The herald., 1895-06-28

preponderance of Democratic opinion ex-
lists n favor of the free coinage of silver
at ratio of 16 to IL will IN charity set
down to your ignorance of current events
and the condition of this country at this
time.
AS to why you'are a Democrat does
not concern the issue raised. And as to
your submitting to the express will of
your party, | well understand the species
of egotism that prompts you to make this
remarkable statement: Il can conceive
of no true patriot who would bow in sub
mission to the dictates of any number of
men, even in Democratic conclave assem-
bled, as there are many instances in tn 10
Democratic party OF small men having
been raised to high places. who have aft
erwards assumed that they we're greater
than their party. But your position is at
variance with the general idea of patri-
otism-the principles OF the Democratic
party and the republic under which we
live-which teach the submission of their
Individual will and opinion to the iule
the views you express l cannot help
thinking the head of the state Democrat
&c committee would be most acceptable to
that element in society known as AN
archists, as I know of no other class who
declare similar views.
LAS to the action OF the convention of
last August on the subject my reply is
that the conditions have changed and are
entirely different; that this question has
in the meantime become paramount, and
that the party did not then express itself
unequivocally on this issue.
Further. | desire to dsclaim any in
tcntion by the language of my letter
quoted to you to reflect on your party
fealty, patriotism or manliness, and the
same was not subject to such construc-
tion. But after carefully reading yo UT
lengthy reply, in which you indulge your
xnl. .s,.tx
ly avoid stating whether you favor or op-
pose the free coinage of silver at a ratio
OF l6 to l, or to commit yourself at all on
the subject. | am convinced that you, who
claim to be public man with a public
record. belong to that large class OF 'po
litical trimmers and hedgers who haven't
the courage to announce their convic-
tions on this question, and are seated on
the political fence waiting to see in what
direction will flow the tide of public sem
tinent without attempting to direct its
proper course.
"By the way. Mr.. Gould, do you favor
the free coinage of silver at the ratio of
l6 to |? was in hopes your long letter
would enlighten me and other Democrats
of this vital point, but it did not. You
ell OF your patriotism and manlness,
and that you are free to confess deep
interest in the silver question, (I am
glad you are free enough for thaU. bat
you fail to tell what convictions your
deep interest has awakened. Speak out,
Mr.. Gould, that your brother Democrats
may know where you stand, and not have
them think, as | do, that you are dodg-
ing tho issue and holding your patriot
ism and 'manlness' well in hand until
you see, or think you do, which side Will
win.
I'm conclusion. If may without incur
ring further dispeasure, would humbly
suggest that the mem bers OF the state
central committee be polled-at least ON
the question Of calling it together-and
then II majority favors special meet
ing in committee, have it then consider
the original proposition laid down in my
first letter. Yours, ETC.,
JOHN w. MITCHELL"