The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1892-02-19

The Democratic party mus make no
mistakes, for the coming CONTEST will de-
eide political supremacy in this country
for the next quarter of a century. Free
coinage made an issue by the lction of
Democrats in Congress or by heNation-
al Democratic Convention means di-
vision and division means defeat. 1t
would strengthen us possibly in the
South and some Western States, but
would decide the contest in the doubtful
States of the Northeast againstuS The
passage of a free coinage bill by the
House and Senate would Simply invite
the Executive veto and lose New York,
Connecticut and New Jersey without
adding one electoral vote to the Demo
cratic column. Nothing is surer than
the veto, and the silver men cannot over
ride it in the Senate. The silver pIoduc-
and Nevada, will vote the Republican
ticket, while of the States lately admit
ted Montana alone is doubtful. Wscon-
sin, if Senator Villas is good authority,
will be hopelessly lost on the free coin
age issue, and the chances are each day
increasing that Kansas will swing back
into the Republican ranks, no matter
what is done about silver.
new apportiOnment, and of these the
Democrats can only rely upon 226, count
ing New York and Indiana, with the
States that voted for Cleveland in 1888.
Republicans will have 2l7 electoral votes
concedinglthem Montana and Wisconsin,
and this would give the Democrats nire
majority. The loss of Connecticut and
West Virginia with six votes each, or of
either, and one of the Southern States.
would give the election to our oppon-
ents. The appointment of Mr.. Elkins
from West Virginia is Il significant fact,
in view of these figures. This gentle
man, with SO large interests in West Vir-
ginia, and facile tendencies as poll
ticlan, will be an important factor in
that State. and if a desperately close con-
test shall come, as between Tildel and
Hayes, he would be invaluable as Secre-
tary of War. 1t must be remembered.
however, that eight of Michigan's votes
will probably 90 to the Democrats, so
that the chances, unless we throw away
what seems within our grasp, are over
whelmingly in favor of Democratic SIC
cess.
What has caused this revolution L?
Every Intelligent and impartial man
must cOncede that it has not beencaused
by agitation of the silver question, for
the silver producing States are now Re
publican, as they always have been 1t
has come from the revolt against the Nc
Klnley act and the reckless expenditure
of the Billion Dollar Congress, which
bankrupted the Treasury in orer to
furnish an argument for tariff taXaiOn.
The nomination of Cleveland seems to
me the just and logical result of present
political conditions, but the life o. the
Democratic party depends upon tie Cor
tunes of no one man. The managers and
tacticians, of which | am not one have
determined that he shall not be lOmi-
mated, and l know enough of then and
of conventions to be certain thatthey
will achieve their purpose.
Recent events place beyond question
the fact that Governor Hill will seure
the entire New York delegation b the
National Democratic Convention. New
York is necessary to success in the Iyesi-
dental election, and nothing coull be
more disastrous than the nomination of
Hill over Cleveland, followed by bite I
factional fight in the Empire State, IN d
widespread discomfort among the Demo
Gratis throughout the country. If tie
RaSTfUngest' candidate. He has been
elected for Governor by $4,000 plurality
has the confidence of both factions ami
is safe, reliable and popular Demo.
GRAFT
If the controlling element of the New
York Democracy persists in forcing
Governor Hill upon the party and will
accept no other conclusion, it seems to
me our candidate should come from tho
West. In that event my preference
would De for that tried and faithful
Democrat, William r. Morrison of IL.
linois, but Palmer, Carlisle or Boies can
command the full Democratic vote. The
nomination of Flower would make assur-
ance doubly sure, but every real Demo-
crat will help to elect the ticket nomi-
mated at Chicago in June next, no matter
what name is at its head. The para
mount necessity for the country's wei
fare is the termination of Republican SUI
prcmacy. with its system of plumber
based on the partnership of the Govern
ment with favored classes and the prof.
igate expenditure of public money.
Very truly, G.. G. VEST,
AleXander Mckinley, Esq, President
of the GreystOne Club, Denver, Col.