The San Francisco call., 1895-11-25
COLONEL OTIS OBJECTIONS.

H. G. Otis, editor of the Los Angeles Times,
why he does not agree with THE CALL in
its fight to secure the Republican National
Convention for San Francisco, may be thus
summarized: First, Colonel Otis, stanch
Republican and patriotic Californian
though he is, thinks that the party should
advocate sound money and parity of
dollar values, and that the strong free
silver sentiment in this and contiguous
States might serve as an injurious inhu-
ence on the convention; second, he does
not believe in upholding the practice of
putting up great National convention to
the highest bidder, and thinks that nobler
considerations should govern the choice !;
third, the elaborate free entertainment of
convention delegates turns the affair into
a debauch, ana tends to impose on dele
gates social obligation which might af-
feet injuriously the interests of their con-
stituepcies; fourth, the Eastern press, and
through it the Eastern people, would be
placed at great disadvantage by reason
both of a lack of adequate telegraphic
facilities and the difference in time.
These objections were stated by Colonel
Otis much more fully than this and were
supported by able arguments. Coming, as
they do, from man of so much influence
and of so conspicuous intelligence and
patriotism, they demand serious consider
alton.
As for the first objection, that referring
to the policy of the party on the subject of
silver coinage, it is a matter OF individual
opinion as to what would be best for the
party and the country; majority will de-
termine that; this review is not the place
for an argument on its merits. 1t is very
difficult for us to believe, however, that
the free-silver sentiment of the West and
the arguments and interests upon which
it is based are matters whose influence the
Republican party should fear. By holding
its convention here 1t can acquire better
understanding OF the subject, and from
that may arrive at an intelligent conclu-
sion which shall determine its policy. We
do not believe that there is any subject af-
fecting the welfare of the country that the
Republican party can afford to ignore or
fear, and We do believe that a study of any
such subject is necessary to its intelligent
comprehension. We think that the Ma
tional convention will be composed of
men VIII o have the ability and character 10
form independent conclusions and act
fearlessly upon them, and that they are
above the operation of local influences
which would move their conduct against
their Judgment and consciences.
This will apply as well to Colonel Otis
objection on the score of any obligation
which might be assumed to ensue from
the hospitable entertainment of the dele
gates. The hospitality of Californians is
famed the world over. 1t seems TO us to
be a wholesome and rational form in which
to make known the good things which
they enjoy and the hope and desire that
others should share their bounties. Ii
Colonel Otis objection to hospitality is
valid on the grounds which he has
stated for that occasion, they are equally
so in all other matters accompanied with
a display of hospitality and good will. If
so, then hospitality in general is an evil.
If this should be deemed begging the ques-
ton, it should be reflected that We need to
educate the East concerning California and
that hospitality to visitors is the best way
in which that may be done.
We perfectly agree with Colonel Otis
that it is deplorable a great National con-
vention should in sense be put up at auc-
ton, and that in raising money TO secure
this convens lion we are upholding faulty
practice. But, after all, what vital thing
is concerned? Such contributions have
never been regarded as a purchase of the
principles and conscience of a great Ma
tional party. The good which a conven-
ton does the community in which it is
held is the elevation of the political tone,
the suppression of a tendency toward po-
litical provincialism, the weakening of the
power of local corrupt politicians, the gen.
eral thrill and stimulation which the en-
tire community experiences, the education
of the National party upon those local
needs which have a bearing on broad Ma
tional concerns and such minor things as
the advertising of the resources of the
community, the enhancement of property
values through an expected increased de-
mand for homes by immigrants and the
considerable amount of money which a
convention must leave behind it. These
considerations give to efforts to secure
such convention value and dignity that
cannot be ignored.
AS for the comparative meagerness of
telegraphic facilities and the slight incon-
venience which might be experienced in
the East by reason of that fact and the DIFF
ference in time, shall these weigh against
the great acts of National Importance that
might result from an understanding of the
resources of the West and the benefit
which the whole country might derive
from legislation based on that understand
ingP
We know Colonel Otis to be one of the
strongest men in the West, and therefore
we hope that larger view of this subject
as we have here tried to present it will ap-
peal to that wisdom which is so well known
to constitute the foundation of his strength.
REFORM ON THE MARnH