People's Pilot, Volume 6, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 October 1896 — CHALLENGE. [ARTICLE]

CHALLENGE.

To the Hon. Simon P. Thompson: In view of the prominence which is being given the silver question in the political discussions this fall, and knowing that you are recognized as one most competent to defend the contention of the republicans in this controversy, and having learned that you have declared in public address that there was but one side to this silver question, the friends of Mr. Bryan in Milroy township desire to have you meet in joint discussion of this momentous issue, our fellow townsman, Leroy Noland, at some date convenient to yourself before the close of this campaign at Center school house, at which time and place they promise to be present and give you the opportunity to prove to them the truth of your declara-

tion.

GEO. W.CASTOR.

Pres. Milroy Silver League.

The bank of Venice stood the test of time for over six hundred years and was then only overthrown by the conquest of Napoleon. * * * Nine thousand eight hundred and eight banks owe five billions of dollars subject to check and have cash on hand of every description ot five hundred and sixty six million of dollars, that is one dollar in money to pay eight dollars of deposits. The chance for dipositors to get their money are one to eight. How is that for con fidence? * * * Under free and unlimited coinage of silver the farmer will have two chances to get a dollar, to where he has one chance to get a dollar under the single gold standard. Vote for Bryan if you want the two chances and for McKinley if you are satisfied with one chance at the dollar. * * * The advocates of the single gold standard insist that it is the lack of confidence that has paralized the industries. How do they expect to restore confidence? Is it by trying to convince the American people that ope dollar in gold can be made to pay thirty nine dollars of debt? * * * This is the first campaign in the history of American politics where the candidates ask the support of the farmer because the proposed policy of their party will prevent an increase in the value of farm products. The gold standard men do that. * * * Tom Cook, a republican, fixer of Lincoln, Nebraska, recently tried to bribe W. A. Poynter, of Boone county, to accept a “mid-dle-of-the-road” nomination for Congress in his district against Judge Maxwell, the regular populist nominee. The consideration proposed was SI,OOO and campaign expenses. The proposition was, of course, rejected.