LAD #24

In 1896 on July 9th William Jennings Bryan made a speech about his support of silver currency being used in the American economy in a valued ratio of 16 to 1. By having this currency it would help the farmers in debt by increasing the amount of currency that is in circulation. In Bryan’s mind he appealed to his “holy” cause as being what is truly humane and righteous for the country to do. He argues that he is not here to fight, but to calm the situation. The idea of the coinage of silver is a matter of principle. Bryan believes that the United States is supposed to be a country for the people, which are what the country was founded on. He also argues that he himself represents the masses when he is showing his desire for the coinage of silver. He also points out hat he is in favor of having an income tax. He also believes that the nation needs a leader that will end the concentration of wealth in the fans of the few that are powerful. He then goes on to recognize that many of the city inhabitants think that the gold standard should be in place. But, then reminds them that their lovely wealth comes from the hard work of the poor and in order for the poor to continue on with their lives they need the coinage of silver. Then with much dramatic flair he closes he speech with the powerful statement “You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold.”

LAD #23

In the election of 1892, the Populist Party represented a potentially viable option for the presidency. As a response to Gilded Age and its big business, the populists were against the concentration of money. In their preamble, the populists stated that America is in ruins and that all corruption must be put to an end. In their argument they argued that silver has always been used as currency, and that it must be used again as currency to scare of creditors. The “plain people” are whom the populists are fighting for. They claimed that they must increase the control of the government in ordered rot regulate the corrupt big business and their practices. And allow silver to become currency again. Again, they talked about their desire for silver money, a graduated income tax and an increase in the circulation of wealth. Also the idea that there should be a permanent union of labor workers along with many other things. Their desired graduated income tax revenue would be directed to decrease other taxes. This group was also against long hours and government subsidies to private business. All in all the populists wanted more power for the average working man.

LAD #22

           In 1898 President McKinley gave his war message to congress. He believed that the war occurring in Cuba at the time had to end due to four main factors. He wanted America to end the barbarity, that America owes Cuba the protection. Also that Americas Economy is being hurt by the Cuban missile crisis, and that a war is a threat to American peace and neutrality. McKinley didn’t specifically blame the issue on Spain; he argued that the destruction of the USS Maine was evidence that this conflict was extremely dangerous to America.  McKinley begged congress to allow him to end this war by means of force. He said that after Cuba has been pacified American support would continue.  He went on to state that this decision was in the hand of congress. Quickly in his last point, He mentioned that Spain had recently made America aware that they wanted to end hostilities. If their efforts were not successful, the problem of the conflict with Cuba would still exist.

LAD # 21

In the late 1800s a man from Scotland, became a billionaire, due to his successful business in the iron and steel empire, this man was Andrew Carnegie. A surprising fact about Mr. Carnegie is that he donated a large portion of his money to charities, he especially favored libraries. Mr. Carnegie states that it is important for some to be wealthier than others, this way they can help society advance by being patrons of the arts. He goes on to say that all men should strive for wealth, and that this wealth can be passed down, donated for the betterment of society, or just spent. He disliked the idea of passing down wealth to ones children, in hope that they would carry on the family’s legacy; he found it distasteful and unproductive. Mr. Carnegie also claims that death taxes are beneficial to society, due to the fact that they prevent people from hoarding their wealth throughout their lives. 

It is in his opinion that the best use of money is to aid society and culture, opposed to holding on to it.  His last point in this was that he argues that the best way to use ones wealth is to spend it on items that are productive. In this idea by passing money to many different hands in society, Mr. Carnegie can help his society and those around him who would wish to live comfortably.

LAD # 20

 President Lincoln's  Emancipation Proclamation  January 1, 1863 

President Lincoln gave his Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, he opens by asserting that all slaves in the United States are now free, and that their liberty is supported by the United States government and military. President Lincoln states that the executive government will consider certain states in rebellion against the Union and America, if they do not comply with the government and appear in congress by a certain day. With much vigor he then states that the states that are in rebellion are not only against the United States but him and his authority as Commandeer-in-Chief. He then goes on to say that the United States government will support the emancipation of all slaves from said territories and that these slaves should begin to work for reasonable wages. Then very proudly Lincoln declares that we would gladly put these liberated slaves into military garrisons. At the end of his Proclamation, he concludes with that he has fixed the motion of America by moving his hand in this Constitution-warranted direction.

LAD # 19

Abraham Lincoln's  Second Inaugural Address  1865

 President Lincoln starts off his second Inaugural Address by saying that there is little new information and that this address will be much shorted than his previous one. He then went on to say that in his previous address he recognized the two groups that had emerged, the ones who desired to secede and the ones who would take on a war if that meant protecting the union. Even though the government had not desire to take away slavery, the Southern Confederates still waged a war for secession. Lincoln then goes on to say that no one could have foreseen the strength or duration of this war. Also, President Lincoln referrers to God many times throughout his address. It is his opinion that both sides have asked for God’s help, but neither side’s prayers have been answered. He states that if God wanted there to be the destruction of slavery, it will be so. Then very politely, he closes by saying that the United States shall repair its wounds and hold "malice towards none" after this horrible war.

LAD # 18

After some confusion between Justice Roger Taney and other Justices about his Scott vs. Sanford Court case decision, this was a man who elected to jive the common mans opinion. He gave a very harsh response to this case. Taney addressed three main issues, first the right of Scott to sue in a federal court, second the constitutionality of the Missouri Compromise, and third was the idea of slaves as property. Taney first argued that due to the fact that Scott was a black, he was not legally a citizen and did not have the right to sue the federal court. Second he argued that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional due to the fact that it deprived many citizens of their right to property. Since slaves were considered property at the time, this was unconstitutional, because it did deprive citizens of there property. Lastly he argued that even if a slave was to move into a state where it was banned, they were still there owner’s property and must be returned to their owners. In conclusion, Scott went back to involuntary servitude as a slave. Ultimately, Taney referred the case to a lower court for lack of federal jurisdiction.