The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-07-01
INTENDED AS A JOKE.

INTENDED AS A JOKE.
However much the delegates to the re-
cent Democratic convention in Kentucky
might have differed during those dramatic
and highly interesting sessions, there was
one sentiment IN the platform finally
adopted which met with the approval OF
each and every one present. 1t was this:
I'VE affirm without qualification the prin-
ciples and policies declared by the national
Democratic platform of 1892, and declare
that our present Democratic administra-
ton is entitled to the thanks of the party
for Its honest, courageous and statesman
like management of public affairs"
Now. as a matter of fact. there Is scarce
ly plank in the Democratic platform OF
1852 which has not been thrown overheard.
With president and both houses of con-
gress OF one political faith, the opportu-
nifty presented itself OF demonstrating that
the platform meant something more than
mere words. Every single pledge remains
to this day unredeemed. The tariff bill
framed in accordance with that platform
was utterly repudiated, and In it's place
was substituted an act so strikingly at
variance with the party's professions that
those voting for II were by one in posi-
ton to speak publicly. adjutged guilty OF
party periidy and dishonor."
A party pledged 10 the use of both gold
and silver meets in specially convened ses-
II. xsl..
fers nothing in its place. a party believ-
Ing in home rule and particularly guar
anteeing the same for the territories, fills
up the Federal Offices in the West with
party workers from the South, all unac-
quainted with the country. and as a rule
incompetent a party pledging itself TO
repeal the law taxing state bank notes,
when in congress assembled, absolutely
refuses TO carry out that pledge In fact.
the entire pathway OF the Democratic
hosts since March 3. 1898. are strewn with
the wrecks OF broken pledges and prom
Uses unkept. Before, therefore. a conven-
ton afiirms the principles of the platform
of 1892 would 1t not be Well TO look at
those principles n second time. and, In the
Light OF oft-repeated population in tie
past. make professions which there is at
least some little likelihood OF carrying
into practice?
Tho voice from Kentucky gives us the
first intimation that we have had an hon.
est. courageous and statesrnanlihe man
agement OF public affairs. We are great
iy mistaken II the general impression has
not been that the present administration
is not a bowling success. The people may
see dimly and DO not realize that Mr. Cleve-
lands second term began and has contin-
ued in veritable blaze OF glory. Strange
as 1t may seem. however, there ia a sort
OF sneaking idea that the present admin
istraton has been a good deal OF a fzzIe.
While there may be some differences OF
opinion as 10 correctness of the attitude
OF our government IN treating with ques-
tons affecting Hawaii Nicaragua. Ven
eEuela, Madagascar. Germany and Japan.
It Il pretty generally admitted that this
page Of our diplomatic history viii not
shine out as the brightest OF the century
In fact. the common belief IS that our
foreign negotiations have been. a good
dcal muddled
To take r government with a surplus
and paying its expenses. and in two years
convert It into one with deficit and every
month running hehiad may be a states
rnanl.ke way Of managing affairs. but f.
IS not 50 commonly regarded by the ststes-
men ami economists OF thc past. The pros-
perity % tho people IS the best proof that
they sre wcll governed and the fact that
during the past two years Ne have had dis
tress. want. disorder and financial disas-
ter unexsmpled would seem 70 he enough
20 convince any sensible man that n .here
has been any one thing lacking X has tecn
ststesmanship.
When we recall tire advent 81 he Dem
oeratIc party - power after A thirty wears
retirement. SIS breaking faith with TIE
people by an utter failure TO live M 20 90
Platform. its utter he.plessness TO give -
hst in period OF depression when fte
people were sorely in need. its pitiahle
ignpotency through factional and sectional
divisions and discussions. So decay and
loss 81 usefulness, rs was evidenced hy he
overthrow ~ last fans electionS-w,hen IN
che midst Of all these sad reflections one
hcars that the present administration 49,
serves thanks for It's honest. COURAGEOUS
ani etatesmaulike management Of r,ub,sc
affairs. - IS very apt TO provoke a smile
even Epson tAe long and sober face OF .
Democrat.