Alva Review-Courier -

In the 1896 presidential election, the most significant issue was whether the U.S. would stay on the “gold standard” or use silver money as well.

Putting more money into circulation was one of the goals of the Populist Party, which farmers and ranchers had formed in 1892. Then, in 1896, the Democrats also embraced the concept of silver money – and the two parties joined forces.

In Oklahoma Territory, the Democratic/Populist merger led to the voters electing James Yancy Callahan to Congress for the 1897-1899 term. Callahan defeated the incumbent Republican Dennis Thomas Flynn.

Callahan was a fa...