. Mr. Leek of LaSalle county, 111., has moved on the farm near Surrey, lately purchased from D. B. Nowels. Winfred Pullens is nursing a very bad burned hand, caused by trying to light the gasolene heater of his brooder while burning; narrow escape with his life. Sum total of chickens which his big hen (incubator) hatched, 275. Mr. Pearl Jett from Kentucky is the guest of Simon Kenton. John Kenton has returned from Hillsdale, Mich., to spend the summer. Thomas Lang has given up farming. Perhaps he will locate in the State of Matrimony. We wish him well. Jasper Kenton has been spending a week with friends near his old home. K.
FAIR OAKS.
Correspondence of the People’s Pilot. Last, Sunday morning as John Casey, agent for Halleck's nursery, was trying to cross the grade at Burke's
Robinson Brothers Lumber Co.
r "PHERE is but one valid 1. reason for expecting liberal patronage from the public, which is that we give as great, or greater, value for the money us can he had elsowhere, either in Rensselaer, competing towns or in Chicago. Failing to do tliis we do not deserve the trade. Robinson Bro’s. Lumber Co. RENSSELAER, IND.
DR. MENDENHALL, Indian Name MON-GOS-YAH. The Great Indian Doctor! The Doctor will positively be at Rensselaer, Indiana, Thursday, March 12th, 1896. And will return EACH MONTH for One Year. Office at MAKEEYER HOUSE.
TDJEZ. CHAS, MENDEITmLIjL, LOGANSPORT, INDIANA. t3F~Office Hours—9 a. m., to 2p, m.
bridge with a horse and vehicle, By* horse became unmanageable. The horse went ever the grade into the water many feet below. After an hour’s toil and exposure Casey ascertained that his horse was about to perish, and springing into the water two feet deep he caught the horse by the halter and tramped the ice for one hundred yards and landed on the bridge almost chilled' to death. The exposure has brought on an attack of pneumonia and Mr. Casey is said to be in a critical condition.
Correspondence of People’s Pilot. Mrs. Gaines is on the sick list, Powel Shultz got lost on Dividing Ridge last Sunday. There are two groceries in this place now. k There is a great deal of sickness in this part of the country. * John W. Fay lor made a flying trip to De Motte laßt Friday on business. This school is getting along nicely. Mrs. James Wiseman is some better. Mrs. Cover who has been some better is worse again. The weather is awful nice in this locality. There is another dwelling house in town. Wm. Cooper’s have moved in their new house. D. C. Rogers spent Saturday and Sunday with his mother at Kniman. Wm. Hudson is thinking of buying a grist mill. J. W. Fay lor spent Saturday and Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Austin at Wheatfleld. Miss Anna Clager of Aix was the guest of Lola Faylor Sunday. Forest, infant son of Wm. Rhidenour and wife, died Sunday morning at about four o’clock, aged four, years, of spinal fever. He was sick about four days. The remains were buried in the Praiter cemetery east of Rensselaer. ‘ Otto Shultz has moved on his farm. Powel Shultz spent Saturday evening with Mr. Colinskie’s near De Mott. The public highway is lined with people moving, Rising Sun.
Correspondence of the People’s Pilot. School is out Friday. A. B. Lewis moved to Remington Thursday, Rev. Deveneau of Chicago is holding meeting at the school house. Mr. Jordan of Chalmers has removed* to James Culp’s farm a mile north of Lee. Man from Chicago moved on the McDonald farm Monday. Big talk pf gravel roads from Monon to Lee, also some talk of establishing a precinct at Lee. C. Gilmore returned Monday from Illinois with horses and cattle. Miscreants recently turned horses loose at the school house. The writer does not feel qualified to express his contempt for such despicable tricks. * __ B. Y. Guess.
LUMBER, Coal, Tile, Sewer Pipe.
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