New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-09-05
INITIAL CONSIDERATION PROPER.


To the National Democrats of the United States.
greeting: The Tribune rcjoices at the step you
have taken at indianapolis. not because it in
sures the defeat Of Mr.. Bryan. for the latest
elections have made 1t clear that Governor Me
Kinley could not he defeated this year. but be-
cause an unsefsh revolution against the be-
traya Of n great party to essentially dsloyai
hands lifts high the standard of patriotism. even
as it was lifted when host of Democrats rose
TO aid in crushing rebellion. 1t teaches again
the lesson that every generation of Americans
needs TO he taught-namely that no party VIII
be tolerated in this country which threatens the
sovereignty of the Union. the enforcement OF
law or the maintenance of the Nations honor
That National Democrats who cannot accept
Republican principles can nevertheless rise to
the patriotic duty Of aiding the defeat by Re
publcans OF candidate nominated as Demo
cratic. because his defeat is the only way to save
the country for the welfare of which every hon
est party strives is the best proof Of their sin
cerity.
Republicans do not hesitate to recognize this.
There NAV be reason for the suggestion that
their sincerity and fidelity to their convictions
should also be recognized by National Demo
Gratis. In fact. it has now become in measure
Democrats should no longer mpugn the motives
of the great party which they deliberately aid in
restoring the Government. That they find it
hard to understand how Republicans can believe
what they certainly do believe, is the more easily
comprehended by Republicans. who are utterly
unable to see how these National Democrats can
honestly believe what they do believe. There is
necessary on both sides some comprehension of
tL Foot hot nd M
in opinion. and that the precise course which
seems to National Democrats unwise and I'M
warranted appears to millions of sincere Rcpub-
leans the one thing most urgently demanded by
duty to the country The world is old enough,
one would suppose. for mer of fair intelligence
to perceive the possibility OF difference between
persons who are unselfshly striving for the pub
lie welfare.
This suggestion appears not untimely. because
the National Democrats will presently And them
selves in difficult position. If they push forward
in line of action which can have no other prac-
tcal effect than to promote the defeat Of Mr.
Bryan by party whose motives they at the
same time assail 1t Is not difficult to decide
that the Government ought to be in the hands
of honest men. rather thar regulators. No
strain of conscience or self-respect is required in
l
who are known TO seek the public welfare. even
though their methods are thought to be in part
unwse That is. in fact. the attitude OF mind
| which most National Democrats occupy today.
They have found reason to credit Major McKin-
| ley with thorough honesty and patriotism Of pur-
pose and they personally know that among
their own friends and acquaintance the Repub-
leans are not less earnest in their desire for pub
! md 1occ ell in hplipfo
! the Democrats For that reason, and not be-
cause it Injuries the Republican cause in the
/ least some part Of the National Democratic plat
form is unwisc and calculated to embarrass
those who framed it.
/ 1t will not be found difficult for citizens who
agree regarding the Maintenance OF law ana
the sacredness of National honor but differ
J regarding methods of taxation. 10 work for a
common end with zeal. if the fact Is frankly adj
mitted that the differences Of belief are sincere
and patriotic. There is likely to he difficulty. for
National Democrats. if it is asserted that Pro
tectionist must desire 10 plumber the many FOR
the benefit of the few. or that Republicans by
reason of their beliefs about the tariff must be
reckoned allies Of the silver regulators. II
they really think such things, il will tax the
self-respect Of National Democrats sorely tc
stand where they now have placed themselves
As they really do not think so, II may save them
some trouble If they do not say So