New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-06-26
PEPTDIATE THE CALI HNTiTOR.

The Democrats have neither candidates nor
policy as yet but their campaign against Me-
Kinlcy has begun. II is not n campaign OF argyll
ment. for there Is no issue joined on which to
argue. but the diligcnt distribution of calumny
has been undertaken, in the hope that the real
questions to be determined may he thus oh
scurcd The principal and in fact the only.
ammunition brought forward for this campaign
IS the words Of an ostensiblc Republican leader,
the chief manager for one Of the unsuccessful
candidates for the Presidential nomination al
St Louis Mr.. John Boyd Thacher. In his
speech before the Democratic state convention
NJ Saratoga. could think of nothing more eirc-
tive to say against the Republican nominee
than 10 quote Thomas g. Platts charges that
he was dangerous and misleading. morigagcd
and the agent Of monopolieS and after 80 quot
Ing he emphasized these charges rs coming
from the PROGRESSED friend Of Mckinney. saying:
These are not my words but the words oi the
political leader who is ~ the head of the Re
publican party Of the State, and whose rmlar-
''rasslng duty il will bc 10 conduct the cam
''pagn OF his pnrty's candidate
When this outrageous attack. now being re
prntcd by the Democrats. was originally mai"
The Tribune called upon Governor Morton 10
rcpudiate the cauinniator of his rival. ana
pointed ont 10 him that unless he did - he
would seem 10 be approving his uiiernnceS.
The St Louis nomination was warmly contest
ed and IN all other quarters honorahly fought
for Mr. Reed and Mr. Allison made brave
fights for the prize they coveted. bui they con
fined themselves to legitimate argument. II
was left to Governor Morion'S personal repre-
sentative to carry opposition 10 The length 81
personal SANDER and vIllhcatlon. and max"
traitorous uttcrances which It was plain from
the beginning would he Ioyfully used by the
Democratic enemies of Protection and Sound
Money BY his silence Governor Morton seemed
10 give approval 10 this method OF conducting
his campaign, and hy his failure now 10 speak.
when that abuse i being used by the Demo
Gratis. he may seem 70 take upon himself the
responsibility for IT, He owes It 10 himself and
10 the party III this State 10 diSavow most com
plciely Platts work otherwise lie Will appear
IA the defeated candidate " ho sent congratula
tons 10 his successful rival and then sat down
TO watch the poison concoctcd in his sight and
IN his name by his accepted representative scat
tered broadcast TO inurc that rival
Governor Morton stands before the country
ms the official leader Of the Republicans of this
State The party in the Nation looks 10 New
York for enthusiastic and effective work In
behalf Of Mex nley. If a. every stage Of the
contest the Republicans Of the State are 10 b'
taunted with the declaration that their efforts
are being conducted ms an embarrassing duty
by man who has denounced the candidate il
btterest terms. they might Letter have no cam
paign management at all If Mr. Morton does
not wish This State To he . stumbling block IN
tho way Of Republican success. he should still
dsavow these caumnics upon Mckinley by his
representative and rcpudate the calumniator.