The evening world., 1894-09-26
che ala eaoto
pvsiishsd By The Press Pus,ishins eonps.y.
% 70 % Park ROW. New vest-
A CRITICAL DAY,

To-day Is a most important day in the
history of the Democratic party. and,
consequently in the political history Of
the country.
The mission on which the Democrat tic
party returned to power two years ago
carried Congress as we'll as the Presi-
dency. giving the House of Representa-
tives a large Democratic majority and
revolutionizing the Republican Senate.
That mission is not wholly fulfilled
yet the victorious party has through a
number of causes lost the confidence OF
the nation. 1t is not now necessary TO
discuss the faults and errors that have
brought about this condition of affairs.
nor the responsibility for them. The
usesrion Is, how can they be remedied?
In this State. the most important In
the Union in Its influence on the Presi-
Dental election. the evil has been the
> most marked and serious The Republi-
'--ns carried the State last year through
the aid of Democrats. who left the DEM
pcratic party because of the blunders
and misdeeds of those who were in con-
troll of its management.
II the victory of last November is re-
peated this year, the State Will pass so
wholly into Republican hands that any
change in 1896 will be hopeless, and the
vote of New York will. almost beyond
a question, restore the Republicans to
power in the General Government.
This would mean a stoppage OF those
reforms commenced by the Democracy,
return to a plutocratic policy. the
Strengthening of Trusts, the reimposi-
ton If taxes on the poor by the repeal
of the income tax and re-establshment
of all those evils intended to be checked
by the election OF 1892.
The action of the Democratic Conven-
ton at Saratoga to-day will decide
whether the Democratic party is to go'
out Of power for another quarter of a
century. perhaps. or to retain Its ascen-
dancy and carry to completion the re-
forms to which 1t Is pledged.
To accomplish this end the Convention
must first open It's doors and let into
its councils every Democratic organiza-
ton that has drifted into opposition. no
matter from what causes. The party
must be solidly united.
1t must then select strictly honest. up
right men for the public offices, whose
names will be a guarantee to the people
that they will discharge their public du-
ties honorably and capably and be wholly
independent OF boss control and machine
influence
1t must adopt plain. sincere platform,
Endorsing the reforms that have already
been secured. pledging their continuance.
One great victory has already been won
in the withdrawal of Gov. Flower. leav-
ing the field clear for the nomination OF
candidate free from the influence of
the old machine. The entire absence OF
any attempt at making q slate" by
the old leaders Is also a great advan-
tage. Let these be followed up by open
doors. acceptable nominations. the re-
construction of the machinery. u
straightforward, outspoken, honest plat
form and no attempt to interfere with
the free expression of the Conventions
will. and New York may yet be held as
Democratic State. and as a pledge
for the continuance OF Democratic pol
icy In the National Government in 1896
and for twenty years to come.