The San Francisco call., 1896-05-31
THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

1t has come to this: the county will
never again trust the Democratic party.
In 1884 there was a suspicion abroad in
the land that the Republican party had
fallen into the hands of coterie of pro-
fessional politicians who had their own
personal interests more at heart than the
country's welfare, but, although Cleveland
was elected President, the people took the
precaution TO protect themselves by re-
fusing to let the Democracy have both
houses of Congress. The election of Cleve-
land was an experiment, but he was so
handicapped by an opposition Congress
that he could do nothing but parade him
self as one who only needed full authority
to show what mighty things he would do
for the people.
In 1888 Cleveland was relegated to private
life, not so much because of anything he
had done, but because the old suspicion,
that the Democracy could not be trusted,
was aroused. But he had his heart set on
another term, and himself and friends,
who, it has since transpired, are the worst
element of the party. began with great
assiduity to give it out that, although Mr..
Cleveland was Democrat, he and his ad-
visors were much better than their party
that he cared nothing for the traditions OF
the ''party of jefferson and Jackson" and
that he was fully abreast of, if not in ad-
vance of, the spirit of the times. All dur
ing President Harrison's administration
the country was treated to the 'better than
his party" song.
In 1892 the people concluded to not only
reinstate Cleveland in the White House,
but they would give him a Congress of his
own party, that he might have full and
unhampered opportunity TO apply the
lofty principles of government about
which he had said so much. The
people were honest and sincere
one could advance valid reason why a
change should be made in the politics OF
the administration. Well, the change was
made and 10 the RESULT Cleveland long
ago proved himself very much OF wolf in
sleeps clothing. Scarcely had the echo
of his voice died away after taking the
oath of office when he and his confreres set
themselves to revolutionize and overturn
the very basic principles of the economic
and financial policy which had swelled the
Nations wealth from SIS, 600, 900 900 to So
600 000, 900 in little more than quarter
OF century. Not only so. but in three
years he has managed to increase the pub
lie debt, principal and interest, over $500,
100000, besides greatly Gripping every in
dustry by allowing Europe to undersell US
in our own markets.
1t is hard TO say whether the misfor-
tunes which ClevelGnd's administration
has created and scattered over the coun-
try are attributable to Democratic inca.
pacity or only in part and part to malicious
intent. Certain it is, however, that the
material strength of the country has been
enormously weakened by the business pan
les which was one of the first fruits of his
better than his party policy. But in
vetoing the river and harbor bill Mr..
Cleveland appears to have been guided by
the spirit of hatred. 1t was in no sense a
political measure. 1t was for the better
ment of the harbors and waterways Of the
country. for the good of every phase and
feature of commerce. 1t was a National
and not a sectional matter, and from a
business point of view it is Impossible SC
see how reasonable excuse can be gwen
for refusing improvements that are OF such
vital importance to every one from the
most obscure laborer TO the most exten-
sive business enterprise. The people of
the United States are not deserving of this
Egyptian-like plague. But, fortunately,
the end is near, and. moreover, the people
will never again trust the Democratic