Archives West Finding Aid

In an article that appeared in the January 2, 1896 issue of the Fremont County Sun, William H. Harvey was quoted explaining the genesis behind the Patriots of America order:

"A new political order, to be known as "The Patriots of America," has been organized by W.H. Harvey, assisted by many well- known men, in the interest of free coinage of silver. Mr. Harvey, in speaking of the new organization says:

"The cause of free silver is to be enlarged through the agency of a new political organization." With the parent society in Chicago and thousands of others in every state and territory in the union, it is Mr. Harvey's intention to make free silver a reality and a vital issue in the next national campaign.

"The free silver question," Mr. Harvey continues, "is not the only one of the order. Back of this is the spirit of humanity which looks to the accomplishment of better government by eliminating personal selfishness from the acts of private citizens and public officials. The new order assumes the existence of evil influences, which is consciously exerted by wealthy corporations and individuals upon government legislatures and courts. To successfully combat this influence the society will endeavor to arouse in the public breast the latent fire of patriotism and love for humanity."