LAD #21 Dawes Act

The Dawes Act of 1887 was made of eleven basic provisions. The first was that the President may survey the arable tribal land, and separate it between the different Native Americans and their family. The second provision dealt with picking allotments for orphans. The third requires settlers to certify their allotment, and they need to be able to show the certification at all times. The fourth provision ensures that Native Americans both on and off the reservations are eligible for equal allotment of land. The fifth states that the government will hold the land in trust for twenty five years before ownership goes to the family. The sixth states that under the Land Patent process, landholders will be American citizens. The seventh provision dealt with water rights and irrigated land. The eighth exempts the Five Civilized Tribes, and other groups from land allocation. The Ninth section deals with paying for the allotment. The tenth act ensures that Eminent Domain will be reserved for the government on all allotments. Finally, the last segment contains a provision for Southern Indians

LAD #20 Bryan's Cross of Gold Speech

William Jennings Bryan gave this speech at the Democratic National Convention. This addressed the issue of whether or not to issue silver at the ratio to gold of 16 to 1. This would increase the total amount of money in circulation, and would provide people who needed money with an easier way to get it. William Jennings Bryan was the Democratic Pick for president. He said that he wanted to speak to the people on the basis of saving humanity. It was well known that the idea of silver as coinage was accepted by the democrats very highly. He went against the extremely wealthy men in the country. He was also one in favor of the income tax, since it took away from the extremely rich. These people could afford to lose some of that money so an income tax was a good idea. He also thought that the government should be in control of money he didn’t want the banks to hold all the cards in this situation. He also stated that if the gold standard was a bad thing, that the United States should not wait to do away with it, but instead be an example for other countries and remove that policy. There were many mixed feelings about the coinage, big cities and farmers had different opinions but Bryan, to go with the democratic ideas was in support of the silver coinage system.

LAD #19 Populist Party Platform

In this time the condition of our country was steadily deteriorating. There were thousands of people who worked hard hours only to see a select few benefit from it. The political voice of the people was deteriorating. They will fix these problems and help the millions of farmers and factory laborers. In order to accomplish their must be a union of worker, all united. The profits should go to the people who make it happen, the laborers. The railroads must be controlled by the workers. They insist on a solid currency, since silver is worth much less than gold they need a currency. They demand more money in circulation and for a graduated income tax. They want a savings bank and that the people’s money is controlled by the people. The government should control transportation and communication for the benefit of the people. Land should be held by settlers only. They demand a free and fair election. The income tax must be used to lessen the tax burden. They demand pensions for military men. They demand restrictions on immigration so their jobs may be protected. They must shorten hours for laborers. They demand a smaller standing army. They demand the initiative and referendum. They oppose any federal aid to a private company or person. They demand a one term limit for President and Vice-President. They demand the direct popular election of Senators. These workers were finally uniting under the same ideas. This was the only way they would ever see the outcomes that they desired.

LAD #18 McKinley's War Message

President McKinley proclaimed that the war in Cuba must stop. Cuba was having a revolt against Spain and this was causing many problems for many people. U.S. trade with Cuba has been affected by this revolution and American investments in Cuba were losing. It does not appear that there is an end to this quarrel in sight, so something must be done to end it. McKinley stated that America would act as a neutral country to stop the war between Spain and Cuba. First, the U.S. will stop the bloodshed, starvation and horrible miseries that are occurring as a result of this fight. Second, we will give them protection and payment for the life and property, since their government cannot afford it. Third, our right to intervene is justified by the injury to trade and commerce that has been seen. Fourth, due to how close Cuba is to America, this issue affects our peace as well as our trade, so it is in our best interest to solve the issues at hand. The U.S. ship Maine was struck and sunk by an exterior blow near Havana, this has caused grief in America. Although it has not been determined who sunk the ship, it shows that Spain cannot protect the American ships in Cuban waters. Due the endangerment of American interests the war in Cuba must stop. McKinley asks for Congress’ approval for military and naval forces to ensure the safety in Cuba.