The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1894-01-13
DEMOCRAOY.


Elsewhere In this issue we publish
the resolutions adopted by the Demo
cratic clubs in convention assembled IN
this city last evening, as these will very
likely constitute the platform on
which the Oregon Democracy will go
before the people next June. 1t may
be considered premature to map out
plan of campaign thus early; but these
organizations, under proper manage
lent, will shape the policy of the party
to suit themselves.
Taking the preambles and resolu-
tions as a whole they are what might
be expected of the Democracy under
the present condition of affairs ex-
listing in the nation. Since the inau-
guratlen of Mr.. Cleveland the solid
financial basis of the nation has been
subverted, and the most distressing
times have been experienced in the
history of the country. The silver
purchase clause of the Sherman act
has been repealed, and still there has
not been the least revival of trade. or
the reestablishment of confidence with
capitalists and manufacturers. Fac
tories still continue closed, and the
thousands of unemployed wage.earn-
or continue to walk the streets OF our
cities penniless and homeless. 10 ac-
count for the sudden change from af-
fuence and prosperity to that of pen
ury and starvation on the reason OF
protection centering wealth in the few
and robbing the many of their earn
ings, is the easiest matter Imaginable.
The charge can be made, and this gives
the Democratic party standing be-
fore the people. That is all that is
necessary With unthinking Democrats
but the thinking masses will take In
consideration the facts that, when Mr..
Harrison left the White House last
March the highest wages were paid
American laborers, business was pros
pereus, factories were working full
time and capital had unbounded con-
fdence in all investments. As a bat
tle-cry for the coming campaign, these
charges ennnciated by this convention
may suffice; but the intelligent voter
Will reason on the matter, and this viii
scatter them to the four winds.
There has always been good disci-
pline in Democratic ranks, and the res
elutions in favor of the Wilson tariff
bill and of the repeal of the federal
election law were only iDdicitive OF
Oregon's subservience to party dicta-
tion. Gov. Pennoyer may act indie
pendently, and the Eve'sing Telegram
may severely criricise President Cleve-
land; but the Democracy of Oregon ID
simply wheel in the great political
machine.
The legislature had met and ad-
iourned before the distressful haro
times consequent upon the expected
change in the economic policy-be-
gun. and its liberal appropriations
for institutions in the state may now
seem extravigant. This furnished an
opportunity for the convention to de-
neunce Republican legislation, and
this was not neglected; but still the
expenditure for the branch asylum,
soldiers home and jute mill was en-
dorsed, presumably, because, although
constituting the largest amounts voted,
they were very popular with the vo-
ting masses.
But STANCE to say, the crest question
now agitating the American people of
Mr.. Cleveland's policy toward the
Sandwich islands, was not touched up
on. There was nothing in this matter
that had been directed from Washing
ten City for the members 20 follow,
and party discipline had no behests to
be obeyed. They were consequently
at sea on the subject, and wisely held
their peace.
This is the first expression of De-
mocracy for 1894, and it betokens lit
tie hope or strength for the party in
his state. Every indication points to
an overwhelming defeat for it next |
June, and until it can stand before the |
American people acknowledging con-
ditions as they now exist, and assign
ing some sensible cause for the policy
it is attempting to pursue, it should
receive the unqualified condemnation
of American citizens.