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Newspaper
Mitchell Capital
Location
Mitchell, South Dakota, United States of America
Date
Sep 11, 1896
Page
3
The New York World publishes an open letter to William Jennings Bryan urging clear answers on free coinage, silver versus gold parity, and the impacts on prices, wages, debt, and national debt, citing constitutional, economic, and international considerations. It asks for Bryan’s stance on bi metalism, international agreement, and the implications for farmers, workers, savings, and creditors.
A Chicago Times-Herald humorous tirade argues for severe monetary contraction, proposing vast loss of gold, silver, and bank capital, and praising policies that would shrink wages, deposits, and pensions. It satirically asserts drastic devaluations to supposedly boost thrift and enterprise, concluding with a wry blessing.
The New Orleans Picayune argues that after Bryan becomes president and free coinage is achieved the people who supported such a conjuncture will find they are no better off. Money must be earned honestly through business or wages, no other path exists. Maj. McKinley addresses veterans with concise patriotic remarks, seen as typical of his campaign speeches. Major McKinley is viewed as a one idea candidate by few critics.
The essay argues that populist calls for free coinage and monetary independence from Europe misread the founding era. It notes Hamilton aligned U S policy with international practice, details 15 to 1 gold silver ratio shifts, and argues successful coinage sought global cooperation rather than autarky. It critiques tariff links, bimetallism debates, and asserts current money supply already equals constitutional aims.
Francis A. Walker, president of the Boston Institute of Technology, is hailed as a leader of the bimetallists in the United States though not a politician. A new book bearing Gen Walker’s name on the title page appears, written without regard to the current scene but fittingly timed and authoritative on economic questions.
Maj. McKinley argues protection boosts mills and jobs more than minting silver. He cites Pittsburgh iron works and South Chicago wages, noting high sugar output and strikes tied to policy. He urges starting mills to spur mints and stabilize currency, per Chicago Inter Ocean.
A New York Commercial Advertiser correspondent argues that free silver would not raise wages in line with commodity prices. The piece cites 1863 64 65 purchasing power data showing wage declines and questions the wisdom of strikes to preserve real wages, warning against free silver precipitating labor unrest.
The Boston Journal prompts sound money Democrats with a catechism asking if beating Bryan is possible without electing McKinley. It urges action, declaring currency as the paramount issue and questions those who speak on principle but refrain from voting McKinley.
Few understand silver certificates are not legal tender yet are receivable for public dues. A post office dispute forced awareness when a money order was refused, showing the government must take them but cannot pay out to those unwilling to accept them.
Special correspondence argues against free silver, praising McKinley’s tariff record and urging self-sufficiency in farming. It cites sugar beets, barley, and butter as examples of protective policy boosting production, and urges Nebraskan and English farm parallels to show the need for domestic industry. The piece closes by urging farmers to adopt McKinleyism and bet on tariff protection.
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