Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-09-30
WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER 80. 1891.
Tho Issues Next Year-ACain.

When we penned our leader OF yester-
day we had not read Senator DANIELS
speech Of Monday in Staunton. IN which
he declared cmphatically that neither the
silver question nor the tariff question was
70 be ordered 70 tho rear this year. we
rejoice 10 find the distinguished leader OF
the Virginia Democratic forces so
thoroughly in accord with the course
which the DISPATCH has recommended.
We said yesterday that the battle next
year must be fought oil along the lines
which divide the supporters OF conson-
dated central despotism from the support
era of tho constitutional form OF govern
mept established by our fathers. II will
not do for the Democratic party to abandon
ne,ssue one year and another issue another
wear. That grand organization has lived
through circumstances which would have
buried beyond the hope Of resurrection
any party not sustained by principle ana
not having reason for its existence IN the
very nature of our Government. 1t has
outlived the odium which the wsr between
the States wrongfully attached to its
name, and stands to-day strong IN the
affections Of the true Democracy and IN
the respect Of the Republican party. 1t
vas not ashamed TO avow its creed when
il could boast of only seven Democratic
United States senators. and when Its
strength in the House of Representatives
was 80 little that the malignant Republi-
cans in that body could command two
thirds vote in favor Of any measure which
they chose TO champion.
Both the silver question and the tariff
question are of prime importance" says
Senator DASIEL. Neither would down
at any mans bidding" But he adds truly
that the silver question is simple and well
understood. whereas the tariff question IS
q complicated one. This is consideration
which We commend to the attention of the
wiseacrss who suppose that the silver ques-
ton cannot stand alone. We would not
have it stand alone; but surely it is able
70 do so. We repeat that we do not desire
the Democrats to 90 into the fight of 1892
as they went into that of 1883 bearing only
b single weapon. Their defeat then ought
not 10 be lost upon them next year. They
ought 70 learn wisdom from experience.
But, as Senator DANIEL says, there
is no necessity TO lose sight of either
the silver question or the tariff ques-
ton. The cry that the dollar of the
daddies must be rescued from the hands
of its enemies-the demand for more real
money-the clamor for an abundance of
money that will ring in the pocket-and
the determination Of the people not to
allow the only precious metal which they
ever see 20 be buried either IN China. Japan,
South America. or elscwhere-these are
all matters which the least intelligent
voters can understand and do understand
and which they constantly dwell upon in
their conversations with their neighbors.
Why should we adopt as the sole measure
Of values kind Of money (gold) which
nobody ever seesf When did you handle
q fve-dollar gold coin!
Again: THE silver question has al
ready won in the Senate; the tariff ques-
ton has vet TO win" This is another con
slderation which ought not to be lost sight
Of by the leaders Of the Democratic party.
There was battle in the Senate last win,
ter upon the silver question, and silver
won. Why should we now fight that battle
over AGAIN. Why should we not rather
hold the Republican senators up to theil
duty in this matter?
But We need not enlarge upon the sub
ject of the issues Of next year. Wher
such men as Senator DANIEL point out Il
us the way that leads TO victory we woult
be unwise indeed if we should neglect tC
follow their advice. Read Senator DAN
IEL's Staunton speech carefully and see il
be has not blazed the way that leads to th'
White House.