The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-09-27
THE JOINT DEBATE.

The debate on the money question be-
tween John P. Irish and T. V. Gator,
although coming when there is no poll
teal campaign in the State, and after the
subject has been exhaustiyely discussed, is
nevertheless timely and pertinent. mas
much as it will aid in the campaign of
education on the subject and materially
assist in enlightening the public as to the
attitudes of the Democratic and the Popu-
list party concerning it.
The debaters are not unfairly matched.
Both are good speakers, both have given
study to the subject, both are representa-
tlves of an organized political party, and
both are men of sufficient force and leader
ship to have considerable influence in d.
recting their party councils and determin-
ing the policy TO be pursued. In these re-
spects their debate is the most important
that has yet taken place in public on this
much-discusSed subject. 1t is not likely TO
assume the large proportions Or acquire
the great prestige of the Horr and Harvey
debate, but for all that, it IS just as worthy
the attention of rejecting men, for the
California contestants are not inferior to
those of Chicago in zeal and ability, and
party leaders.
The importance Of such debate at this
time is made evident by the reports OF the
attempt on the part of certain Democratic
leaders in Ohio TO bring about at least a
partial fusion OF their party and the POpu-
lists in the campaign now going on. There
is glazing absurdity in the effort to fuse
Populism with party that has not only
adopted a goldbug platform, but has in
dorsed such an extreme monometallist as
Senator Brice for reelection, but absurd
as it is, it viii be done If political trickery
and the deception OF the unwary can ac-
complish it. Pledges on the money issue
can be made in language so vague that I'M
less the people generally have clear and
exact understanding OF the question as a
matter of practical politics there may be
confusion in the campaign next year, and
an uncertain result when that which the
country needs is a decisive vote and final
settlement of this disturbing problem in
our politics.
In q country like ours, where everything
depends upon the vote of the people, po
litical education can never begin too early
nor can the lessons be repeated too often.
In the Eastern States much OF this educa-
ton will be effected by the campaigns that
are now in full swing for the November
elections, but on this coast there is moth
ing of that kind to occur. The public edu-
cation here must be conducted on other
lines. and whatever tends to interest the
people on the question is to that extent a
benefit. Debates by orators OF the rank Of
Mr. Irish and Mr.. Gator would attract at
tentive audiences under any circum-
stances, and they are therefore to be COM
mended when they direct their discussions
to subjects of such vital concern as that OF
the money problem.
Recognizing the value of the debate at
this time, as well as the importance of the
subject itself, THE CALL will give the
fullest possible reports of the speeches on
each side so that those who are unable to
attend the meetings can at least follow the
arguments, and thereby learn the exact
attitude which the leaders of the Demo
cratic and the Populist party take on the
question. The issue is sure to be one of
the most exciting involved in the coming
Presidential contest, and it is none too
early for the people to begin to study it in
relation to party politics now.