Political Strife Within Parties Over McKinley and Money
The speaker notes heavy opposition to McKinley in the Republican ranks and to sound money in the Democratic camp, highlighting internal party troubles and divisions.
13 May 1896
Page 1
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Newspaper
Fairfield Tribune
Location
Fairfield, Iowa, United States of America
Date
May 13, 1896
Page
1
The speaker notes heavy opposition to McKinley in the Republican ranks and to sound money in the Democratic camp, highlighting internal party troubles and divisions.
Last Saturday's county convention highlighted momentum as a Republican observer noted unexpected signs of life in the Democratic effort.
The column asserts a new deal in Iowa politics would push federal office holders to the back benches and treats this as a positive outcome. It warns that a party suffers when it is ruled by those appointed to office.
Governor Boies argues that free silver at 16 to 1 will lower wages but must be pursued. The author questions why wage earners would support such a plan and notes Boies is not a hypocrite despite the controversial stance.
The speaker notes a marked difference between the county Democratic and Republican conventions held last Saturday. Democrats debated a matter of principle, while Republicans agreed on the offices with no substantive difference.
Senator Tillman of South Carolina declares he will bolt if the Democratic National Convention rejects a 165 to 1 platform. He argues that he and his South Carolina nullifiers should be barred from seats, urging the party to keep out its self confessed enemies.
Jefferson county is not the only area where the silver question sparks long heated battles. In almost every county convention in the state, contests have arisen with opponents of the 16 to 1 plan slow to mobilize until their county meetings, while the other side acted sooner.
The writer argues Democrats must participate in primaries, criticizing past laxity and indifference. Prompt action could prevent opponents from scoring a 16 to 1 victory, rekindling party duty and unity.
County resolutions reject returning to the pre 1873 monetary system and oppose unlimited gold and silver coinage under the old ratio. They note that silver was worth more than a dollar then, but is now scarce valued at about fifty cents, making such coinage depreciate currency.
Bucklen's Arnica Salve advertised as the best salve in the world for cuts bruises sores ulcers salt rheum fever sores tetter chapped hands chilblains corns and all skin eruptions and promised to cure piles or no pay. Guaranteed satisfaction or money refunded. Price 25 cents a box. For sale by Geo. D. Clarke.
The first district of Iowa selects delegates with Ras 5 voting for Des Moines county 20 and Van Buren 10. Lee 22 carries Jefferson 8 for 16 to 1. If Henry or Washington opposes 16 to 1 the district would send two sound money delegates to Chicago, despite unit rules requiring free silver for the state.
Town Democrats concede defeat on the money issue after an election loss. They will push to aid party victory but deem free and unlimited silver coinage at sixteen to one unwise legislatively and politically imprudent.
Perkins Dolliver Lacy and allies drop senatorial bids to keep seats in the house as William Boyd Allison will finish his current senate term on March 4 1903 and begin the next one. The next chance for Republicans to scramble comes in 1900 with Gear due to exit in 1901. The future is uncertain.
The Saturday convention saw a slim minority opposing free coinage led by E A Howard. About a dozen supporters faced roughly fifty pro coinage backers, with I D Jones Wm Louden Safe Coop and D P Stubbs prominent on the winning side. The three hour session remained highly charged throughout.
The Tribune notes Secretary Carlisle’s recent address on the silver question delivered to Chicago workers. It remarks his views have evolved since 1878 though not advocating 16 to 1 coinage, and cites other leaders who changed opinions. The piece urges careful perusal by supporters and opponents alike.
The Davenport Democrat asserts its stance is clear and fair, not misrepresenting opposing views. It argues that only Democrats should participate in caucuses on disputed issues, excluding Populists, Republicans, and other factions, urging a square, internal fight.
The Maine Republican congressional convention is delayed past the St. Louis meeting. Observers say Reed and allies push for a McKinley ticket tail attachment, while critics view the vice presidency as a largely ceremonial role with limited power.
Ohio first led out for McKinley in convention, sparking a boom with a silver question straddle. Illinois Indiana Michigan California follow with pro McKinley platforms and 16 to 1 free silver stances. The Georgia line notes the divided GOP on finance, but McKinley remains flexible across gold, free silver, or Minneapolis 1892 positions.
The article notes a prolonged push for adjournment with May eighteenth set as the date. Senators may delay leaving Washington due to heat and entrenched terms, preferring to stay in the capital and feign productivity for the public. It criticizes the Republican Populist Senate for not trimming extravagant appropriations totaling about 100 million dollars beyond next year’s revenue.
The Iowa state Democratic convention in Dubuque is set to back free silver 16 to 1 with Horace Boies leading the delegation to Chicago. The silver faction, organized with Gov. Boies as rallying cry, is poised to control the convention two to one, despite some internal dissent. The Tribune notes the victory while urging the party to avoid letting the money issue overshadow broader party goals.
The article contrasts theoretical versus practical bimetalism, tracing historical ratios and coinage in the U S from 1792 to the 1830s, and argues that free or fixed ratios influence monometalism. It cites Jefferson Adams Monroe and Jackson, notes foreign coins aiding circulation, and distinguishes conservative from radical viewpoints as theoretical versus practical.
The text argues that France operates as a practical bimetallic nation with unrestricted gold coinage and limited silver coinage for repairs. It notes France holds 435 million dollars in silver at parity with gold, no government treasury notes, and no major threat to monetary standards, contrasting with U S experiences of five years of capital hoarding and political pressure toward monetary change.
A letter from Dr. W. A. Jones of Cantril urges Democrats to unite amid prosperity and changing issues. He says platforms are a curse, praises cautious economic views, and foresees silver gradually and tariffs adjusted to need. He predicts a strong Democratic showing in the county and calls for a harmonious convention.
Condensed testimony from Chas B Hood of Columbus Dr King’s New Discovery has no equal as a cough remedy. J D Brown of Ft Wayne says a two year cough from La Grippe vanished. B F Merrill of Baldwinsville praises its cure. Mrs Hemming of Chicago keeps it on hand for quick relief from croup. Free trial offered at Clarke's drug store.
The text ridicules High Price baking powder claims that two teaspoonfuls per quart of flour are standard and that one can lasts three times longer than others. It calls as equally absurd the assertion that cheaper powders are dangerously adulterated.
Former Illinois judge McConnell denounces the 1 to 1 stance in favor of bimetalism and urges considering all conditions. He argues 6 to 1 or an open ratio could resolve the clash between bimetalism and the gold standard, warning that fixation on 16 to 1 splits the movement and weakens honest bimetalists.
ST HELENA Neb April 17 1896 Mrs C E Davis describes her two month old baby suffering with large sores on face arms and body Itching and burning intense After using Hood s Sarsaparilla and Hood s Olive Ointment the child recovered fully and traces of the illness nearly disappeared within two months
Hood's Pills are easy to take and operate. Simmons Liver Regulator touted as best spring medicine and blood purifier for twenty five cents. J H Zeillen Co of Philadelphia promotes liver health. Ayer's Pills recommended by physicians for biliousness indigestion and related ailments.
Try Electric Bitters as a remedy for troubles. This medicine aids relief and cure of female complaints and strengthens the organs. Improves appetite and digestion, eases headaches faintness nervousness sleeplessness and dizzy spells. Fifty cents and one dollar at Clarke's drug store.
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