Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 June 1896 — WASHINGTON. [ARTICLE]

WASHINGTON.

Persons holding high-salaried positions in Uncle Sam’s employ who have not hitherto considered it necessary to become citizens of this country are now making the effort of their lives to put themselves on a voting basis. Clerks at the city hall in Washington have been overrun recently with this class of business. Within the last month fifty-six final naturalization papers have been taken out, and thirtytwo persons have signed their names in a big book announcing their intention of becoming citizens of the United States. In explanation of this sudden desire of so many people to become bona tide citizens, it is said one reason is that a patriotic organization of the city decided to take vigorous action in the matter of aliens holding government positions. A committee was appointed to ascertain the number thus employed and institute an inquiry as to why it was that foreigners could obtain these positions, to the detriment of American citizens. Of,fhe fiftysix who have within the last month taken out their final papers, the names of eighteen already have been located in the Government blue book showing that they have for varying periods of time been receiving lucrative salaries from the United States, although their allegiance was elsewhere bestowt-d. ’f - lu reply to arrquest from the New York Herald for a statement concerning the Democratic situation President Cleveland Tuesday night sent the following to that newspaper: “I refuse to believe that when the time arrives for deliberate action there will be engrafted upon our Democratic creed a demand for the free, unlimited and independent coinage of silver, because I know the Democratic party is neither unpatriotic nor foolish and becan«e j,t Seems so clear to me that such a course* will inflict a very great injury upon every interest of our country which it has been the mission of Democracy to advance, "and will result, in the lasting disaster to our party organization. There

Is little hope that, as a means of success, this free-silver proposition, after its thorough discussion during the political campaign, will attract, the majority qf the voters of the country. My attachment to true Democracy is so strong that I consider Star success as identical with the promotion of the country’s good. This ought suffiteiently to account for ,my anxiety that no mistake be made at dur party convention. In my opinion no effort should be spared to secure such action of the delegates as will avert party demoralization. It is a place for consultation and comparison of views, and those Democrats who belieye in the cause of sound money should there be heard and be" constantly in evidence. A cause worth fighting for is worth fighting for to the end. If sodndmouey Democrats suppose there is danger of a mistake being made, such danger should stimulate their activity in averting it, instead of creating discouragement. I am very far from arrogating to myself a controlling influence upon' the policy of my party, but as an unflinching Democrat, who has been honored by his party an,d who desires hereafter no greater political privileges than to occupy the place of private in its ranks, I hope I may not be blamed for saying this much at this time in the interest, as it seems to me, of the grand old organization, so'rich'in honorable traditions, so justly proud of its achievements, and always so undaunted and brave in its battles for the people's welfare.”