Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-06-20
The Peoples Convention.


The convention which met at Chicago
yesterday was composed Of the representa-
tive men OF the republican party, which
may well be called at this time, the Ameli-
can party. II ia the party which favors pro-
lection to Americas laborers and ind s.
tries; which favors tariff reduction and
reform, civil service reform, the preserva-
ton Of New England fishermen; which
advocate every principle that may be for
the benefit or the United States first, the
American nations second and Europe last
Perhaps In the principles and policies ad
vocated the republican party has never
stood In such a striking contrast to the
Democratic party. That party coming in
to power three years ago had no great
differences with the Republican party, at
least so far IA its straddle platform and
professions went. But during these three
years there have been wonderful changes {;
the civil service reform promises have been
broken; a positive and unmistakable decla-
ration In favor Of free trade has been
made; the protection of the rights Of
American citizens has been abrogated and
even refused when demanded; indeed the
pleasure Of John Bull has seemed the only
aim OF this administration. Such briefly
are the differences which have by the
course Of the democratic party been raised
between 1t and the Republican party.
II has been asserted by the party press
that the st. Louis convention was the
grandest convention held by the Demo
cratic party; that 1t was the peoples con
ventiOn; that It's nominees were the pop
ular favorites; that its principles "a set
forth by Its platform were the highest and
most complete embodiment Of American
ism. In fact the st. Louis con-
vention was a convention of demo-
cratic politicians and federal office
holders, the tools and servants of Grover
Cleveland; its nominees were the choice
OF those who for "benefits received aud
disregarded the demands of the people, to
perpctuate In office the man who three
years ago desired no second term; its
principles and its platform are such that
the people have yet to show their appre-
citation Any one VINO has carefully
watched the papers has failed to find the
customary congratulatory dispatches TO
the nominees. But one has beer
yet published. And further, 1t is most
noticeable that the usual ratification
meetings, upon the nominations aud plat
form of st. Louis, have been very scarce.
The people have not enthused at all. 1t
was Cleveland's convention and not the
peoples.
On the other hand the convention which
met yesterday Is cmphatically the peoples.
The delegates which compose the magni-
Acent body are the peoples representa-
tives and the representatives of American
ideas. No Presidential tyrant dances
them at the snap Of his whip. No task
master demands the performance of any
designated work. No hesitation is dis
played in boldly declaring the principles
and policies which are pronounced bene-
ncal to the country's welfare. 1t Is an as
sembly whose only object is the further
ance Of the welfare Of all. aud which seeks
those nominations which shall tend to as
sure the fullest consummation of the prin-
ciples Of the party. Here lies the only per-
plexity OF the convention. Never before
has there been so largea number of candi-
dates for the nominations, and candidates
too who are strong, sound, able and worthy
party leaders. Here are Sherman. Allison,
Alger, Harrison, Depew. Gresham, and
others, any one of whom would I'LL the
Presidential chair with honor Out of the list
must be selected the best the most available
and PROMISING choice that demands the
greatest amount of care and consideration.
The people demand such choice: they
arc intently watching, confidently expect
ing such = choice. In truth the popular
enthusiasm over the Chicago convention
even In its first day proceedings amounts
to more than the sum total of that by the
Democrats, over the whole st. Louis con-
vention. This attention, this enthusiasm.
Will not be given in vain, for II the con-
ventton fails TO name standard bearer
Tor several days yet, there will be no dis
appointment. The people will be served.